Fall 2014
Biostatistics II (Regression)
PH 8027 - 85304
Thursdays, 4:30 – 7:00 pm, Sparks Hall 131
INSTRUCTOR:
Ruiyan Luo, PhD
640M One Park Place
(404) 413-1435
rluo@gsu.edu
OFFICE HOURS: Thursday 3:00 -- 4:00 pm, 640M One Park Place, or by appointment.
COURSE DECRIPTION: Prerequisites: PH7017 Public Health Biostatistics or instructor
approval. General topics covered will include simple linear regression, multiple regression,
and logistic regression. Students who successfully complete this course will have a working
knowledge of many analytical methods used regularly by public health researchers. The
course will be taught in a lecture style with a focus on both concepts and practical
application. Some familiarity with either SAS or SPSS is required.
LEARNING OBJECTIVES
Upon completion of this course, students will be able to:
 Utilize advanced statistical regression terminology and concepts within a Public
Health research context.
 Conduct appropriate regression analyses to novel data sets using standard statistical
software (SAS, SPSS).
 Interpret the results of regression analyses.
 Produce biostatistical reports to address selected Public Health-related problems.
Text Book
REQUIRED TEXT:
pper LL, Nizam A, Muller KE (2013) Applied regression analysis and
other multivariable methods, Fifth Edition. Publisher: Cengage Learning.
ISBN-10 1285051084, ISBN-13 978-1285051086
Data sets for this textbook can be found at the following link:
http://www.thomsonedu.com/statistics/discipline_content/dataLibrary.html
OPTIONAL TEXT:
Applied linear statistical models. (5th ed) by Michale H. Kutner, Christopher J. Nachtsheim,
John Neter and William Li
SOFTWARE
Since the required textbook uses SAS, we will primarily focus on the use of SAS. Since this
class emphasizes the use of statistical software for conducting analyses, you need to keep in
mind that you will be required to conduct analyses outside of our designated class time;
therefore, you need to have access to at least one statistical software package that will allow
you to accomplish these analyses.
 Free University Edition for Windows: http://www.sas.com/en_us/software/universityedition.html
 Virtual computing lab: https://vcl.gsu.edu
 Computer lab in SPH, open computer labs on GSU campus.
EMAIL COMMUNICATION
When I send email regarding class information, I will use your GSU student email address.
As such, you need to plan to check your GSU student email account and or forward your
GSU email to an account that you do check on a regular basis. ALL class-related
announcements will be sent to your GSU student email – check it! I will not use any other
email address for official class communications. When you send me an e-mail, please put
PH 8027 and your name on the subject line. If this information is not included in the subject
line, there may be a substantial delay in receiving a response from me.
Desire2Learn
Desire2Learn will be used to post class documents. The Desire2Learn logo is on the GSU
home page. Students are expected to access the information posted on the class web
pages. I will make an effort to inform the class when new information is posted to the class
website; however, you should check the site on a regular basis. The site will have a copy
of the updated syllabus and any changes that occur as we go along, as well as other
relevant class materials including required and recommended readings, assignments,
quizzes and data sets.
Date
TENTATIVE COURSE SCHEDULE
Topic
Textbook
Chapter
1-3
1-4
8/28
Introduction and review
9/4 SAS problems
Introduction and review (revisited), Intro to
assigned
regression
9/11
Correlation/Simple linear regression
5-6
9/18 Homework 1 due
Multiple linear regression / ANOVA tables
7-8
9/25
Testing hypotheses
9
10/2 Test 1 distributed
Types of correlations / Confounding/Interaction
10-11
10/9 Test 1 due
Confounding/Interaction/Dummy variables
11-12
10/16
Regression Diagnostics
14
10/23 Homework 2 due
Polynomial regression/Model selection
15-16
10/30
Logistic regression
22
11/6 Homework 3 due
Logistic regression
11/13
Polytomous and ordinal logistic
23
11/01 Homework 4 due
Poisson regression
11/27 Thanksgiving day NO CLASS
27
12/4 Test 2 distributed
Sample size planning
12/11 Test 2 due
Test 2 DUE no later than 16:30
“The course schedule noted above provides a general plan for the course; deviation may be
necessary.”
SUBMITTING ASSIGNMENTS
Unless otherwise indicated, assignments MUST be submitted in the form of a hard copy
(paper copy) the day (and time) it is due or sooner. You are expected to follow all submission
guidelines included with the assignment, quiz, or test; failure to do so will result in the
automatic deduction of 5 points from that particular assessments point total. So the highest
number of points possible on a 10 point assignment that is not submitted according to
guidelines would be 5 ---- follow the instructions!
VERY IMPORTANT: Unless otherwise noted, there is an expectation that ALL assignments
and tests submitted for a grade be the product of your own efforts.
GRADING & OTHER CLASS POLICIES
Grading Summary
Assessment
4 Assignments
2 Tests
Points per
10
25+35
Total Points
40
60
Completion Dates
9/18,10/23,11/6,11/1
10/9,12/11
Each test, quiz or assignment has been assigned a certain number of points as noted in the
above table. Points earned from each assignment will be summed in order to determine your
final point total for the semester. Final Grades will then be determined based on the following
point ranges:
94 – 100 = A
90 – 93.9 = A87 – 89.9 = B+
84 – 86.9 = B
80 – 83.9 = B77 – 79.9 = C+
74 – 76.9 = C
70 – 73.9 = C60 – 69.9 = D
Below 60 = F

Test 1 (25 points) &Test 2 (35 points): There will be two take-home tests: Test 1
will be distributed on October 2nd and will be due at the beginning of class on
October 9th. This test will include content covered from chapter 1 through chapter
10. Test 2 will be distributed on December 4th and will be due no later than
4:30pm on December 11th. This test will include content covered from 10/2 (chapter
11) to 12/5. Although each test will cover relatively new material, it is important to
remember that material covered earlier in the course will remain relevant to concepts
covered later in the course. In addition, at least one section of each test will require
you to analyze data using the statistical software of your choice. It is expected that all
portions of the test, including data analysis using software, be the product of your
own efforts. Giving or receiving help on a test is considered unauthorized
collaboration. If you have questions or get stuck in the course of completing a test, I
encourage you to seek help from me.

4 Homework Assignments (10 points each): Homework assignments will be
distributed in class at least one week prior to the due date listed on the class
schedule. These assignments will involve some calculations but will primarily focus
on using statistical software to obtain analyses in order to address specific questions
regarding the techniques covered in the preceding class periods. Specific information
and instructions will be provided with each homework assignment. Although it is
acceptable for you to work together when running the analyses needed for the
assignments, responses to homework questions should be the product of your own
efforts.
Make-up Tests & Late Assignments: Since the tests and assignments are of the takehome variety, NO make-up tests or assignments will be offered. Given that you will have
assignments ahead of time and that you will have a one week window to complete the tests,
the expectation is that these assignments and tests be submitted according to the schedule
noted on the syllabus. Extensions for either the homework assignments or tests will
NOT be granted except in the case of an officially documented emergency situation
(e.g. a doctor’s note, a letter from your academic advisor, a letter from your employer, etc.).
Let’s be clear, failure to complete and submit tests and assignments on the scheduled date
by the designated time will result in loss of points on that particular assignment or test. Once
the due date and time have passed, 5 points will automatically be deducted from the
total point for each day that the assignment is late. For example, if an assignment worth
10 points is due on 9/13 and you do not turn it in until 9/14, the highest number of points you
could possibly receive for the assignment would be 5….two days late, 0 points… Turn in
things when they are due!!!
Class Attendance: Attendance at each class meeting is extremely important and is highly
related to overall success in the course. Really, it is! Although I have chosen not to grade
class attendance directly, I would like to emphasize that regular attendance and participation
is to your benefit. You will note that many important events take place during class time
(quizzes, assignments, tests, presentation of content, review information, etc.). In some
cases, missing a class may mean a grade of zero on a quiz, test or assignment. If you miss
class, you are responsible for obtaining information about the course content and any
other class activities that took place during the missed class from one of your fellow
classmates. Be aware of all make-up policies.
Arriving on Time: Class is scheduled to begin at 1:00pm, you should plan to arrive ON
TIME!! It is extremely disruptive for students to enter the classroom once class has already
started.
How to be successful in this course:
1. Come to every class and be on time. If you miss class or come in late, you will be missing
an important learning opportunity. In addition, arriving late is disruptive to everyone.
2. Be attentive for the 2.5 hours we are in class. This means, no checking email, searching
the internet, texting, or otherwise engaging in activities that take your attention away from
what is happening in class. I normally take a short break about half way through class;
engage in these activities during that time.
3. Try problems at the end of each chapter. Doing the practice problems is an important way
for you to learn the material and determine your level of understanding.
4. Keep up with the reading and practice problems – don’t try to cram. What more can I say?
5. Don’t be afraid to ask questions before, during, and after class. I am here to help you and
facilitate your learning; my ability to do this is much greater if I know what problems you are
having.
6. If you ever feel lost, you probably are – ask for help SOONER rather than later. Waiting
until the last few weeks of class may lead to an unwanted outcome (i.e., lower grade).
Withdrawal Periods and Grades of W and WF
During registration: When the registration system is open to students at the beginning of
each semester, students may drop or add classes using PAWS. When a class is dropped
during this period, no grade is recorded and no record of the student’s being enrolled in the
class appears on the student’s transcript. Registration ends at the end of the first week of
classes.
After registration and before the midpoint of the semester: During this period, students
may make a voluntary withdrawal from a class or classes using PAWS. Students will receive
a grade of W or WF for any class dropped during this period depending on whether or not
they have exceeded their limit of withdrawals with a grade of W. Specifically, students will
automatically be awarded a W if they have not exceeded their limit and a WF if they have.
Grades of W and WF appear on the student’s transcript. (Note: A grade of WF is treated as
an F for GPA calculation purposes.) NOTE: Students cannot make a voluntary withdrawal
after the midpoint. For more information, consult the Student Advisement Center or Office of
Academic Assistance in your college.
Incompletes: A student will be given the grade I only if nonacademic circumstances beyond
the student’s control prevent the student from completing a small segment of the course—
e.g. the final examination/test. For a student to receive the grade of I, he/she must be doing
satisfactory work (an average grade of C or better) up to the point that he/she could not
continue. Arrangements must be made with instructor to remove the I within one semester.
Students with Disabilities: Students who wish to request accommodation for a disability
may do so by registering with the Office of Disability Services. Students may only be
accommodated upon issuance by the Office of Disability Services of a signed
Accommodation Plan and are responsible for providing a copy of that plan to instructors of all
classes in which an accommodation is sought.” [Office of Disability Services is located in the
Student Center, Suite 230]
Academic Honesty: All students at this University are expected to engage in academic
pursuits on their own with complete honesty and integrity. Any student found guilty of
dishonesty in any phase of academic work will be subject to disciplinary action. The
complete Academic Honesty policy is located in the GSU Graduate Catalog:
http://www.gsu.edu/enrollment/catalogs.html, Sec. 1350. Students and faculty are expected
to review the policy on academic honesty.
Courtesy: Courteous behavior is an essential component for creating a positive learning
environment for everyone (students and instructors). Alas, turn OFF cell phones and other
electronic devices when you come to class. Using cell phones or other similar devices
(including laptops or classroom computers for ANY non-class related activities) during class
is disruptive and extremely discourteous. If you find yourself in a situation that requires
(e.g., work requirement, medical reason – your own or a family member) you to make use of
a cell phone (or some other device) during class time, let me know BEFORE class starts and
sit in a location that will allow you to unobtrusively leave the classroom to answer a call. In
addition, the following behaviors should be avoided: excessive tardiness, leaving and
entering class frequently without notifying the instructor of extenuating circumstances, and
disruptive personal conversations with other class members. Violation of these common
courtesies is grounds for dismissal from the course. [Faculty Handbook, Section 401.
Disruptive Student Behavior Policy]
Student Assessment of the Course: “Your constructive assessment of this course plays an
indispensable role in shaping education at Georgia State. Upon completing the course,
please take the time to fill out the online course evaluation.”
“The course syllabus provides a general plan for the course; deviation may be necessary.”