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
Advanced Statistical Methods in Epidemiology
Module code
2412
Module Organisers
Richard Hayes and Tim Clayton
Contact email
Richard.Hayes@lshtm.ac.uk or Tim.Clayton@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
Epidemiology (incl. surveillance), Statistics (incl. risk assessment),
Quantitative methods, Communicable diseases (in general), Noncommunicable diseases (in general)
AIMS, OBJECTIVES AND AUDIENCE
Overall aim
To enable students to understand, apply and interpret the results of a range of
advanced techniques for the design and analysis of epidemiological studies
Intended learning
outcomes
By the end of this module, students should be able to:
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Target audience
Select, apply and interpret the results of regression methods for the
analysis of case-control and cohort studies, using appropriate computer
software;
Plan a strategy of analysis for an epidemiological dataset, using an
appropriate choice of methods;
Appreciate the effects of correlated data on epidemiological analysis, and
the use of statistical methods which take account of such correlations;
Interpret and criticise the statistical methodology presented in published
epidemiological papers.
This is an advanced module intended for students with a strong grasp of
quantitative methods, who have successfully completed the module in
Statistical Methods in Epidemiology (2402).
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CONTENT
Session content
The module is expected to include sessions addressing the following topics
(though please note that these may be subject to change):
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Regression methods for case-control studies:
Unconditional and conditional logistic regression
Regression methods for cohort studies and survival analysis:
Stratifying on time
Poisson regression
Cox regression
Further issues in the analysis of cohort studies
Analysis of correlated data:
Random effects models
Generalised estimating equations
Design and analysis of cluster-randomized trials
Miscellaneous topics:
Causal diagrams
Attributable fractions
Additive and multiplicative models
Analysis of quantitative data
Missing data
Strategies of analysis
TEACHING, LEARNING AND ASSESSMENT
Study resources
provided or required
Course manual including lecture notes, lecture slides, other relevant material,
practicals.
Teaching and learning
methods
New methods will be introduced in lectures followed by practicals. Examples
will be taken from studies in both high income and low/middle income
countries. The majority of practicals will be computer practicals based on
analysis of epidemiological datasets using the package Stata. New databases
will be introduced as well as the reanalysis of datasets used in Statistical
Methods in Epidemiology to illustrate the additional flexibility provided by
regression techniques. Contact time will be divided between lectures,
computer practicals, small group discussions and private study.
Assessment details
Written report (no more than five pages) of a statistical analysis conducted by
the student on an epidemiological dataset. The report will include a write up of
the strategy used, a presentation of the relevant results and a discussion.
For students who are required to re-sit, or granted a deferral or new attempt,
the task will be the same as the original assignment but with a different dataset.
Assessment dates
The hand-in date for the assessment will be Friday 20 May 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).
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TIMING AND MODE OF STUDY
Duration
The module runs for 5 weeks at 2.5 days per week; this module runs between
Wednesday lunchtime and Friday afternoon.
Dates
For 2015-16, the module will start on Wednesday 20 April 2010 and finish on
Friday 20 May 2016.
Timetable slot
The module runs in LSHTM timetable slot E
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 150 hours, consisting of:
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Contact time ≈ 48 hours
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Directed self-study ≈ 15 hours
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Self-directed learning ≈ 35 hours
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Assessment, review and revision ≈ 52 hours
APPLICATION, ADMISSION AND FEES
Pre-requisites
Statistical Methods in Epidemiology (2402) is a pre-requisite for this module.
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 100 per year; numbers may be capped due to
limitations in facilities or staffing.
Student selection
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.
Full Registration (full participation) by LSHTM research degree students is
required 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.
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Admission deadlines
For 2015-16:
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For registered LSHTM MSc students, the module choice deadline (for Term
2 and 3 modules) is Friday 20 November 2015.
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If registering specifically for this module, applications may be made at any
time but, as places are limited, applications ahead of the MSc deadline are
strongly advised. All applications should be submitted at the 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 23 June 2014 by Tim Clayton & Richard Hayes
London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, Keppel St., London WC1E 7HT.
www.lshtm.ac.uk
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