Discover biostatistics at the University of Sydney
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Biostatistics is the application of statistical techniques to scientific research in health-related fields, including medicine and public health.
Biostatisticians play an essential role in designing research studies, managing and analysing data, interpreting the results, as well as developing new approaches and methods to analysing data.
Biostatistics can be used to show the most effective treatment, discover or isolate factors in the spread of diseases, or determine risk factors in genetic inheritance and mutation.
Why study biostatistics with us?
Our biostatistics programs are designed for someone who:
There are no specialisations for this course.
View a suggested Biostatistics course structure (pdf, 70KB).
The biostatistics program is offered at three award levels graduate certificate, graduate diploma and master's degree. Completion of either the graduate certificate or graduate diploma programs can be used as credit towards the Master of Biostatistics degree.
The Graduate Certificate in Biostatistics is a one-year part-time course which consists of 24 credit points, including either PUBH5010 (semester 1) or BSTA5011 (semester 2) and three other listed biostatistics units of study.
The biostatistics units of study are predominantly delivered online. The only units of study which are not available online are:
A complete list of available units of study with their pre-requisites and co-requisites is here.
A successful applicant for admission to the Graduate Certificate in Biostatistics will:
(a) hold a bachelor's degree in statistics, mathematics, science, psychology, medicine, pharmacy, economics, health sciences or other appropriate discipline from the University of Sydney or equivalent qualification; and
(b) have a proven aptitude for advanced mathematical work - indicated, for example, by a high level of achievement in high school or undergraduate mathematics; and
(c) have already passed an introductory course in statistics covering, at least, the estimation of means and proportions with confidence intervals, and the comparison of means and proportions between two groups using hypothesis tests (i.e. t-tests and chi-squared tests for 2x2 tables).
Note that this course must be separately and formally assessed, and that the amount and level of statistics covered in the usual medical degree is not sufficient to meet this criterion. In exceptional circumstances the dean may admit applicants without this qualification who, in the opinion of the school, have qualifications and evidence of experience and achievement sufficient to successfully undertake the award.
As part of your application you will be required to submit a completed `Student Contact, Choice of Units of Study & Credits/Waivers form for the Biostatistics Collaboration of Australia (BCA).
Completion of either the graduate certificate or graduate diploma programs can be used as credit towards the Master of Biostatistics degree.
The content in our biostatistics units of study are both theoretical and applied. If you would prefer to study biostatistics at an applied but less theoretical/mathematical level, you may wish to consider the following:
The Graduate Certificate in Biostatistics is suitable for those wanting a good understanding of the principles of epidemiology and some aspects of biostatistics.
If you are already working as a biostatistician, then study at postgraduate level will enhance your career development opportunities.
Indicative Postgraduate Student Contribution Amount
The student contribution amount for a Commonwealth Supported Place is an indication only of the amount payable in Year 1 for a standard full time load of 48 credit points (1.0 EFTSL). The exact student contribution that you pay will depend on the calendar year in which you undertake your study, and the specific units of study in which you ultimately enrol. For further information about how to calculate your specific total student contribution, please refer to the University's Tuition Fees website.
Annual review and fee increases
Importantly, student contribution amounts are subject to annual review by the University, and will increase each year of your period of study (subject to a Commonwealth specified cap), effective at the start of each calendar year.
Indicative Postgraduate Domestic Tuition Fee
The tuition fee for a domestic postgraduate student is an indication only of the fees payable in Year 1 for a standard full time load of 48 credit points (1.0 EFTSL). Depending on the calendar year in which you undertake your study, and if your study load is more or less than the 1.0 EFTSL, your tuition fee will differ from the indicative amount.
Annual review and fee increase
Importantly, tuition fees are subject to annual review by the University, and will increase each year of your period of study, effective at the start of each calendar year.
Additional incidental costs
For some courses there are incidental costs additional to the student contribution and/or course fee. Some of these incidental costs are significant, for example, course-specific materials, tools, protected clothing and equipment. Further information about these costs is available from https://sydney.edu.au/students/materials-and-equipment.html.
Visa/MasterCard/American Express/JCB surcharge
Please note that a surcharge of 1.53% will apply for payments made by Visa, MasterCard, American Express or JCB. The surcharge is subject to review and may change. Information about payment methods and the surcharge is set out at: http://sydney.edu.au/study/finances-fees-costs/fees-and-loans/paying-your-fees.html.
Potential for inaccuracy
Whilst every reasonable effort has been made to include correct and up to date information here, you are also advised to consult directly with the Student Centre so that they can provide you with specific and up to date information about fees.
Indicative International Tuition Fees for Postgraduate Students
The tuition fee for international postgraduate students is an indication only of the fees payable in Year 1 for a standard full time load of 48 credit points (1.0 EFTSL). Depending on the calendar year in which you undertake your study, and if your study load is more or less than the 1.0 EFTSL, your tuition fee will differ from the indicative amount.
Annual review and fee increases
Importantly, tuition fees are subject to annual review, and will increase each year of your period of study, effective at the start of each calendar year.
Additional incidental costs and health insurance
For some courses there are incidental costs additional to the tuition fees. Some of these incidental costs are significant, for example, course-specific materials, tools, protective clothing, and equipment. Further information about these costs is available from https://sydney.edu.au/students/materials-and-equipment.html. In addition to the fees indicated here for the course of study, International Students studying on an Australian Student Visa must have appropriate health insurance for the duration of their studies on a Student Visa through a government approved provider of the Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) scheme. This is a requirement of the Australian Government, unless otherwise exempted by the Government. Further information is available from https://sydney.edu.au/study/finances-fees-costs/living-costs/health-insurance.html.
Visa/MasterCard/American Express/JCB surcharge
Please note that a surcharge of 1.53% will apply for payments made by Visa, MasterCard, American Express or JCB. The surcharge is subject to review and may change. Information about payment methods and the surcharge is set out at: http://sydney.edu.au/study/finances-fees-costs/fees-and-loans/paying-your-fees.html.
Potential for inaccuracy
Whilst every reasonable effort has been made to include correct and up to date information here, you are also advised to consult directly with the Student Centre so that they can provide you with specific and up to date information about fees.
