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DRPS : Course Catalogue : Deanery of Molecular, Genetic and Population Health Sciences : Public Health Research

Postgraduate Course: Statistical Modelling for Public Health (PUHR11102)

Course Outline
SchoolDeanery of Molecular, Genetic and Population Health Sciences CollegeCollege of Medicine and Veterinary Medicine
Credit level (Normal year taken)SCQF Level 11 (Postgraduate)
Course typeOnline Distance Learning AvailabilityAvailable to all students
SCQF Credits10 ECTS Credits5
SummaryThis online course describes the main principles of statistical modelling and introduces three types of model commonly used in epidemiological studies: linear regression, logistic regression and survival analysis.
Course description This online course is designed to help students who have already studied the common statistical methods for 1 and 2 group comparisons increase their knowledge and practical skills by introducing the principles and practice of statistical modelling. Three main types of model will be described (linear, logistic and survival models), drawing out both the unique features and similarities, as well as discussing good practice in diagnostic model checking, variable selection and model building (general topics applicable to any type of model fitting process).

Topics to be covered include:
- simple and multifactorial linear models, including ANOVA models
- binary logistic regression
- Kaplan-Meier plots and log-rank tests
- Cox proportional hazards model
- methods for assessing appropriate formats for including explanatory variables
- variable selection methods
- diagnostic methods
Entry Requirements (not applicable to Visiting Students)
Pre-requisites Co-requisites
Prohibited Combinations Other requirements None
Information for Visiting Students
Pre-requisitesNone
Course Delivery Information
Not being delivered
Learning Outcomes
On completion of this course, the student will be able to:
  1. Match model type (linear regression, logistic regression or survival analysis) to outcome data and understand underlying assumptions
  2. Fit models and check underlying assumptions
  3. Think critically about and use statistical models to solve epidemiological problems
  4. Use statistical software confidently and interpret and communicate model output
  5. Autonomously undertake your own statistical modelling
Reading List
None
Additional Information
Graduate Attributes and Skills The skills developed by this course are key for most types of epidemiological enquiry, and thus fall broadly under the overarching Enquiry and Lifelong Learning attribute. In particular, the core tasks of analysis and project work involve problem solving, critical thinking and evaluation, which map closely to the Research and Enquiry cluster. However, this will also foster Personal and Intellectual Autonomy, contributing to the student's ability to conceive, design, execute and interpret epidemiological research.
KeywordsStatistics,statistical methods,R,modelling,regression,linear,logistic,survival analysis
Contacts
Course organiserDr Niall Anderson
Tel: (0131 6)50 3212
Email: Niall.Anderson@ed.ac.uk
Course secretaryMs Charlotte Munden
Tel: (0131 6)51 318
Email: cmunden2@ed.ac.uk
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