This course will examine principles of biostatistics, in the context of real-world public health issues. The aim of the course is to help those without a specialised background to read and interpret biostatistical content in the medical and public health literature.

 Topics, chosen by frequency of occurrence in the literature, will include:

• Introduction to sampling distributions, hypothesis tests and estimation
• Analysis of normal data, including t-tests and linear regression
• Analysis of binary data, including 2x2 tables, Mantel-Haenszel methods and logistic regression
• Analysis of count data, including comparing rates between two groups
• Poisson regression

 Throughout the course, the emphasis will be on understanding the reasons why the techniques are appropriate, underlying assumptions, use of the statistical analysis package Stata and interpretation of results, rather than the mechanics of calculation. Each topic will draw upon one or two papers from the literature. Both online materials and drop-in help sessions in a computer lab will be used to facilitate learning and provide opportunities to explore specific topics in more detail.

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion, students will have the knowledge and skills to:

1. Define and explain mathematical and biostatistical concepts covered in the course.
2. Produce appropriate visual displays and summary statistics for datasets, and describe the shape and properties of the data from those outputs.
3. Choose and implement appropriate statistical models and tests and interpret their outputs to make inferences from data; continuous outcomes, binary data, categorical data, survival data.
4. Produce appropriate diagnostic plots for statistical models and use these to critically assess the assumptions of the model against the data.
5. Construct functioning scripted statistical analysis (in STATA or R) to load, wrangle, and analyse a dataset.
6. Critically assess the statistical methods and evidence presented in published research studies.

Research-Led Teaching

This course will use current research articles/projects to introduce students to interesting topics and problems in the field of biostatistics. All the lecturers of this course are senior academic researchers in the Research School of Population Health. In addition, all the tutors are active researchers/PhD scholars to engage students in learning activities and provide role models for students who want to undertake research in the future.

Required Resources

·       Betty R Kirkwood & Jonathan AC Sterne. Essential Medical Statistics (2e). Oxford: Blackwell Science Ltd, 2003.

‘Essential Medical Statistics’ is considered a classic among medical statisticians. An introductory textbook, it presents statistics with a clarity and logic that demystifies the subject, while providing a comprehensive coverage of advanced as well as basic methods. It is available for purchase from the Co-op Bookshop (Bldg #17 Union Court; Tel (02) 6249 6244). The Hancock Library (Bldg #43) also holds several copies for loan (RA407.K57 2003).

 

·       Stata 15 I/C.

This course includes a hands-on introduction to the statistical analysis software Stata, the product of choice of most public health data analysts. You can use the software on computers in the Crawford Building (Bldg #132). It can also be purchased online through a company based in the ACT, http://www.surveydesign.com.au/. You can buy a licence for 12 months, or a perpetual licence.

Recommended Resources

If you find that there are sections that you are struggling with, try some supplementary reading of either of these books:

·        Bland, M. An Introduction to Medical Statistics (3e). Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2000.

·        Daniel WW. Biostatistics: A Foundation for Analysis in the Health Sciences (9e). New York: John Wiley & Sons, 2009.

 

If you are looking for an easy to read, non-mathematical introduction to medical statistics that concentrates on the concepts, and not the formulae, then try:

·        Motulsky H. Intuitive Biostatistics (2e). New York: Oxford University Press, 2009.

·        Swinscow TDV. Statistics at Square One (9e). London: BMJ Publishing Group, 1997.

 

If you want to delve deeper into the topic of biostatistics, try:

·        Armitage P, Berry G & Matthews JNS. Statistical Methods in Medical Research (4e). Oxford: Wiley-Blackwell, 2008.

Staff Feedback

Students will be given feedback in the following forms in this course:

• through written comments on assignments
• through verbal comments to ndivduals / focus groups.

Student Feedback

ANU is committed to the demonstration of educational excellence and regularly seeks feedback from students. Students are encouraged to offer feedback directly to their Course Convener or through their College and Course representatives (if applicable). The feedback given in these surveys is anonymous and provides the Colleges, University Education Committee and Academic Board with opportunities to recognise excellent teaching, and opportunities for improvement. The Surveys and Evaluation website provides more information on student surveys at ANU and reports on the feedback provided on ANU courses.

Other Information

Adjustments to delivery in 2020

Course delivery and assessment in 2020 was adjusted due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Main changes to this course comprised adjustments to assignment due dates. For details see the course Wattle site.

Class Schedule

Week/Session	Summary of Activities	Assessment
1	Maths refresher
2	Variables and samples
3	Summarising and organising data
4	Sampling distributions and confidence intervals	Assignment 1 released
5	Binary outcomes
6	Hypothesis testing I	Assignment 1 due; Quizzes 1 - 3 due
7	Hypothesis testing II
8	Power and sample size	Assignment 2 released
9	Correlation and simple regression
10	Multiple regression	Assignment 2 due
11	Logistic regression
12	Poisson regression	Take-home exam released

Assessment Summary

Assessment task	Value	Due Date	Return of assessment	Learning Outcomes
Online quizzes 1 - 3	6 %	03/04/2020	17/04/2020	1,2,3
Online quizzes 4 - 5	4 %	04/06/2020	12/06/2020	1,2,3
Assignment 1	25 %	03/04/2020	17/04/2020	1,2,3,6
Assignment 2	25 %	22/05/2020	03/06/2020	1,2,3,6
Take-home exam	40 %	09/06/2020	02/07/2020	1,2,3,4,5,6

* If the Due Date and Return of Assessment date are blank, see the Assessment Tab for specific Assessment Task details

Policies

ANU has educational policies, procedures and guidelines, which are designed to ensure that staff and students are aware of the University’s academic standards, and implement them. Students are expected to have read the Academic Misconduct Rule before the commencement of their course. Other key policies and guidelines include:

• Student Assessment (Coursework) Policy and Procedure
• Special Assessment Consideration Policy and General Information 
• Student Surveys and Evaluations
• Deferred Examinations
• Student Complaint Resolution Policy and Procedure

Assessment Requirements

The ANU is using Turnitin to enhance student citation and referencing techniques, and to assess assignment submissions as a component of the University's approach to managing Academic Integrity. For additional information regarding Turnitin please visit the Academic Integrity . In rare cases where online submission using Turnitin software is not technically possible; or where not using Turnitin software has been justified by the Course Convener and approved by the Associate Dean (Education) on the basis of the teaching model being employed; students shall submit assessment online via ‘Wattle’ outside of Turnitin, or failing that in hard copy, or through a combination of submission methods as approved by the Associate Dean (Education). The submission method is detailed below.

Moderation of Assessment

Marks that are allocated during Semester are to be considered provisional until formalised by the College examiners meeting at the end of each Semester. If appropriate, some moderation of marks might be applied prior to final results being released.

Assessment Task 1

Online quizzes 1 - 3

These three quizzes are designed to provide quick feedback on your understanding of topics as the semester progresses. You may attempt the quiz once only. Each quiz is worth 2% of your final grade.

Assessment Task 2

Online quizzes 4 - 5

These two quizzes are designed to provide quick feedback on your understanding of topics as the semester progresses. You may attempt the quiz once only. Each quiz is worth 2% of your final grade.

Assessment Task 3

Assignment 1

This topic-based assignment is designed to reinforce understanding of the material covered in the relevant parts of the course. The questions are based on production and interpretation of computer output, and the biostatistical content of a published paper; both the question sheet and the published paper will be available on WATTLE.

Assessment Task 4

Assignment 2

This topic-based assignment is designed to reinforce understanding of the material covered in the relevant parts of the course. The questions are based on production and interpretation of computer output, and the biostatistical content of a published paper; both the question sheet and the published paper will be available on WATTLE.

Assessment Task 5

Take-home exam

The take-home exam is designed to reinforce understanding of the material covered in the relevant parts of the course, and to sythesise the material from across the semester. The questions are based on production and interpretation of computer output, and the biostatistical content of a published paper; both the question sheet and the published paper will be available on WATTLE.

Academic Integrity

Academic integrity is a core part of the ANU culture as a community of scholars. At its heart, academic integrity is about behaving ethically, committing to honest and responsible scholarly practice and upholding these values with respect and fairness.

The ANU commits to assisting all members of our community to understand how to engage in academic work in ways that are consistent with, and actively support academic integrity. The ANU expects staff and students to be familiar with the academic integrity principle and Academic Misconduct Rule, uphold high standards of academic integrity and act ethically and honestly, to ensure the quality and value of the qualification that you will graduate with.

The Academic Misconduct Rule is in place to promote academic integrity and manage academic misconduct. Very minor breaches of the academic integrity principle may result in a reduction of marks of up to 10% of the total marks available for the assessment. The ANU offers a number of online and in person services to assist students with their assignments, examinations, and other learning activities. Visit the Academic Skills website for more information about academic integrity, your responsibilities and for assistance with your assignments, writing skills and study.

Online Submission

You will be required to electronically sign a declaration as part of the submission of your assignment. Please keep a copy of the assignment for your records. Unless an exemption has been approved by the Associate Dean (Education) submission must be through Turnitin.

Hardcopy Submission

For some forms of assessment (hand written assignments, art works, laboratory notes, etc.) hard copy submission is appropriate when approved by the Associate Dean (Education). Hard copy submissions must utilise the Assignment Cover Sheet. Please keep a copy of tasks completed for your records.

Late Submission

Late submission of assessment tasks without an extension are penalised at the rate of 5% of the possible marks available per working day or part thereof. Late submission of assessment tasks is not accepted after 10 working days after the due date, or on or after the date specified in the course outline for the return of the assessment item. Late submission is not accepted for take-home examinations.

Referencing Requirements

Accepted academic practice for referencing sources that you use in presentations can be found via the links on the Wattle site, under the file named “ANU and College Policies, Program Information, Student Support Services and Assessment”. Alternatively, you can seek help through the Students Learning Development website.

Returning Assignments

Assignments will be returned via Wattle.

Extensions and Penalties

Extensions and late submission of assessment pieces are covered by the Student Assessment (Coursework) Policy and Procedure. Extensions may be granted for assessment pieces that are not examinations or take-home examinations. If you need an extension, you must request an extension in writing on or before the due date. If you have documented and appropriate medical evidence that demonstrates you were not able to request an extension on or before the due date, you may be able to request it after the due date.

Resubmission of Assignments

Resubmission of assignments will be at the discretion of the course convenor in consultation with the Associate Director (Education).

Privacy Notice

The ANU has made a number of third party, online, databases available for students to use. Use of each online database is conditional on student end users first agreeing to the database licensor’s terms of service and/or privacy policy. Students should read these carefully. In some cases student end users will be required to register an account with the database licensor and submit personal information, including their: first name; last name; ANU email address; and other information.
In cases where student end users are asked to submit ‘content’ to a database, such as an assignment or short answers, the database licensor may only use the student’s ‘content’ in accordance with the terms of service – including any (copyright) licence the student grants to the database licensor. Any personal information or content a student submits may be stored by the licensor, potentially offshore, and will be used to process the database service in accordance with the licensors terms of service and/or privacy policy.
If any student chooses not to agree to the database licensor’s terms of service or privacy policy, the student will not be able to access and use the database. In these circumstances students should contact their lecturer to enquire about alternative arrangements that are available.

Distribution of grades policy

Academic Quality Assurance Committee monitors the performance of students, including attrition, further study and employment rates and grade distribution, and College reports on quality assurance processes for assessment activities, including alignment with national and international disciplinary and interdisciplinary standards, as well as qualification type learning outcomes.

Since first semester 1994, ANU uses a grading scale for all courses. This grading scale is used by all academic areas of the University.

Support for students

The University offers students support through several different services. You may contact the services listed below directly or seek advice from your Course Convener, Student Administrators, or your College and Course representatives (if applicable).

• ANU Health, safety & wellbeing for medical services, counselling, mental health and spiritual support
• ANU Diversity and inclusion for students with a disability or ongoing or chronic illness
• ANU Dean of Students for confidential, impartial advice and help to resolve problems between students and the academic or administrative areas of the University
• ANU Academic Skills and Learning Centre supports you make your own decisions about how you learn and manage your workload.
• ANU Counselling Centre promotes, supports and enhances mental health and wellbeing within the University student community.
• ANUSA supports and represents undergraduate and ANU College students
• PARSA supports and represents postgraduate and research students