CourseMaster's Degree (Coursework)MBiostats

M6025 Master of Biostatistics

Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences

Master of Biostatistics (M6025) is a 72-credit-point, master's degree (coursework) course from the Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, taught at Alfred Hospital. Map your units semester by semester with the MonMap planner.

Credit points
72
Campus
Alfred Hospital
Off campus

This is the 2022 handbook entry. See the 2027 entry.

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Requisite map

Overview

This course, offered by the Department of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, provides a sound foundation in the theory and application of biostatistics relevant to professional practice. The degree will provide necessary skills in complex statistical analyses, the identification and implementation of appropriate statistical methodology, the communication of biostatistical results, and the understanding of biostatistical literature. The course develops the technical skills for commencement in a professional career as a biostatistician.

Units in this degree are offered in conjunction with partner universities in the Biostatistics Collaboration of Australia (BCA), a consortium of leading universities in Australia established to jointly develop and deliver a distance-based program in biostatistics.

Course structure

Part A. Core biostatistics studies48 credit points
Part B. Advanced practice studies24 credit points
You must complete one of the following options

Option 1

24 credit points
You must complete the following unit and 18 credit points of elective study at Level 5, of which at least 6 credit points must be from the elective study from Part A or from the elective units below.

Option 2

24 credit points
You must complete the following unit and 12 credit points of elective study at Level 5, of which at least 6 credit points must be from the elective study from Part A or from the elective units below.
Elective units
The handbook's description of this structure

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

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. The six Part A core units provide theoretical and practical experience in calculus, probability distributions, computing, statistical inference and regression modelling. You will choose two electives, of which at least one must be from designated biostatistics electives.

Part B. Advanced practice studies

These studies involve a capstone biostatistics practical project plus two or three elective units. The capstone biostatistics practical project unit extends your 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. You will be able to choose between six and twelve credit point options for the practical project.  Correspondingly, you will choose either two or three advanced topic electives, based on credit points available.

Course progression map

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 points unless otherwise stated.

Part A. Core biostatistics studies (48 points)

You must complete 48 credit points at Part A.

You must complete the following units:

  • EPM5003 Principles of statistical inference
  • EPM5005 Data management and statistical computing
  • MPH5040 Introductory epidemiology
  • EPM5026 Mathematical Foundations of Biostatistics
  • EPM5027 Regression Modelling for Biostatistics I
  • EPM5028 Regression Modelling for Biostatistics II

You must complete two 6 credit point elective units at Level 5, of which at least one must be from the list below:

  • EPM5006 Clinical Biostatistics
  • EPM5007 Design of randomised controlled trials
  • EPM5001 Health Indicators and health surveys
  • EPM5017 Machine learning for biostatistics
  • EPM5018 Causal Inference

Part B. Advanced practice studies (24 points)

You must complete 24 credit points at Part B.

You must complete one of the following units:

  • EPM5011 Biostatistics Practical Project: double unit (12cp)
    OR
  • EPM5015 Biostatistics Practical Project: single unit (6cp)

You must complete two or three 6 credit point elective units at Level 5, of which at least one must be from the list from Part A or from the list below:

  • EPM5008 Longitudinal and correlated data analysis
  • EPM5012 Bioinformatics
  • EPM5013 Bayesian statistical methods

 

Learning outcomes

These course outcomes are aligned with the Australian Qualifications Framework and Monash Graduate Attributes.

Upon successful completion of this course it is expected that you will be able to:

  1. 1

    integrate a sound understanding of epidemiological study design principles with the theory and application of the major areas of biostatistics relevant to professional practice

  2. 2

    synthesise biostatistical knowledge with critical analysis and expert judgment to autonomously propose and implement an appropriate statistical design and/or analysis methodology for addressing practical problems in clinical/health research

  3. 3

    combine statistical theory with ethical considerations to devise strategies for collection and management of complex data, and for application of quality control procedures

  4. 4

    consolidate knowledge, current research and computing skills to perform complex analyses for a variety of practical problems using modern statistical techniques and software

  5. 5

    effectively communicate theoretical and practical biostatistical issues with clinical/health personnel and present statistical results in a format suitable for publication in health-related journals or professional reports

  6. 6

    critically reflect on and evaluate methodological research papers in the biostatistical literature and apply the methods described therein to practical problems

  7. 7

    integrate biostatistical knowledge, expert judgement and autonomy to display an array of problem-solving skills in biostatistics, characterised by an adaptability of approach

  8. 8

    apply professional codes of conduct and ethical standards such as those of the Statistical Society of Australia

  9. 9

    synthesise knowledge, technical skills and implementation of best-practice methods to commence professional careers as biostatisticians and/or to progress to further postgraduate research studies.

Entry requirements

English language

Above Monash Minimum: Level A, that is:  IELTS (Academic): 6.5 overall (no band lower than 6.0); or Pearson Test of English (Academic): score of 58 overall with no band lower than 50; or TOEFL Internet-based test: score of 79 overall with minimum scores: Writing: 21, Listening: 12, Reading: 13 and Speaking: 18; or Equivalent approved English test

More information

Progression to further studies

Successful completion of this course may provide a pathway to a graduate research degree.

Professional accreditation

If you are graduating with this master's degree you obtain automatic accreditation status as Graduate Statistician (GStat) upon application to the Statistical Society of Australia.

Notes for students

Not available to international students.

Other information

This course, offered by the Department of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, provides a sound foundation in the theory and application of biostatistics relevant to professional practice. The degree will provide necessary skills in complex statistical analyses, the identification and implementation of appropriate statistical methodology, the communication of biostatistical results, and the understanding of biostatistical literature. The course develops the technical skills for commencement in a professional career as a biostatistician.

Units in this degree are offered in conjunction with partner universities in the Biostatistics Collaboration of Australia (BCA), a consortium of leading universities in Australia established to jointly develop and deliver a distance-based program in biostatistics.

Common questions

Where can I study Master of Biostatistics?

At Alfred Hospital.

How do I plan my Master of Biostatistics units?

Open the course in the MonMap planner. It lays out your semesters, checks prerequisites as you drag units in, and tracks the credit points each requirement still needs.

Course details

Qualification
Master's Degree (Coursework)
AQF level
Level 9
Credit points
72
Part time
3 Years
Maximum time
5 years
Faculty
Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences
Abbreviation
MBiostats
Award title
Master of Biostatistics