Universities and Online Degrees Guide

Stellenbosch University

Master of Science in Biostatistics

The Master of Science in Biostatistics in Health Professions is offered by Stellenbosch University.

Program Length: 2 YEARS.

Master of Science in Biostatistics offered by Stellenbosch University at the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences

Programme description
The objectives of the programme are to:

• develop highly qualified and skilled biostatisticians with the technical competence to contribute significantly to addressing the public health problems and challenges of their communities;

• prepare you, if you are aspiring to move to a higher level of academic research work, for doctoral studies and to promote an approach based on academic integrity and professional ethics;
• contribute to the pool of academics and professionals with the competence and critical intellectual abilities to ensure advancement in the field of biostatistics and to fulfil the need in the country for a skilled scientific workforce of the highest calibre;
• prepare you to apply principles of statistical reasoning in addressing critical questions in public health and biomedical science; and
• educate and train you to be an independent thinker and lead the data management and statistical analyses of research studies to advance knowledge and guide policy.

Programme outcomes
On completion of the programme, you will have:

• developed a sound understanding of epidemiological study design and the theory and application of the major areas of biostatistics relevant to professional practice;
• acquired skills in complex statistical analyses to handle a variety of practical problems using modern statistical techniques and software;
• acquired skills in data collection and data management, including quality control procedures and the ethical handling of data;
• developed skills to identify the relevant statistical issues in practical problems in medical/health settings and to propose and implement an appropriate statistical design and/or analytical methodology;
• developed skills and gained experience in discussing biostatistical issues with clinical/health personnel and in the presentation of statistical results in a format suitable for publication in health-related journals or professional reports;
• acquired the technical skills to be able to read methodological papers in the biostatistical literature and apply the methods described in those papers to practical problems;
• developed the practical and technical skills to commence a professional career as an independent biostatistician and/or to progress to further postgraduate research studies; and
• developed problem-solving abilities in biostatistics, characterised by flexibility of approach.

Duration of programme
The programme extends over two years on a full-time basis or three years on a part-time basis.

Programme content

Compulsory modules

Analysis of Observational Data: Causal Inference (12)
Analysis of Survival Data (12)
Biostatistical Consulting (12)
Categorical Data Analysis and Generalised Linear Models (12)
Data Management and Statistical Computing (6)
Fundamentals of Epidemiology (6)
Linear Models (6)
Longitudinal Data Analysis (12)
Mathematical Statistics (6)
Practical Assignment (60)
Principles of Statistical Inference (12)

 

Elective modules

Choose two of the following modules.

Bayesian Data Analysis (12)
Clinical Biostatistics (12)
Design and Analysis of Clinical Trials (12)
Multivariate Statistics (12)

Assessment and examination

• Flexible assessment occurs throughout the study period.
• You must obtain a class mark of at least 50% in each module to qualify for the examination in the module. The class mark and the examination mark will each contribute 50% towards the final mark for the module. A final mark of 50% must be achieved in each module.
• You will only be permitted to begin with the practical assignment on satisfactory completion of the compulsory and elective modules. The practical assignment will be assessed from a portfolio of projects that demonstrate biostatistical expertise in the design and analysis of biomedical studies. A mark of at least 50% must be achieved for the assignment.
• The final mark for the MSc in Biostatistics degree will be a weighted average of the marks for the individual modules and the assignment.