Skip to main content

Biostatistics

Course resolutions

The course resolutions detailed in this page apply to all courses included in the table below under section 1 (course codes).

These resolutions must be read in conjunction with applicable University By-laws, Rules and policies including (but not limited to) the University of Sydney (Coursework) Rule 2014 (the 'Coursework Rule'), the Coursework Policy 2021 (the 'Coursework Policy'), the Learning and Teaching Policy 2019, the Resolutions of the Faculty, University of Sydney (Student Academic Appeals) Rule 2021, the Academic Integrity Policy 2022 and the Academic Integrity Procedures 2022. Current versions of all policies are available from the Policy Register: http://www.sydney.edu.au/policies

1 Course codes

Code Course title
GCBIOSTA-01  Graduate Certificate in Biostatistics
GNBIOSTA-01  Graduate Diploma in Biostatistics
MABIOSTA-01  Master of Biostatistics

2 Attendance pattern

The attendance pattern for this course is full-time or part-time according to candidate choice.

3 Masters type

The masters degree in these resolutions is a professional masters course as defined by the Coursework Policy.

4 Embedded courses in this sequence

(1) The embedded courses in this sequence are:

(a) the Graduate Certificate in Biostatistics

(b) the Graduate Diploma in Biostatistics

(c) the Master of Biostatistics.

(2) Providing candidates satisfy the admission requirements and progression rules for each stage, a candidate may progress to the award of any of the courses in this sequence and receive full credit for work completed in the prior award (subject to coursework time limits). Only the longest award completed will be conferred.

5 Admission to candidature

(1) Available places will be offered to qualified applicants based on merit, according to the following admissions criteria.

(2) Admission to the Graduate Certificate in Biostatistics requires:

(a) 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, with assumed knowledge of advanced mathematics concepts.

(3) Admission to the Graduate Diploma in Biostatistics requires:

(a) 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, with assumed knowledge of advanced mathematics concepts; or

(b) completion of the requirements of the embedded Graduate Certificate in Biostatistics.

(4) Admission to the Master of Biostatistics requires:

(a) 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 with a minimum credit average mark of 65 per cent or equivalent, with assumed knowledge of advanced mathematics concepts; or

(b) completion of the requirements of the embedded Graduate Diploma in Biostatistics with a minimum average mark of 70 per cent across BSTA5002, BSTA5004 and BSTA5210.

(5) In exceptional circumstances, the delegated authority may admit applicants without these qualifications who, in the opinion of the Faculty, have qualifications, evidence of experience and achievement sufficient to successfully undertake the award.

6 Requirements for award

(1) The units of study that may be taken for these awards are set out in the Table of Units of Study: Biostatistics.

(2) To qualify for the award of the Graduate Certificate in Biostatistics a candidate must successfully complete 24 credit points, comprising:

(a) 6 credit points from Epidemiology units of study; and

(b) 18 credit points from Biostatistics Part 1 units of study or Biostatistics Part 2 units of study.

(3) To qualify for the award of the Graduate Diploma in Biostatistics a candidate must successfully complete 48 credit points, comprising:

(a) 6 credit points from Epidemiology units of study; and

(b) 30 credit points from Biostatistics Part 1 units of study; and.

(c) a minimum of 6 credit points from Biostatistics Part 2 units of study; and

(d) a maximum of 6 credit points from General Elective units of study.

(4) To qualify for the award of the Master of Biostatistics a candidate must successfully complete 72 credit points, comprising:

(a) 6 credit points of from Epidemiology units of study; and

(b) 30 credit points from Biostatistics Part 1 units of study; and

(c) a minimum of 18 credit points from Biostatistics Part 2; and

(d) a maximum of 12 credit points of General Elective units of study; and

(e) a minimum of 6 credit points of Capstone units of study.

7 Progression rules

(1) Master of Biostatistics

(a) Candidates must achieve a minimum average mark of 70 per cent across BSTA5002, BSTA5004, and BSTA5210.

(b) Candidates who successfully complete BSTA5002, BSTA5004 and BSTA5210 but do not achieve a minimum average mark of 70 per cent across these units will be eligible for the award of Graduate Diploma in Biostatistics provided the requirements of the award have been met.

(2) Graduate Diploma in Biostatistics:

(a) Candidates who achieve a minimum average mark of 70 per cent across BSTA5002, BSTA5004, and BSTA5210 will be eligible to upgrade to the masters degree.

(3) In exceptional circumstances, the delegated authority may permit candidates who do not satisfy these progression rules to progress in the Master of Biostatistics who, in the opinion of the Faculty, are able to provide evidence of academic achievement sufficient to successfully undertake the longer award.

8 Course transfer

(1) A candidate for the Master of Biostatistics degree may elect to discontinue study and graduate with the Graduate Diploma in Biostatistics, with the approval of the delegated authority, and provided the requirements of the Graduate Diploma have been met.

(2) A candidate for the Master of Biostatistics degree may elect to discontinue study and graduate with the Graduate Certificate in Biostatistics, with the approval of the delegated authority, and provided the requirements of the Graduate Certificate have been met.

(3) A candidate for the Graduate Diploma in Biostatistics degree may elect to discontinue study and graduate with the Graduate Certificate in Biostatistics, with the approval of the delegated authority, and provided the requirements of the Graduate Certificate have been met.

9 Transitional provisions

(1) These resolutions apply to persons who commenced their candidature after 1 January 2025 and persons who commenced their candidature prior to 1 January 2025 who formally elect to proceed under these resolutions.

(2) Candidates who commenced prior to 1 January 2025 should complete the requirements in accordance with the resolutions in force at the time of their commencement.