Advanced biostatistics and epidemiology, 7.5 Credits

Contents

The focus in the course is on the application of statistical and epidemiological approaches in public health research, which covers selection of appropriate method. Regression analysis is a statistical technique used for analyzing the relationship between outcome (dependent variable) and explanatory variables (independent variables). In this course, several regression models will be described and applied. The course will start with a repetition of linear and logistic regression models. Subsequently, several other regression models will be introduced and discussed, including Poisson-, Cox -and multilevel-regression. Basic concepts in survival analysis will be described and discussed. Furthermore, various epidemiological methods are introduced to analyze causality as well as aspects of data management and sampling. Public health research articles will be used for group discussion, where students focus on the application of the statistical and epidemiological methods. The theoretical part will be illustrated using public health examples and students will practice the application of different analytical approaches in computer exercises and practical exercises.

Expected learning outcomes

Knowledge and understanding:
After completing the course, students shall be able to:

• Comprehend and clarify the role of statistical and epidemiological theory and methodology in public health research;
• Comprehend and clarify basic theory about the different regression models covered in the course and have knowledge about basic concepts in survival analysis and sample size calculation; and
• Comprehend and clarify advanced epidemiological methods to analyse causation.

Skills and abilities:
After completing the course, students shall be able to:

• Perform and analyse data using the different methods covered in the course; and 
• Interpret, clarify and discuss the results of such analyses correctly

Judgement and approach: 
After completing the course, students shall be able to: 

• Critically discuss and evaluate the application of statistical and epidemiological methodology in public health research articles

Required Knowledge

For non-programme students applying as single-course students, the requirements are 120 ECTS, of which a minimum of 30 ECTS are within one of the following: health sciences, environmental health or social sciences and Proficiency in English equivalent to Swedish upper secondary course English B/6. To be admitted to the course the applicant must have passed the course 3FH072 Biostatistics and the course 3FH038 Epidemiology or have equivalent qualifications.

Form of instruction

Teaching is performed through plenary lectures, web-lectures, group exercises, practical computer exercises and seminars. Some parts of the course use "flipped-classroom pedagogy". All teaching will be in English

Examination modes

The examination consists of two parts: (1) Assignment and (2) Written exam. Only grades of Fail (U) and Pass (G) will be awarded for the assignment. The written exam will be awarded the following grades: Fail (U), Pass (G) or Pass with Distinction (VG). In order to be awarded Pass for the entire course, it is required that both examination parts must be passed. To be awarded Pass with distinction (VG), it is required that the written exam is awarded Pass with distinction.
 
Students who do not pass the regular examination have the right to a new examination (see university rules for course examinations).

If there are special reasons, the examiner has the right to decide whether another form of examination can be used. It is only allowed to supplement a failing grade to a pass. Supplementation to achieve a higher grade is not allowed. A student who has failed two tests for a course, are entitled to have another examiner appointed, unless there are specific reasons against it. A written request is submitted to the director of studies. 

Deviations from the course syllabus' examination may be made for a student who has been subject to a decision granting pedagogical support due to a disability. Individual adaption of the examination form shall be considered based on the student's needs. The form of examination is adapted within the framework of the expected study results of the course syllabus. At the student's request, the course coordinator shall promptly decide, in consultation with the examiner, on the appropriate form of examination. The decision shall then be communicated to the student.