Unit Catalogue

Back to Unit Search

PHM553 - Biostatistics

2024

Sector

Higher Education

Discipline

Public Health Research

Credit Points

Equivalent Units

Prerequisites

Incompatible

Coerequisites

Assumed Knowledge

Unit Description

The purpose of this unit is to provide students with an understanding of essential statistical concepts and their application to epidemiological studies. The emphasis of this unit is the application of appropriate statistical methods and interpretation of analyses, rather than the technical and computing aspects. Upon completion of this unit a student will be able to read and interpret the statistical elements of the public health literature more competently.

Unit Learning Outcomes

1.	Carry out data analysis using a statistical software package.
2.	Apply appropriate descriptive statistical techniques to present and summarise data, and interpret the results.
3.	Calculate and interpret confidence intervals for means, rates and proportions.
4.	Carry out standard tests to compare means, rates and proportions and interpret the p values.
5.	Choose an appropriate analysis method when data is not normally distributed.
6.	Explain how the study design and research question relate to the method of analysis.
7.	Identify and explain the ingredients of sample size and power calculations for simple study designs.

Assessment Overview

	Assessment Task	Value (of total mark)	Related Learning Outcome/s
1.	Online Discussions x 1	5%	2,3,6
2.	Short Answer Questions - based on topics 1-4	25%	1,2,3,4
3.	Short Answer Questions - based on topics 4-8	30%	1,2,3,4,5
4.	Short Answer Questions - based on topics 8-12	40%	1,2,3,4,6,7

Unit Availability
No offering information available

* Timetable will be displayed in new tab or window depending on your browser's configuration; ensure Pop-ups are allowed for this site to view the timetable.

Critical Dates

Important Dates for Students

Fee Information:
Fees and Payments
Student Services and Amenities Fees
2026 Domestic Unit Fees (PDF)
2025 Incidental Fees (PDF)