BIOS6040
Mathematical Background for Biostatistics
10 Units 6000 Level Course
Available in 2012
| Distance Education - Callaghan | Semester 1 |
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| Distance Education - Callaghan | Semester 2 |
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Previously offered in 2011, 2010, 2009, 2008, 2007, 2006, 2005, 2004
Covers the necessary mathematical background to understand the key techniques in biostatistics.
This course is offered in conjunction with the Biostatistics Collaboration of Australia (BCA).
| Objectives | Upon completion of this course, students should be able to:
1. Demonstrate a broad understanding of the mathematics underlying key statistical methods
2. Demonstrate an understanding of basic algebra and analysis, and the ability to manually differentiate and integrate algebraic expressions, and perform Taylor series expansions
3. Understand the calculus basis of expectation and distribution theory
4. Perform matrix manipulations manually or by using software
5. Understand the numerical methods behind solutions of equations regularly encountered in methods in biostatistics |
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| Content | This course covers core topics in algebra and analysis, including polynomial and simultaneous equations, graphs, the concept of limits, continuity and series approximations, including Taylor series expansions. Calculus will be introduced describing the techniques of integration and differentiation of vector expressions. This will be integrated into a study of probability, where the concepts of probability laws, random variables, expectation and distributions will be introduced. Essential topics in matrix algebra relevant to biostatistical methods will be presented. Finally, essential numerical methods, including the Newton-Raphson method for solution of simultaneous equations and concepts of numerical integration will be introduced. |
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| Replacing Course(s) | N/A |
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| Transition | N/A |
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| Industrial Experience | 0 |
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| Assumed Knowledge | None |
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| Requisites | This course is only available to students enrolled in the Graduate Diploma in Medical Statistics or Master of Medical Statistics programs. |
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| Teaching Methods | Email Discussion Group |
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| Assessment Items | | Essays / Written Assignments | Assignments 100% (3 written assignments: functions [20%] calculus [40%] and matrices and numerical methods [40%]) |
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| Contact Hours | Self Directed Learning: for 6 hour(s) per Week for Full Term |
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