The Masters consists of 12 units of study; comprising 10 or 11 coursework units of study plus a 1 or 2 unit Biostatistics Research/Practical Project/Thesis (WPP).
Students may be waived the requirement to complete either Epidemiology (students coming from a background in health research), or one or more of the units Mathematical Background for Biostatistics, Probability and Distribution Theory, and Principles of Statistical Inference (students coming from a background in mathematics and/or statistics). This will leave room to complete elective units in addition to the compulsory Biostatistics Research/Practical Project/Thesis (WPP).
On completion of the Masters degree graduates will have attained the required skills for employment as a biostatistician.
Course Objectives
On completion of this course, students will:
- Have developed a sound understanding of epidemiological study design and the theory and application of the major areas of biostatistics relevant to professional practice
- Have acquired skills in complex statistical analyses to handle a variety of practical problems using modern statistical techniques and software
- Have acquired skills in data collection and data management, including database design, quality control procedures and the ethical handling of data
- Have developed skills to identify the relevant statistical issues in practical problems in medical/health settings and to propose and implement an appropriate statistical design and/or analysis methodology
- Have developed skills and had experience in communication of biostatistical issues with clinical/health personnel and the presentation of statistical results in a format suitable for publication in health-related journals or professional reports
- Have acquired the technical skills to be able to read methodological papers in the biostatistical literature and apply the methods described therein to practical problems
- Have developed the practical and technical skills to commence professional careers as independent biostatisticians and/or to progress to further postgraduate research studies
- Be able to demonstrate an understanding of professional codes of conduct and ethical standards such as those of the Statistical Society of Australia
- Have developed problem solving abilities in biostatistics, characterised by flexibility of approach