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
Foundations of Medical Statistics
Module code
2038
Module Organisers
Professor Chris Frost and Dr Dan Altmann
Contact email
Chris.Frost@lshtm.ac.uk or Daniel.Altmann@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 25 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
Medical Statistics, Foundations
AIMS, OBJECTIVES AND AUDIENCE
Overall aim
To introduce the basic principles of probability and classical statistical
inference and their application in simple medical settings.
Intended learning
outcomes
By the end of this module, students should be able to:
 Have a working knowledge of the fundamentals of statistical inference and
elementary probability;
 Apply appropriately, and understand the strengths and limitations, of basic
statistical methods in a medical context;
 Understand the theoretical basis and application of linear regression
methods
Target audience
This module is compulsory for the MSc course in Medical Statistics.
CONTENT
Session content
The module is expected to include sessions addressing the following topics
(though please note that these may be subject to change):
 The fundamentals of probability, including an introduction to common
distributions and measures of location and dispersion
 An introduction to classical inference including the distinctions between
population and sample, and between statistics and population values. This
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

component will also include sampling distributions (approximate and
exact), estimation, properties of estimators, hypothesis tests, type I and II
errors, sensitivity and specificity and confidence intervals.
Applications in common settings, including hypothesis tests and confidence
intervals in simple applications, comparisons of groups, association
(contingency tables and correlation) and the importance of assumptions.
Linear regression models (including simple, multiple and polynomial),
residuals, outliers, leverage, influence and Cooks’ distance, analysis of
covariance, interaction and confounding, model inadequacies.
TEACHING, LEARNING AND ASSESSMENT
Study resources
provided or required
The students are provided with Lecture Notes, Practical Exercises and
Solutions. Elementary Statistics Tables by HR Neave is recommended for use on
this course.
Teaching and learning
methods
Learning will generally be based on a lecture followed by a relevant practical.
Assignments will be given as part of the practical work. A little over half the
contact time will be spent in the form of practicals.
Assessment details
Students will carry out three assessments. Each will consist of analyses of data
together with submission of a short report. Further formal assessment will be
by examination in June
The assessments involve reports or solutions to problems set to students as
individual work, to be completed within two weeks of handout.
For students who are required to re-sit, or granted a deferral or new attempt,
the tasks will be re-sits of exam or assessments or both.
Assessment dates
Assessments will be given on 12/10/2015, 23/11/15 and 30/11/15, to be
completed by 26/10/15, 7/12/15 and 15/12/15 respectively.
For students who are required to re-sit, or granted a deferral or new attempt,
the next assessment dates will be the following May/June for exam, or
September for assessments. Assessment re-sits will be different and not
repeats of the failed assessment.
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 at 1.5 days per week; this module runs on
Mondays and Tuesday mornings.
Dates
For 2015-16, the module will start on Monday 5 October 2015 and finish on
Wednesday 16 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 250 hours, consisting of:
 Contact time ≈ 90 hours
 Directed self-study ≈ 50 hours
 Self-directed learning ≈ 40 hours
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
Assessment, review and revision ≈ 70 hours
APPLICATION, ADMISSION AND FEES
Pre-requisites
A good first degree, basic algebra and calculus at a standard at equivalent to at
least A level Maths and some familiarity with elementary probability and
statistics.
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.
Full Registration (full participation) by LSHTM research degree students is
required for this module, although the assessment for research degrees
students is optional.
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 17 July 2015 by Chris Frost.
London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, Keppel St., London WC1E 7HT.
www.lshtm.ac.uk
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