Course unit details:
Tutorials in Advanced Statistics
Unit code | IIDS67612 |
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Credit rating | 15 |
Unit level | FHEQ level 7 – master's degree or fourth year of an integrated master's degree |
Teaching period(s) | Semester 2 |
Available as a free choice unit? | No |
Overview
This module will provide the opportunity for students to aid their development as a Health Data Scientist by exploring the literature on advanced statistical topics. The topics covered are highly relevant for advanced understanding and practice of health research and Health Data Science, for example, Machine learning in clinical prediction models, Meta-analysis and evidence synthesis, and Analysis of longitudinal data. The module is delivered by academics who are active researchers in the areas that they are teaching on and students will be encouraged to access, read, appraise and discuss recently published research. Running through all the topics will be the principles of good study design and sound statistical thinking.
Aims
The unit aims to:
- Consolidate and build on the fundamental statistical content in Semester 1 modules
- Explore advanced statistical topics
- Foster statistical thinking
- Enable students to engage with and critically appraise published research
- Promote reasoned discussion and respectful debate
- Develop group working and presentation skills
Teaching and learning methods
This module promotes learning through engagement with the research literature on advanced statistical topics. The twice-weekly face-to-face sessions will be used to introduce substantive topics, highlight specific areas of the literature and explore the background to important research questions. However, the key focus of these face-to-face sessions will be to facilitate discussion and debate on current statistical research questions, as well as to scaffold literature-based individual or group tasks and, subsequently, to allow students to deliver their findings, for example via group presentations. The aim is for students to feel equipped to actively participate in ongoing statistical debates and to be able to understand and probe different views in current areas of methodological controversy. To encourage participation from all students, and in particular to allow non-verbal participation in discussions, electronic tools such as Google Jamboard will be available.
Wherever possible, sessions will be captured and made available to watch online. Online tutor support will be available via blackboard and email. Office hours with course leaders (face-to-face and/or online) will also help ensure the availability of academic staff for student support.
Knowledge and understanding
- Describe and identify common statistical issues in health research
- Explain key methodological ideas related to the substantive statistical topics covered
Intellectual skills
- Apply methodological understanding when designing research studies
- Critically appraise research studies
Practical skills
- Access and extract relevant information from research publications
- Apply reporting guidelines to research studies and use critical appraisal tools
Transferable skills and personal qualities
- Work collaboratively in a group
- Consider a range of different viewpoints
- Effectively communicate findings in presentations and written work
Employability skills
- Group/team working
- Work collaboratively in a group
- Written communication
- communicate findings clearly in written reports and presentations
Assessment methods
Assessment task | Length | How and when feedback is provided | Weighting within unit (if relevant) |
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Summative 1 × individual coursework assignment with written report The assignment will involve engagement with the research literature. For example, it could include performing a critical appraisal of and/or a risk of bias assessment on a published article. It is envisaged that there will be one question/task in the assignment related to each of three substantive topics in the module. | Approx., 3000-4500 words | Scores and written feedback will be made to students after marking | 100% |
Formative Formative feedback will primarily be provided in the face-to-face sessions. Verbal feedback will be provided as part of facilitation of discussions and debates. Feedback on student group presentations will include elements of both tutor feedback and peer feedback. | NA | During face-to-face sessions, verbally and via written comments (e.g. on Jamboard) | NA |
Feedback methods
Formative feedback will primarily be provided in the face-to-face sessions. Verbal feedback will be provided as part of facilitation of discussions and debates. Feedback on student group presentations will include elements of both tutor feedback and peer feedback
Study hours
Scheduled activity hours | |
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Lectures | 4 |
Practical classes & workshops | 30 |
Independent study hours | |
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Independent study | 116 |
Teaching staff
Staff member | Role |
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Jamie Christopher Sergeant | Unit coordinator |