Module Provider: |
School of Applied Statistics |
Number of credits: |
20 [10 ECTS credits] |
Level: |
I (Intermediate) |
Terms in which taught: |
Autumn, Spring and Summer |
Module Convenor: |
Dr
KL
Ayres |
Pre-requisites: |
AS1A AS1B
|
Co-requisites: |
AS2A AS2B
|
Modules excluded: |
|
Current from: |
2005/6 |
Aims:
In this module statistical methods for medical studies that involve human subjects are considered. Broadly speaking, such studies can be divided into two groups: observational and experimental. Methodology for the design and analysis of both types of studies will be presented. In both cases ethical considerations prompt the use of special techniques.
Epidemiology is concerned with the health of human populations. Observational studies known as case-control and cohort studies are used to investigate patterns of health and disease occurrence and the factors that influence these patterns. In contrast, clinical trials are planned experiments involving humans. Important and controversial issues include patient randomisation, blinding, sequential experimentation and the use of meta-analysis.
This module will be particularly useful for students considering a placement year in the pharmaceutical industry or a medical institute.
The aims of this course are to provide students with:
an understanding of the role of statistics in medical research;
familiarity with ethical issues relevant to medical studies;
a grounding in the different types of epidemiological and clinical studies most commonly used;
skills in the practical implementation of simple statistical methods appropriate to particular study types. |
Assessable learning outcomes:
At the end of the module students will be able to:
calculate and interpret summary statistics commonly used in epidemiology;
identify different study designs and explain their advantages and disadvantages;
analyse data from a medical study, using simple statistical methods, and be able to interpret the results;
discuss the ethical issues involved in conducting medical studies;
prepare a study protocol;
implement simple randomisation methods;
calculate the required sample size for a study. |
Additional outcomes:
|
Outline content:
Introduction to epidemiology.
Epidemiological study designs: cross-sectional, cohort, case-control.
Methods of analysis for epidemiological studies.
Introduction to clinical trials.
Randomisation, blinding and ethical considerations.
Study design and analysis
Special topics in clinical trials: cross-over trials, sequential methods, meta-analysis, bio-equivalence.
Recommended reading:
Ashton, J. (Ed.) (1994). The Epidemiological Imagination. Open University Press.
Lilienfeld, D.E. (1994). Foundations of Epidemiology. O.U.P.
Pocock, S.J. (1983). Clinical Trials: A Practical Approach. Wiley.
Matthews, J.N.S. (2000). An Introduction to Randomized Controlled Clinical Trials. Arnold. |
Brief description of teaching
and learning methods:
A mixture of lectures and practical classes. |
Contact hours:
| |
Autumn |
Spring |
Summer |
| Lectures |
13 |
12 |
2 |
| Tutorials/seminars |
2 |
4 |
3 |
| Practicals |
5 |
4 |
3 |
| Other contact (eg study visits) |
|
|
|
| |
|
|
|
| Total hours |
20 |
20 |
8 |
| |
|
|
|
| Number of essays or assignments |
1 |
2 |
|
| Other (eg major seminar paper) |
|
|
|
Assessment:
Coursework
Four assignments
Relative percentage of coursework: 30%
Penalties for late submission of course work will be in accordance with University policy.
Examination
One paper of three hours duration
Relative percentage of examination
70%
Requirement for a Pass
An overall mark of at least 40%
Re-assessment
One examination paper of 3 hours duration |
|
Page last updated 27/Apr/2005
|
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