Postgraduate Diploma in Biostatistics

This course is a subset of the Master of Biostatistics (see that heading for further information). On completion of the Postgraduate Diploma in Biostatistics, students will have attained a similar range of skills required for employment as a biostatistician as those completing the Master of Biostatistics, without the workplace project and without the scope to complete elective subjects.

• be able to demonstrate a broad understanding of the mathematical background, theory and application of the principles of epidemiology and biostatistical methods in health and medical research
• have acquired skills in complex statistical analyses to handle a variety of practical problems using modern statistical techniques and software
• have acquired skills in data collection and data management, including database design, quality control procedures and the ethical handling of data
• have developed skills to identify the relevant statistical issues in practical problems in medical/health settings and to propose and implement an appropriate statistical design and/or analysis methodology
• have developed skills and demonstrated ability to present statistical results in a format suitable for publication in health-related journals or professional reports
• have acquired the technical skills to be able to read methodological papers in the biostatistical literature and apply the methods described therein to practical problems
• have developed the practical and technical skills to progress to further postgraduate studies in biostatistics
• be aware of professional codes of conduct and ethical standards such as those of the Statistical Society of Australia

This course is available on a part-time basis only, and at the maximum rate of 2 subjects per semester requires 2 years to complete (100 credit points).

All subjects are taught by distance education, via a consortium of universities known as the Biostatistics Collaboration of Australia (BCA). For further details, see the BCA website: www.bca.edu.au.

Core Subjects

Elective Subjects

• An undergraduate degree with at least H2B (70%) average and two years of documented work experience relevant to the use of quantitative methods in health research; OR an undergraduate degree in mathematics, statistics, health or other sciences that includes tertiary-level mathematics, with at least H2B (70%) average.
• A demonstrated capacity for advanced mathematical work, indicated for example by a high level of achievement in secondary or tertiary mathematics.
• Successful completion of a tertiary-level statistics subject or demonstrated equivalent prior knowledge of statistics.

Academically excellent:

• have a strong sense of intellectual integrity and the ethics of scholarship
• have in-depth knowledge of their specialist discipline(s)
• reach a high level of achievement in writing, generic research activities, problem-solving and communication
• be critical and creative thinkers, with an aptitude for continued self-directed learning
• be adept at learning in a range of ways, including through information and communication technologies

Knowledgeable across disciplines:

• examine critically, synthesise and evaluate knowledge across a broad range of disciplines
• expand their analytical and cognitive skills through learning experiences in diverse subjects
• have the capacity to participate fully in collaborative learning and to confront unfamiliar problems
• have a set of flexible and transferable skills for different types of employment

Leaders in communities:

• initiate and implement constructive change in their communities, including professions and workplaces
• have excellent interpersonal and decision-making skills, including an awareness of personal strengths and limitations
• mentor future generations of learners
• engage in meaningful public discourse, with a profound awareness of community needs

• value different cultures
• be well-informed citizens able to contribute to their communities wherever they choose to live and work
• have an understanding of the social and cultural diversity in our community
• respect indigenous knowledge, cultures and values

Active global citizens:

• accept social and civic responsibilities
• be advocates for improving the sustainability of the environment
• have a broad global understanding, with a high regard for human rights, equity and ethics

All subjects are taught by distance education, via a consortium of universities known as the Biostatistics Collaboration of Australia (BCA). For further details, see the BCA website: www.bca.edu.au.
Available to International students by distance only.

Mid Year entry is available.