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_moduledesc
ript/index.html
GENERAL INFORMATION
Module name
Introduction to Statistical Computing
Module code
2031
Module Organisers
Tim Collier and Antonio Gasparrini
Contact email
Timothy.Collier@lshtm.ac.uk or Antonio.Gasparrini@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
This module is weighted as equivalent to 10 credits, within the larger 60-credit
Term 1 super-module for each MSc course. Credits are not awarded for this
module individually, but only for successful completion of the Term 1 supermodule.
Accreditation
Not currently accredited by any other body
Keywords
Stata, SAS, R, data management, programming, computing
AIMS, OBJECTIVES AND AUDIENCE
Overall aim
To introduce students to the statistical packages Stata, SAS and R.
Intended learning
outcomes
By the end of this module, for each of Stata, SAS and R, students should:
Target audience
This module is compulsory for the MSc course in Medical Statistics.







Be familiar with the working environments
Be able to assess the strengths and limitations
Be able to create, manage and manipulate data/datasets
Be able to effectively communicate results in tables and figures
Understand good practice for managing data and statistical analysis
Be able to solve problems using use the help facilities
Be able to construct problem specific programs
1
CONTENT
Session content
The module is expected to include sessions addressing the following topics
(though please note that these may be subject to change):



An introduction to the statistical package Stata (9 sessions)
An introduction to the statistical package SAS (5 sessions)
An introduction to the statistical package R (4 sessions)
TEACHING, LEARNING AND ASSESSMENT
Study resources
provided or required
A printed module handbook is provided for each component (Stata, SAS and R).
Example datasets, used for each course, will be made available electronically.
Teaching and learning
methods
Each session will consist of a series of short presentations followed by
supervised computer work. The computer work will involve material that the
students can work through at their own pace during each session followed by
exercises.
Assessment details
There is no specific assessment. However, a number of other modules have
assignments that require the use of Stata, SAS or R.
Assessment dates
N/A
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 10 weeks (including one session during the orientation
week) at 0.5 to 1.5 days per week; this module runs on Tuesdays, Thursdays
and Fridays. Note: timings may vary
Dates
For 2015-16 the module will start on Friday 2 October 2015 and finish on
Friday 18 December 2015
Timetable slot
The module runs in LSHTM timetable slot Term 1
Mode of Study
The module is taught face-to-face in London. Both full-time and part-time
students follow the same schedule.
Learning time
The notional learning time for the module totals 100 hours, consisting of:

Contact time ≈ 45 hours

Directed self-study ≈ 40 hours

Self-directed learning ≈ 15 hours
APPLICATION, ADMISSION AND FEES
Pre-requisites
There are no pre-requisites for this module.
2
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.
Student selection
This module is compulsory for the MSc course in Medical Statistics.
Partial Registration (partial participation) by LSHTM research degree students
is allowed for this module.
Preference will be given to LSHTM MSc students and LSHTM research degree
students. 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.
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 is the end
of Term 1 Orientation Week, Friday 2 October 2015.

If registering specifically for this module, applications may be made at any
time. The School gives priority to the needs of students registering for
Masters and Research Degrees, and so places on any module may be limited
- early application is therefore advised. 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 30 May 2014 by Tim Collier 10th July minor changes Sarah Bathie
London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, Keppel St., London WC1E 7HT.
www.lshtm.ac.uk
3