Units

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Sample subject outline - Semester 1 2013

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

Rationale

An understanding of basic statistical concepts is a fundamental research skill in any scientific discipline. Such knowledge is mandatory for critical evaluation of the research literature, for design of efficient research studies, and to inform appropriate interpretation of research results. An understanding of descriptive statistics is required by qualitative and quantitative researchers alike, to effectively summarise and communicate important information in data. Inferential statistics, used to test scientific hypotheses and interpret results beyond the immediate data, are the hallmark of quantitative research methods. An understanding of the principles underpinning both types of statistical methods is critical to any undergraduate or postgraduate student intending to undertake independent research, and indeed, to any student attempting to critically evaluate the research literature.

Aims

This unit aims to develop confidence in the application of statistical reasoning to the development and critical assessment of quantitative health research.

Objectives

At the completion of this unit it is expected that students will be able to:

recognise the difference between descriptive and inferential statistics

1. discriminate the most appropriate descriptive statistics to use in a given health context
   
2. understand the general principles of scientific hypothesis testing
   
3. discriminate the most appropriate statistical test to use for a given scientific hypothesis
   
4. demonstrate an ability to interpret and formally report on the results of computer-generated statistical analyses
   
5. apply knowledge and techniques learned in this unit to critical evaluation of the research literature
   
6. recognise the capabilities of statistical packages for data management and analysis.

Content

Beyond a common core of statistical concepts, each discipline area emphasises its own set of descriptive and inferential statistical methods and even terminology. The content of this unit emphasises both core and health-specific statistical methods in the health sciences. Students will be provided with substantial practical experience in the application and interpretation of the most common statistical methods to health data, and will also be made aware of data management principles in preparation for analysis. Rather than introducing a variety of statistical methods, this unit will be aimed at mastery of a few fundamental concepts. This level of mastery is considered imperative whether or not students continue on to postgraduate research. There will be a strong emphasis on applying concepts through critical reading and discussion of the literature and worked examples from a range of topic areas.

Approaches to Teaching and Learning

The unit is taught via on-campus or external options. On-campus students will attend 3 contact hours per week for 13 weeks, comprising a mix of lecture and tutorial formats. Lectures introduce key concepts that will be reinforced by self-directed reading/learning. Primary learning will be through application of concepts in the computer workshops, and through critical discussion of others' research. Workshop sessions are designed to reinforce foundation concepts through interactive learning. External students will work through a study guide and readings at a suggested pace. Contact with the lecturer will be as required for clarification and discussion of progress. Unfortunately, software licensing restrictions preclude organising similar workshop exercises for external students.

Assessment

The successful study of statistics requires cumulative learning. This unit is designed to reflect this, and hence mastery of early concepts will be necessary to understand later concepts. Assessment items are similarly designed, where understanding of some concepts will, of necessity, be assessed (at different levels) in every assessment item. All assessment items have been designed to be both formative and summative. Written feedback, either as worked solutions and/or individual feedback, will be provided on each assessment item.

Assessment name: Quiz/Test
Description: Summative and Formative. Short answer quiz.
Relates to objectives: 1 - 3
Weight: 25%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: Approx. week 6

Assessment name: Critique
Description: Statistical critique of a research article. This exercise provides not only an opportunity to critically apply learned concepts, but to do so in an integrated manner, with a view to reinforcement of the links between research design and statistical analysis.
Relates to objectives: 1 - 6
Weight: 30%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: Approx. week 9

Assessment name: Analytical Report
Description: Interpretation and report of a provided data analysis. Another integrated exercise, requiring critical application of a range of concepts to the interpretation of statistical output and providing an opportunity to practise writing up of statistical reports.
Relates to objectives: 1-7
Weight: 45%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: End of Semester

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

1. The PUN105 Study Guide is a mandatory resource for all students. Both internal and external students will be able to download the study guide modules from the PUN105 Blackboard website. A hard copy of the Study Guide is posted to external students at the start of semester. Required readings will be made available to all students via the QUT Course Materials Database.
   
   
2. Lecture slides and all other important material will be posted on the QUT Blackboard site at: https://blackboard.qut.edu.au This site will be used to post notices to the whole student group for this unit. For example, responses to questions about assessment clarification asked during lectures will be posted to the site for all students to access. It is therefore important that students access the site at least weekly.
   
   
3. Any basic statistical text will cover the main concepts in this unit. None will link statistical concepts to research design, which is what this unit aims to do. However, because some exercises in the unit study materials refer to textbook exercises, and for a detailed explanation of individual statistical tests required for one of the modules of the unit, a required textbook has been set.

Prescribed Text:

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

Risk assessment statement

There are no out of the ordinary risks associated with this unit. Students are recommended to 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: 17-Oct-2012