STMSE-Statistics and Epidemiology

Module Provider: Mathematics and Statistics
Number of credits: 10 [5 ECTS credits]
Level:7
Terms in which taught: Autumn term module
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded:
Module version for: 2016/7

Email: m.f.baksh@reading.ac.uk

Summary module description:
This module provides an introduction to statistics and epidemiology with a focus on nutrition and food sciences.

Aims:
This module provides an introduction to statistical methods. The objective is to introduce students to key issues in the design of research studies in the nutrition sector; and to expose them to a range of relevant, but quite specific, techniques for analysis and interpretation of data.

Assessable learning outcomes:
On completion of this module students will be able to:
•apply techniques to summarise and present data effectively,
•apply relevant techniques to analyse data and interpret the results,
•use an appropriate software package to analyse data and interpret the results,
•identify the important concepts of study design and hypothesis generation,
•describe the aetiology of disease, and identify and make distinctions between association and
causation,
•explain important aspects of epidemiology and population effects,
•analyse data and interpret results arising from epidemiological and intervention studies,
•identify appropriate sample sizes.

Additional outcomes:

Outline content:
Data and its description using tabular and graphical methods
Statistical computing using an appropriate package
Analysis of data - means, variances, confidence intervals, hypothesis tests, regression, ANOVA and Blocked Designs
Key issues in study design - objective setting, research hypotheses
Epidemiology - case-control and cohort studies and their analysis
Other topics - intervention studies, sample size calculations, causation.

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:
Lectures supported by PC practicals, self-study material and problem sheets.

Other information on summative assessment:
Two assignments and one examination paper.

Formative assessment methods:
Practical classes, tutorials and problem sheets.

Penalties for late submission:
Penalties for late submission on this module are in accordance with the University policy. Please refer to page 5 of the Postgraduate Guide to Assessment for further information: http://www.reading.ac.uk/internal/exams/student/exa-guidePG.aspx

Length of examination:
2 hours

Requirements for a pass:
A mark of at least 50% overall.

Reassessment arrangements:
One examination paper of 2 hours duration in August/September - the resit module mark will be the higher of the exam mark (100% exam) and the exam mark plus previous coursework marks (80% exam, 20% coursework).

Additional Costs (specified where applicable):
1) Required text books:
2) Specialist equipment or materials:
3) Specialist clothing, footwear or headgear:
4) Printing and binding:
5) Computers and devices with a particular specification:
6) Travel, accommodation and subsistence:

Last updated: 21 December 2016