Biostatistics

The Masters degree provides you with a sound understanding of the theory and application of biostatistics relevant to professional practice.

You will acquire skills and experience in complex statistical analyses, identifying and implementing appropriate statistical methodology, communicating biostatistical results and understanding biostatistical results and understanding biostatistical literature.

This program develops the technical skills for you to commence a professional career as a biostatistician.Units in this degree are offered in conjunction with partner universities in the Biostatistics Collaboration of Australia (BCA), a consortium of leading universities in Australia established to jointly develop and deliver a distance-based program in Biostatistics.

Structure

The course is structured in two parts: Part A. Core Biostatistics studies and Part B. Advanced practice studies. All students complete Part A and Part B.

Part A. Core biostatistics studies

These studies will provide you with the core epidemiological, mathematical and statistical foundations required for biostatistical practice and study of advanced biostatistical methods. Part A units provide theoretical and practical experience in calculus, probability distributions, computing and statistical inference and are followed by applications of these principles to fundamental study areas for biostatistics such as clinical trials and regression modelling.

Part B. Advanced practice studies

These studies involve two core units plus one or two elective units. The first core unit is survival analysis, which synthesises and extends the statistical and practical foundations in the Part A units. The second core and the capstone biostatistics practical project unit extends students’ knowledge and skills developed in Part A units into a specific practical research problem guided by a professional biostatistician, enabling a rich work experience opportunity. Students can choose between 6 and 12 credit point options for the practical project, and correspondingly choose either one or two advanced topic electives.

The course progression map provides guidance on unit enrolment for each semester of study.

Qualifications

An Australian undergraduate honours degree (or equivalent) in mathematics or statistics

OR

A Graduate Diploma of Biostatistics from Monash University or another university in the Biostatistics Collaboration of Australia or equivalent as deemed by the Faculty.

OR

An Australian undergraduate Bachelors degree (or equivalent) in science, psychology, medicine, pharmacy, nursing, health sciences or a quantitative discipline, plus a minimum of one year of full-time equivalent experience in clinical/health research or in a quantitative sector (e.g. engineering). Students without this background are encouraged to enrol in the Graduate Diploma in Biostatistics.

English requirements

Applicants must also meet the English language requirements.

University entrance requirements

Minimum entrance requirements for admission to Monash University Australia.

Learning outcomes

These course outcomes are aligned with the Australian Qualifications Framework level 9 and Monash Graduate Attributes.

Upon successful completion of this course it is expected that you will be able to:

1.

integrate a sound understanding of epidemiological study design principles with the theory and application of the major areas of biostatistics relevant to professional practice

2.

synthesise biostatistical knowledge with critical analysis and expert judgment to autonomously propose and implement an appropriate statistical design and/or analysis methodology for addressing practical problems in clinical/health research

3.

combine statistical theory with ethical considerations to devise strategies for collection and management of complex data, and for application of quality control procedures

4.

consolidate knowledge, current research and computing skills to perform complex analyses for a variety of practical problems using modern statistical techniques and software

5.

effectively communicate theoretical and practical biostatistical issues with clinical/health personnel and present statistical results in a format suitable for publication in health-related journals or professional reports

6.

critically reflect on and evaluate methodological research papers in the biostatistical literature and apply the methods described therein to practical problems

7.

integrate biostatistical knowledge, expert judgement and autonomy to display an array of problem-solving skills in biostatistics, characterised by an adaptability of approach

8.

apply professional codes of conduct and ethical standards such as those of the Statistical Society of Australia

9.

synthesise knowledge, technical skills and implementation of best-practice methods to commence professional careers as biostatisticians and/or to progress to further postgraduate research studies.