Units

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Sample subject outline - Semester 2 2013

Note: Subject outlines often change before the semester begins. Below is a sample outline.

Rationale

The ability to analyse and interpret quantitative data is an important skill for all graduates in public health. This unit builds upon PUB326 Epidemiology and complements analytical methods learnt in PUB461 Qualitative Inquiry in Public Health.

Aims

Through critical review of the literature, and hands-on analytical experience with a variety of health-related datasets, you become familiar with the principal methods of summarising and describing data and how to efficiently and effectively communicate this to others. You will develop an understanding of inferential statistics and how it is used to test scientific hypotheses and interpret beyond a limited set of actual observations. In the course of applying these concepts, you should become competent in the use of the SPSS computer package for the analysis of quantitative data.

Objectives

At the completion of this unit it is expected that you should be able to:

1. Explain how statistical choices in analysis link directly to the research study design that generated the data;
   
2. Recognise the difference between descriptive and inferential statistics;
   
3. Discriminate the most appropriate descriptive statistics to use in a given health context;
   
4. Explain the rationale behind hypothesis testing, and the concept of type I and II errors;
   
5. Differentiate the conditions under which to apply a range of commonly used statistical tests;
   
6. Analyse, interpret and report statistical results, including appropriate estimates, confidence intervals, and an evaluation of the statistical versus meaningful public health significance of the results.

Content

This unit introduces the foundation concepts required to be able to competently apply and interpret statistical methods when analysing public health data. Both descriptive and inferential statistics will be considered. Rather than superficially covering a wide variety of statistical tests, this unit will be aimed at competency of a few fundamental tests. The aim is to imbue students with an understanding that statistical analysis is inextricably linked to research design, which drives the choice of descriptive summary of data, choice of statistical test, and interpretation of the ultimate analysis. You will be provided with substantial practical experience in the application and interpretation of the most common statistical methods, and will also be made aware of data management principles in preparation for analysis. You will also learn to analyse data using the SPSS statistical computer package.

Specific skill and graduate capabilities you will develop include:

• ability to disseminate results and methodological rationale of health research
  
• skills to critique the methodological approach and validity of results of the research of others
  
• effective skills for the design of health research projects and analysis of data derived thereof
  
• an appreciation of the difficulties and issues that arise in the development of health research projects
  
• the capacity for life-long learning
  
• the ability to work independently and collaboratively
  
• characteristics of self-reliance and leadership.

Approaches to Teaching and Learning

This unit will be available in internal mode. It will involve lectures, tutorial exercises and discussions, computer-based practical exercises and substantial self-directed learning.

Assessment

There are three assessments to be completed throughout the semester.Assessment will be spaced throughout the semester commencing with your quiz to provide the opportunity for feedback on your learning to that point. Feedback, individual and/or generic, will be provided for each assessment item.

Assessment name: Quiz/Test
Description: You will be required to complete a closed-book quiz during class time. This will assess your understanding of fundamental research design and hypothesis testing concepts, and your knowledge of descriptive statistical techniques.
Relates to objectives: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 (the latter at the most basic level)
Weight: 20%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: TBD

Assessment name: Quiz/Test
Description: You will be required to complete a take home assignment outside class time This will assess your understanding of hypothesis testing and a wide range of inferential statistical techniques.
Relates to objectives: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 (the latter at the most basic level)
Weight: 35%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: TBD

Assessment name: Examination (written)
Description: You will be required to complete a written final examination. Where the total content of the unit will be revisited with emphasis on analytical planning and analytical interpretation, thus integrating all learning outcomes.
Relates to objectives: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6
Weight: 45%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: Examination period

Academic Honesty

QUT is committed to maintaining high academic standards to protect the value of its qualifications. To assist you in assuring the academic integrity of your assessment you are encouraged to make use of the support materials and services available to help you consider and check your assessment items. Important information about the university's approach to academic integrity of assessment is on your unit Blackboard site.

A breach of academic integrity is regarded as Student Misconduct and can lead to the imposition of penalties.

Resource materials

Text

There is no one textbook available that has content aligned to the way this unit is taught.

Please note that this is not a traditional basic statistics subject; in this unit there is emphasis on research design as much as statistical testing, and on a heuristic understanding rather than theoretical emphasis on each statistical test. However, any standard basic statistical textbook will provide the latter, and you should have a statistical text to reference for this unit and hopefully also to act as a useful resource to you in your future studies/research. In order to standardise the nomenclature used, you are asked to purchase:


Kirkwood B.R, Sterne J.A. (2003) Essential Medical Statistics. USA: Blackwell.


Recommended Reading
Gould J.L. & Gould G.F. (2002) Biostats Basics: A Student Handbook. New York: WH Freeman.

Burdess N. (1994) The Really Understandable Stats Book. Sydney: Prentice Hall.

Dawson-Saunders B. & Trapp R.G. (1994)Basic & Clinical Biostatistics. London: Prentice Hall.

Linardakis N.M. & Khatchatryan A. (1998) Biostatistics & Epidemiology. New York: McGraw-Hill.

Witte R.S., Witte J.S. Statistics. (8th ed.). USA: John Wiley & Sons, USA.

Risk assessment statement

There are no out of the ordinary risks associated with this unit. We recommend you take regular breaks if engaging in prolonged computer-based work.

Disclaimer - Offer of some units is subject to viability, and information in these Unit Outlines is subject to change prior to commencement of semester.

Last modified: 15-Nov-2012