PUBH5218: Semester 1, 2020

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Units PUBH5218 Semester 1 2020 [Normal day]

Unit outline_

PUBH5218: Advanced Statistical Modelling

Semester 1, 2020 [Normal day] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

Overview

This unit covers statistical analysis techniques that are commonly required for analysing data that arise from clinical or epidemiological studies. Students will gain hands on experience applying model-building strategies and fitting advanced statistical models. In particular, students will learn how to handle non-linear continuous variables and how to analyse correlated data. Correlated data arise from clustered or longitudinal study designs, such as, cross-over studies, matched case-control studies, cluster randomised trials and studies involving repeated measurements. Statistical models that will be covered include fixed effects models, marginal models using Generalised Estimating Equations (GEE), and mixed effects models (also known as hierarchical or multilevel models). This unit of study focuses on data analysis and the interpretation of results."

Unit details and rules

Academic unit	Public Health
Credit points	6
Prerequisites ?	None
Corequisites ?	None
Prohibitions ?	CEPI5310
Assumed knowledge ?	PUBH5018, PUBH5217, PUBH5212, CEPI5100 (or equivalent)
Available to study abroad and exchange students	No

Teaching staff

Coordinator	Katrina Blazek, katrina.blazek@sydney.edu.au

Type	Description	Weight	Due	Length
Assignment	Assessment 1 Data analysis report	50%	Week 08	3000 words equivalent
Outcomes assessed:
Assignment	Assessment 2 Data analysis report	50%	Week 14 (STUVAC)	3000 words equivalent
Outcomes assessed:

Assessment summary

Assesments will be in the form of data analysis reports which will assess the student’s ability to apply the methods taught in the unit.

Detailed information for each assessment will be provided on Canvas

Assessment criteria

The University awards common result grades, set out in the Coursework Policy 2014 (Schedule 1).

As a general guide, a high distinction indicates work of an exceptional standard, a distinction a very high standard, a credit a good standard, and a pass an acceptable standard.

Result name	Mark range	Description
High distinction	85 - 100	Demonstrates the learning outcomes at an exceptional standard
Distinction	75 - 84	Demonstrates the learning outcomes at a very high standard
Credit	65 - 74	Demonstrates the learning outcomes at a good standard
Pass	50 - 64	Demonstrates the learning outcomes at an acceptable standard
Fail	0 - 49	Does not meet the learning outcomes of the unit to a satisfactory standard

For more information see guide to grades.

Late submission

In accordance with University policy, these penalties apply when written work is submitted after 11:59pm on the due date:

Deduction of 5% of the maximum mark for each calendar day after the due date.
After ten calendar days late, a mark of zero will be awarded.

Academic integrity

The Current Student website provides information on academic integrity and the resources available to all students. The University expects students and staff to act ethically and honestly and will treat all allegations of academic integrity breaches seriously.

We use similarity detection software to detect potential instances of plagiarism or other forms of academic integrity breach. If such matches indicate evidence of plagiarism or other forms of academic integrity breaches, your teacher is required to report your work for further investigation.

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI) and automated writing tools

You may only use generative AI and automated writing tools in assessment tasks if you are permitted to by your unit coordinator. If you do use these tools, you must acknowledge this in your work, either in a footnote or an acknowledgement section. The assessment instructions or unit outline will give guidance of the types of tools that are permitted and how the tools should be used.

Your final submitted work must be your own, original work. You must acknowledge any use of generative AI tools that have been used in the assessment, and any material that forms part of your submission must be appropriately referenced. For guidance on how to acknowledge the use of AI, please refer to the AI in Education Canvas site.

The unapproved use of these tools or unacknowledged use will be considered a breach of the Academic Integrity Policy and penalties may apply.

Studiosity is permitted unless otherwise indicated by the unit coordinator. The use of this service must be acknowledged in your submission as detailed on the Learning Hub’s Canvas page.

Outside assessment tasks, generative AI tools may be used to support your learning. The AI in Education Canvas site contains a number of productive ways that students are using AI to improve their learning.

Learning support

Simple extensions

If you encounter a problem submitting your work on time, you may be able to apply for an extension of five calendar days through a simple extension.  The application process will be different depending on the type of assessment and extensions cannot be granted for some assessment types like exams.

Special consideration

If exceptional circumstances mean you can’t complete an assessment, you need consideration for a longer period of time, or if you have essential commitments which impact your performance in an assessment, you may be eligible for special consideration or special arrangements.

Special consideration applications will not be affected by a simple extension application.

Using AI responsibly

Co-created with students, AI in Education includes lots of helpful examples of how students use generative AI tools to support their learning. It explains how generative AI works, the different tools available and how to use them responsibly and productively.

Weekly schedule

WK	Topic	Learning activity
Week 01	Introduction to R	Lecture and tutorial (2.5 hr)
Week 02	Generalised Linear Models	Lecture and tutorial (2.5 hr)
Week 03	Non-linear Covariates	Lecture and tutorial (2.5 hr)
Week 04	Resampling Methods	Lecture and tutorial (2.5 hr)
Week 05	Variable Selection I	Lecture and tutorial (2.5 hr)
Week 06	Variable Selection II	Lecture and tutorial (2.5 hr)
Week 07	Missing Data	Lecture and tutorial (2.5 hr)
Week 08	Propensity Scores	Lecture and tutorial (2.5 hr)
Week 09	Mixed Models I	Lecture and tutorial (2.5 hr)
Week 10	Mixed Models II	Lecture and tutorial (2.5 hr)
Week 11	Generalised Estimating Equations	Lecture and tutorial (2.5 hr)
Week 12	Cluster Randomised Trials	Lecture and tutorial (2.5 hr)
Week 13	Revision	Lecture and tutorial (2.5 hr)

Study commitment

Typically, there is a minimum expectation of 1.5-2 hours of student effort per week per credit point for units of study offered over a full semester. For a 6 credit point unit, this equates to roughly 120-150 hours of student effort in total.

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes are what students know, understand and are able to do on completion of a unit of study. They are aligned with the University's graduate qualities and are assessed as part of the curriculum.

Outcomes
Graduate qualities

At the completion of this unit, you should be able to:

LO1. Develop statistical analyses in R and choose appropriate functions and packages
LO2. Fit and interpret regression models with non-linear covariates
LO3. Understand the principles of resampling methods and identify situations where these methods are useful
LO4. Apply advanced techniques for model variable selection
LO5. Appropriately analyse data which have missing values
LO6. Implement propensity score methods for confounding adjustment
LO7. Fit and interpret models for correlated data
LO8. Identify appropriate advanced statistical techniques for a given analysis task

Graduate qualities

The graduate qualities are the qualities and skills that all University of Sydney graduates must demonstrate on successful completion of an award course. As a future Sydney graduate, the set of qualities have been designed to equip you for the contemporary world.

GQ1	Depth of disciplinary expertise Deep disciplinary expertise is the ability to integrate and rigorously apply knowledge, understanding and skills of a recognised discipline defined by scholarly activity, as well as familiarity with evolving practice of the discipline.
GQ2	Critical thinking and problem solving Critical thinking and problem solving are the questioning of ideas, evidence and assumptions in order to propose and evaluate hypotheses or alternative arguments before formulating a conclusion or a solution to an identified problem.
GQ3	Oral and written communication Effective communication, in both oral and written form, is the clear exchange of meaning in a manner that is appropriate to audience and context.
GQ4	Information and digital literacy Information and digital literacy is the ability to locate, interpret, evaluate, manage, adapt, integrate, create and convey information using appropriate resources, tools and strategies.
GQ5	Inventiveness Generating novel ideas and solutions.
GQ6	Cultural competence Cultural Competence is the ability to actively, ethically, respectfully, and successfully engage across and between cultures. In the Australian context, this includes and celebrates Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, knowledge systems, and a mature understanding of contemporary issues.
GQ7	Interdisciplinary effectiveness Interdisciplinary effectiveness is the integration and synthesis of multiple viewpoints and practices, working effectively across disciplinary boundaries.
GQ8	Integrated professional, ethical, and personal identity An integrated professional, ethical and personal identity is understanding the interaction between one’s personal and professional selves in an ethical context.
GQ9	Influence Engaging others in a process, idea or vision.

Outcome map

Learning outcomes	Graduate qualities
Learning outcomes

Responding to student feedback

This section outlines changes made to this unit following staff and student reviews.

This is the first time this unit has been offered as a 6 credit point unit. The previous unit, CEPI5310, was offered as 4 credit points.

Disclaimer

The University reserves the right to amend units of study or no longer offer certain units, including where there are low enrolment numbers.

To help you understand common terms that we use at the University, we offer an online glossary.

Current students

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Study commitment

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Disclaimer

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