Basic Clinical Research Tools

Subject 360-802 (2009)

Note: This is an archived Handbook entry from 2009. Search for this in the current handbook

Credit Points: 12.50
Level: 9 (Graduate/Postgraduate)
Dates & Locations:

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2009:

For information about these dates, click here.
Time Commitment: Contact Hours: 24 hours of lectures/seminars/workshops
Total Time Commitment: Not available
Prerequisites: None
Corequisites: None
Recommended Background Knowledge: None
Non Allowed Subjects: None
Core Participation Requirements:

For the purposes of considering request for Reasonable Adjustments under the Disability Standards for Education (Cwth 2005), and Student Support and Engagement Policy, academic requirements for this subject are articulated in the Subject Overview, Learning Outcomes, Assessment and Generic Skills sections of this entry.

It is University policy to take all reasonable steps to minimise the impact of disability upon academic study, and reasonable adjustments will be made to enhance a student's participation in the University's programs. Students who feel their disability may impact on meeting the requirements of this subject are encouraged to discuss this matter with a Faculty Student Adviser and Student Equity and Disability Support: http://services.unimelb.edu.au/disability

Subject Overview: Topics covered include:

Basic descriptive data
Probability and inference
Analysis of two-way tables
Differences of Means
Simple correlation
Case-series, cross-sectional, cohort, case-control studies and Randomised Clinical Trials (RCTs).
Measurement of exposure
Measurement of response
Bias, random error and individual variation (including response variation)
Sample size and power
Assessment:

A series of epidemiological and biostatistical exercises equivalent to 2,000 words (50%), and a review of segments of journal articles of 2,000 words (50%).

Prescribed Texts: None
Breadth Options:

This subject is not available as a breadth subject.

Fees Information: Subject EFTSL, Level, Discipline & Census Date
Generic Skills:

Students who successfully complete this subject will be able to:

Understand the basic principles in Epidemiology and Biostatistics.
Understand the strengths and weaknesses of different study designs
Understand basic principles of epidemiological and clinical research
Be familiar with terms used in the literature
Understand statistical reasoning, including inference and the need for power and appropriate samples
Perform basic statistical processes
Understand the role, strengths and weaknesses of different study designs

Related Course(s): Graduate Certificate in Clinical Research
Graduate Diploma in Clinical Research
Master of Clinical Research
Professional Certificate in Clinical Research

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