EPM5026 Mathematical foundations for biostatistics
Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences
EPM5026 Mathematical foundations for biostatistics is a level 5, 6-credit-point, postgraduate unit from the Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, offered in 2026 in Semester 1 and Semester 2 at Alfred Hospital. It has no prerequisites and unlocks 6 units, leading on to 22 units in all.
- Credit points
- 6
- Offered in 2026
- Semester 1, Semester 2
- Alfred Hospital
- Assessment
- No exam
- 3 tasks
This is the 2026 handbook entry. See the 2027 entry.
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Requisites
Before EPM5026
No prerequisites or corequisites besides the enrolment rules below.
After EPM5026
6 units list EPM5026 as a prerequisite or corequisite.
- EPM5006Clinical biostatisticsNo reviews yet
- EPM5007Design of randomised controlled trialsNo reviews yet
- EPM5032Applied health data analytics group case studyNo reviews yet
- FIT5047Fundamentals of artificial intelligenceNo reviews yet
- FIT5197Statistical data modellingNo reviews yet
- FIT5215Deep learningNo reviews yet
Enrolment rules
Must be enrolled in one of the following postgraduate course codes:M5017, M6025, M6036.
Overview
This unit covers the foundational mathematical methods and probability distribution concepts necessary for an in depth understanding of biostatistical methods.
The unit commences with an introduction to mathematical expressions, followed by the fundamental calculus techniques of differentiation and integration, and essential elements of matrix algebra. The concepts and rules of probability are then introduced, followed by the application of the calculus methods covered earlier in the unit to calculate fundamental quantities of probability distributions, such as mean and variance. Random variables, their meaning and use in biostatistical applications is presented, together with the role of numerical simulation as a tool to demonstrate the properties of random variables.
Offerings in 2026
| Teaching period | Campus | Mode |
|---|---|---|
| First semester | Alfred Hospital | Online |
| Second semester | Alfred Hospital | Online |
Assessment
- Written mathematical assignment (Equivalent to 2,100 words)Written35%
- Written analytical probability exercises (Equivalent to 2,100 words)Exercise35%
- Two written short analytical exercises (15% each) (Equivalent to 1,800 words)Exercise30%
Assessment details may change. Please refer to the assessment information in Moodle closer to the start of the teaching period.
Learning outcomes
When you finish this unit, you should be able to:
- 1
Manipulate general mathematical expressions and inequalities.
- 2
Manipulate general mathematical expressions and inequalities.
- 3
Manipulate and evaluate matrix expressions and calculate inverses of matrices.
- 4
Explain and apply the laws of probability to statistical problems.
- 5
Recognise common probability distributions and their properties.
- 6
Apply calculus-based tools to derive key features of a probability distribution and properties of random variables, such as mean and variance.
- 7
Effectively program numerical simulation of random variables to illustrate and explain statistical concepts.
Workload and teaching
Off-Campus - Twelve hours per week, consisting of (on average) 4 hours per week for reading core material, 4 hours per week completing exercises (manual, computer-based, or on-line), 2 hours per week for on-line communication via online moderated discussions, and 2 hours per week for assignment preparation. No residential component is required.
Contacts
- Unit Coordinators
- Rhys Bowden
- Chief Examiners
- Professor Andrew Forbes
Common questions
What are the prerequisites for EPM5026?
EPM5026 has no prerequisites, but enrolment rules apply.
What can I take after EPM5026?
EPM5026 is a prerequisite or corequisite for 6 units, including EPM5006, EPM5007, EPM5032, FIT5047, FIT5197 and FIT5215. Those lead on to 22 units in all.
When is EPM5026 offered?
In 2026, EPM5026 runs in Semester 1 and Semester 2 at Alfred Hospital, with an online option.
Does EPM5026 have an exam?
No. EPM5026 has 3 assessment tasks and no exam.