Principles of Statistical Inference

Subject POPH90017 (2010)

Note: This is an archived Handbook entry from 2010.

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

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2010:

Semester 1, Parkville - Taught online/distance.
Pre-teaching Period Start not applicable
Teaching Period not applicable
Assessment Period End not applicable
Last date to Self-Enrol not applicable
Census Date not applicable
Last date to Withdraw without fail not applicable

Semester 2, Parkville - Taught online/distance.
Pre-teaching Period Start not applicable
Teaching Period not applicable
Assessment Period End not applicable
Last date to Self-Enrol not applicable
Census Date not applicable
Last date to Withdraw without fail not applicable

Distance

Timetable can be viewed here. For information about these dates, click here.
Time Commitment: Contact Hours: None
Total Time Commitment: 8-12 hours total study time per week
Prerequisites:

505-105 Mathematics Background for Biostatistics (MBB)

505-975 Probability and Distribution Theory (PDT)

Corequisites: None
Recommended Background Knowledge: None
Non Allowed Subjects: None
Core Participation Requirements: None

Coordinator

Prof John Carlin

Contact

Semester 1: Ms Rachel O'Connell & Ms Liz Barnes, University of Sydney
Semester 2: Dr Patrick Kelly, University of Sydney
Biostatistics Collaboration of Australia

OR

Academic Programs Office
Melbourne School of Population Health
Tel: +61 3 8344 9339
Fax: +61 3 8344 0824
Email: sph-gradinfo@unimelb.edu.au
Subject Overview:

Review of the key concepts of estimation, and construction of Normal-theory confidence intervals; frequentist theory of estimation including hypothesis tests; methods of inference based on likelihood theory, including use of Fisher and observed information and likelihood ratio; Wald and score tests; an introduction to the Bayesian approach to inference; an introduction to distribution-free statistical methods.

Objectives: To provide a strong mathematical and conceptual foundation in the methods of statistical inference, with an emphasis on practical aspects of the interpretation and communication of statistically based conclusions in health research.
Assessment:

Two written assignments to be submitted during semester worth 35% each (approx 10 hrs work each).

Submission of selected practical exercises throughout the semester worth 10% each (approx 6 hrs work each).

Prescribed Texts:

Printed course notes and assignment material by mail, email, and online interaction facilities.

Special Computer Requirements: SAS or Stata Statistical Software

Recommended Texts:

Azzalini, A. Statistical Inference: Based on the Likelihood. Chapman and Hall, London, 1996

Clayton and Hills. Statistical Models in Epidemiology. Oxford University Press, Oxford, 1993.

Breadth Options:

This subject is not available as a breadth subject.

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

Independent problem solving, facility with abstract reasoning, clarity of written expression, sound communication of technical concepts.

Links to further information: http://www.sph.unimelb.edu.au
Notes:

This subject is not available in the Master of Public Health.

Related Course(s): Master of Biostatistics
Postgraduate Certificate in Biostatistics
Postgraduate Diploma in Biostatistics

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