Module Specification
An online version of this specification is available to prospective students at
http://www.lshtm.ac.uk/study/currentstudents/studentinformation/msc_module_handbook/section3_moduledescript/in
dex.html
GENERAL INFORMATION
Module name
Generalised Linear Models
Module code
2462
Module Organiser
Dr Jonathan Bartlett
Contact email
jonathan.bartlett@lshtm.ac.uk
Home Faculty
Faculty of Epidemiology & Population Health
Level
This module is at Level 7 (postgraduate Masters ‘M’ level) of the QAA
Framework for Higher Education Qualifications in England, Wales & Northern
Ireland (FHEQ)
Credit
LSHTM award 15 credits on successful completion of this module
Accreditation
Not currently accredited by any other body
Keywords
(in alphabetical order; main in bold) Epidemiology, Statistics (statistical
methodology); Quantitative methods
AIMS, OBJECTIVES AND AUDIENCE
Overall aim
To equip students with the necessary skills to (i) understand the principles of
Generalised Linear Modelling, and (ii) be able to analyse data using Generalised
Linear Models.
Intended learning
outcomes
By the end of this module, students should be able to:



Target audience
demonstrate an understanding of the theoretical basis of Generalised
Linear Models;
use Generalised Linear Models for analysis of discrete data;
present results clearly and accurately in a structured report, such as might
form the basis of a report by a statistical consultant.
This module is intended for people with both mathematical (up to first year
undergraduate level) and statistical background (undergraduate degree level in
joint mathematics/statistics for example) intending to pursue a career in
medical statistics
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CONTENT
Session content
The module includes sessions addressing the following topics (though please
note that these may be subject to change):

Formalisation of Generalised Linear Models

Log likelihood and deviance

Comparison of nested regression models

Logistic regression for binary data

Ordinal and multinomial logistic regression

Poisson regression for rates

Model selection strategies

Model checking and assessment of model performance

Application of logistic regression to prospective and case-control studies

Conditional logistic regression for matched case-control studies
TEACHING, LEARNING AND ASSESSMENT
Study resources
provided or required
Students are provided with a course manual, containing a fuller explanation of
the topics covered in the lectures, together with practical exercises.
Course books:
Dobson, A. J. (2008) An introduction to Generalised Linear Models. Chapman and
Hall
McCullagh, P. and Nelder J. A. (1989) Generalised Linear Models. Chapman and
Hall
Collett, D. (2002) Modelling Binary Data. Chapman and Hall.
Teaching and learning
methods
Learning will generally be based on relevant computer practicals.
Approximately half of the contact time will be spent in the form of practicals.
Assessment details
Students will carry out one assessment, consisting of an analysis of data
together with submission of a report, which carries 15 credits.
For students who are required to re-sit, or granted a deferral or new attempt,
the task will be a data analysis report of which you will have two weeks to
complete the task.
For students sitting for the MSc in Medical Statistics, the course material will
additionally be examined in Paper 2 in the June examination.
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Assessment dates
The assessment will be set on Tuesday 26 January 2016 after the afternoon
practical session on that day. The deadline will be noon on Friday 12 February
2016.
For students who are required to re-sit, or granted a deferral or new attempt,
the next assessment deadline will be the standard School-recommended date in
mid/late September 2016.
Language of study and
assessment
English (please see ‘English language requirements’ below regarding the
standard required for entry).
TIMING AND MODE OF STUDY
Duration
The module runs for 5 weeks at 2 days per week. This module runs between
Monday morning and Tuesday afternoon; there are no sessions on Wednesdays
Dates
For 2015-16, the module will start on Monday 11 January 2016 and finish on
Tuesday 9 February 2016, with the assessment deadline on Friday 12 February
2016.
Timetable slot
The module runs in LSHTM timetable slot C1
Mode of Study
The module is taught face-to-face in London. Both full-time and part-time
students follow the same schedule. For full-time students, other LSHTM
modules are available in the other half of the week for the C and D slots.
Learning time
The notional learning time for the module totals 150 hours, consisting of:

Contact time ≈ 50 hours

Directed self-study ≈ 60 hours

Self-directed learning ≈ 10 hours

Assessment, review and revision ≈ 30 hours
APPLICATION, ADMISSION AND FEES
Pre-requisites
A knowledge of linear regression, analysis of variance, likelihood theory and
simple methods of analysing quantitative and categorical data is essential.
English language
requirements
A strong command of the English language is necessary to benefit from
studying the module. Applicants whose first language is not English or whose
prior university studies have not been conducted wholly in English must fulfil
LSHTM’s English language requirements, with an acceptable score in an
approved test taken in the two years prior to entry. Applicants may be asked to
take a test even if the standard conditions have been met.
Student numbers
Student numbers are typically 30 per year; numbers may be capped due to
limitations in facilities or staffing.
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Student selection
Preference will be given to LSHTM MSc students; this course is compulsory for
students studying for the MSc Medical Statistics. Other applicants meeting the
entry criteria will usually be offered a place in the order applications are
received, until any cap on numbers is reached. Applicants may be placed on a
waiting list and given priority the next time the module is run.
Partial Registration (partial participation) by LSHTM research degree students
is allowed for this module.
Fees
For registered LSHTM MSc students, fees for the module are included within
MSc fees (given on individual course prospectus pages).
If registering specifically for this module, as a stand-alone short course,
individual module fees will apply.
Tuition fees must be paid in full before commencing the module, or by any fee
deadline set by the Registry.
Scholarships
Scholarships are not available for individual modules. Some potential sources
of funding are detailed on the LSHTM website.
Admission deadlines
For 2015-16:

For registered LSHTM MSc students, the module choice deadline (for Term,
2 and 3 modules) is Friday 20 November 2015.

If registering specifically for this module, applications may be made at any
time. However, as places are limited, early application is recommended.
All applications should be submitted by, at latest, 8 weeks prior to the start
of the module. Formal registration will take place on the morning of the
first day of the module.
ABOUT THIS DOCUMENT
This module specification applies for the academic year 2015-16
Last revised 21 July 2015 by Jonathan Bartlett
London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, Keppel St., London WC1E 7HT.
www.lshtm.ac.uk
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