M6025 Master of Biostatistics

The course is structured in two parts: Part A. Core Biostatistics studies and Part B. Advanced practice studies. All students complete Part A and Part B.

Part A. Core biostatistics studies

These studies will provide you with the core epidemiological, mathematical and statistical foundations required for biostatistical practice and study of advanced biostatistical methods. Part A units provide theoretical and practical experience in calculus, probability distributions, computing and statistical inference and are followed by applications of these principles to fundamental study areas for biostatistics such as clinical trials and regression modelling.

Part B. Advanced practice studies

These studies involve two core units plus one or two elective units. The first core unit is survival analysis, which synthesises and extends the statistical and practical foundations in the Part A units. The second core and the capstone biostatistics practical project unit extends students’ knowledge and skills developed in Part A units into a specific practical research problem guided by a professional biostatistician, enabling a rich work experience opportunity. Students can choose between 6 and 12 credit point options for the practical project, and correspondingly choose either one or two advanced topic electives.

The course progression map provides guidance on unit enrolment for each semester of study.

The course comprises 72 points structured into to parts: Part A. Core biostatistics studies (48 points) and Part B. Advanced practice studies (24 points).

Note: If you are eligible for credit for a core unit from prior studies you may elect not to receive the credit and complete an alternative elective unit in its place. This practice is encouraged to enable a broader learning experience for such students.

Units are 6 credit points unless otherwise stated.

Part A. Core biostatistics studies (48 points)

You must complete:

• EPM5002 Mathematical background for biostatistics
• EPM5003 Principles of statistical inference
• EPM5004 Linear models
• EPM5005 Data management and statistical computing
• EPM5007 Design of experiments and clinical trials
• EPM5009 Categorical data and generalised linear models
• EPM5014 Probability and distribution theory
• MPH5040 Introductory epidemiology

Part B. Advanced practice studies (24 points)

You must complete:

• EPM5010 Survival analysis

and one of the following two options:

• EPM5015 Biostatistics practical project (6 points) and two elective units from the list below
• EPM5011 Biostatistics practical project (12 points) and one elective unit from the list below

Elective units

• EPM5001 Health indicators and health surveys
• EPM5006 Clinical biostatistics
• EPM5008 Longitudinal and correlated data analysis
• EPM5012 Bioinformatics
• EPM5013 Bayesian statistical methods
• EPM5017 Machine Learning for Biostatistics
• EPM5018 Causal Inference