Introduction to health data analytics

In this unit you will gain foundational knowledge for the study of Health Data Analytics by introducing key health, statistical and machine learning concepts. You will be introduced to the key ethical and privacy issues when using health data. You will obtain a basic understanding of common statistics used in health data analytics and the use machine learning techniques and their applications using the R software package.
You will be presented with the classification of health data analytics tasks into description, prediction and explanation.
You will be introduced to the different sources of health data, including linked data, together with the appropriate methods for analysis and strengths and weaknesses surrounding their use. You will discuss the fast-changing nature of data analytics and current topics of major interest including precision and evidence-based medicine, and the surge in data-driven evaluation and policy.