University of Technology Sydney

95728 Introduction to Health Statistics

Warning: The information on this page is indicative. The subject outline for a particular session, location and mode of offering is the authoritative source of all information about the subject for that offering. Required texts, recommended texts and references in particular are likely to change. Students will be provided with a subject outline once they enrol in the subject.

Subject handbook information prior to 2024 is available in the Archives.

UTS: Health
Credit points: 6 cp
Result type: Grade and marks

There are course requisites for this subject. See access conditions.

Recommended studies:

36200 Arguments, Evidence and Intuition

Description

The correct use and interpretation of data is important for planning and decision making in public health and the health system. Students undertaking this subject establish the knowledge and skills required to analyse and interpret health data, and to critically evaluate the results of epidemiological studies. This subject covers the most common statistical concepts and tests used in health science including descriptive and inferential statistics. Learning in the subject focuses on the interpretation of output and the appropriate use of methods of analysis rather than computing or programming skills. On completion of this subject, students are able to select the appropriate statistical analyses taking research questions and study designs into account.

Subject learning objectives (SLOs)

Upon successful completion of this subject students should be able to:
A. Construct and explain research questions to enable responsible and ethical decision making and research in public health
B. Compare and contrast different types of statistical analysis
C. Perform and interpret basic statistical analyses using a statistical software package
D. Communicate the results of statistical analyses

Course intended learning outcomes (CILOs)

This subject also contributes specifically to the following graduate attributes:

  • Analyse and contextualise complex data including statistical information in public health. (1.1)
  • Translate and communicate knowledge and research effectively to various audiences. (3.3)
  • Demonstrates critical thinking in the development and practice of public health. (5.1)
  • Assess and evaluate the relevance and quality of research in the context of specific health issues and populations. (5.3)

Teaching and learning strategies

This subject adopts a blended learning approach with a focus on theory and practical application. Students will gain a theoretical knowledge of concepts relevant to health statistics in online material including lectures. In addition to preparing for on-campus tutorials, online material will also provide students with learning activities to deepen their understanding of health statistics and its application. Students are expected to complete all online activities. On-campus tutorials focus on the practical application of concepts, including the usage of appropriate statistical software packages, giving students an opportunity to immediately apply their knowledge. Students will be supported throughout the subject with an activity book guiding their learning. It is expected that students will spend approx. 10 – 12 hour per week to complete all learning material including self-directed learning, participate in on-campus activities and complete assessment tasks.

Assessments in the subject allow students to test their knowledge of critical concepts and to apply their knowledge using realistic data sets. Students will receive individual feedback from instructors for each assessment items as well as a mix of individual and general feedback in tutorials and online material throughout the session including self-check quizzes.

Content (topics)

  • Types of variables and data
  • Descriptive statistics
  • Statistical inference
  • Analysis of categorical and continuous data
  • Simple and multiple linear regression

Assessment

Assessment task 1: Quizzes (in class)

Intent:

This assessment provides students with the opportunity to demonstrate and receive feedback on their understanding of concepts taught in the subject.

Objective(s):

This assessment task addresses subject learning objective(s):

A and B

This assessment task contributes to the development of graduate attribute(s):

1.1

Type: Quiz/test
Groupwork: Individual
Weight: 40%
Criteria:

Further instructions including criteria for marking are available on Canvas.

Assessment task 2: Data Analysis (Data Set Preparation and Data Cleaning)

Intent:

This assessment is designed to consolidate students’ learning through applying concepts and best-practice approaches in preparing and cleaning a dataset.

Objective(s):

This assessment task addresses subject learning objective(s):

A and C

This assessment task contributes to the development of graduate attribute(s):

1.1 and 5.1

Type: Case study
Groupwork: Individual
Weight: 20%
Length:

Students must use the template provided on Canvas and follow the instructions. There is no word or page limit for this assessment.

Criteria:

Assessment guidelines and marking criteria will detail the assessment requirements further and will be made available in Canvas.

Assessment task 3: Data Analysis (Case Study)

Intent:

This assessment is designed to consolidate students’ learning through applying concepts and best practice in a case study.

Objective(s):

This assessment task addresses subject learning objective(s):

A, B, C and D

This assessment task contributes to the development of graduate attribute(s):

1.1, 3.3, 5.1 and 5.3

Type: Case study
Groupwork: Individual
Weight: 40%
Length:

Students must use the template provided on Canvas and follow the instructions. There is no word or page limit for this assessment.

Criteria:

Assessment guidelines and marking criteria will detail the assessment requirements further and will be made available in Canvas.

Required texts

There are no required texts for this subject other than those integrated and available through Canvas.

Recommended texts

Pezzullo, J.C. (2013) Biostatistics for dummies. Hoboken, John Wiley & Sons Inc.

All relevant texts are integrated in Canvas. However, Biostatistics For Dummies is a great resource that provides plain-English explanations of techniques and clinical examples to help; serves as an excellent course supplement for those struggling with the complexities of biostatistics; and tracks to a typical, introductory biostatistics course. This book it is available online via the UTS Library.

Other resources

UTS Student Centre
Building 10

Monday to Friday: 9am - 5pm
Tel: 1300 ASK UTS (1300 275 887)

Details for student centres: www.uts.edu.au/current-students/contacts/general-contacts

For other resources/ information refer to the Faculty of Health website (www.uts.edu.au/about/faculty-health) and Canvas at: https://canvas.uts.edu.au/.

UTS Library
The Library has a wide range of resources, facilities and services to support you including textbooks, subject readings, health literature databases, workshops and bookable study rooms. There is also a team of librarians to help you with your questions available via online chat, phone and in person. W: lib.uts.edu.au, Facebook: utslibrary, Twitter: @utslibrary Tel: (02) 9514 3666.

Improve your academic and English language skills
Marks for all assessment tasks such as assignments and examinations are given not only for what you write but also for how you write. If you would like the opportunity to improve your academic and English language skills, make an appointment with the HELPS (Higher Education Language & Presentation Support) Service in Student Services.

HELPS (Higher Education Language & Presentation Support)
HELPS provides assistance with English language proficiency and academic language. Students who need to develop their written and/or spoken English should make use of the free services offered by HELPS, including academic language workshops, vacation intensive courses, drop-in consultations, individual appointments and Conversations@UTS (www.ssu.uts.edu.au/helps). HELPS staff are also available for drop-in consultations at the UTS Library. Phone (02) 9514 9733.

Please see www.uts.edu.au for additional information on other resources provided to students by UTS.

The Accessibility and Financial Assistance Service
The Accessibility Service can support students with disabilities, medical or mental health conditions, including temporary injuries (e.g., broken limbs). The Accessibility Service works with Academic Liaison Officers in each Faculty to provide ‘reasonable adjustments’ such as exam provisions, assistive technology, requests and strategies for managing your studies alongside your health condition. If you’re unsure whether you need assistance, we recommend getting in touch early and we can provide advice on how our service can assist you. Make an appointment with an Accessibility Consultant (AC) on +61 2 9514 1177 or Accessibility@uts.edu.au.

The Financial Assistance Service can assist you with financial aspects of life at university, including Centrelink information, tax returns and budgeting, interest-free student loans and grants to assist with course-related costs. Check eligibility and apply online and make an appointment on +61 2 9514 1177 or Financial.assistance@uts.edu.au.