Date:12/09/13
To:Robert Goldstein, Associate Provost
From:Peter L. Walton, Associate Dean
Subject:Proposal to add PHST-501 “Introduction to Biostatistics for Health SciencesII”
The above-named course is proposed to be added, to be effective Spring 2014.
The course is required in the MPH program.
The proposed syllabus has been approved by the MPH Program, Curriculum Committee, Faculty Forum, and the dean’s office.
Attachments:
- Proposed CIF (signed hard copy to follow)
- Proposed syllabus
Proposed CIF
Introduction to Biostatistics for Health Sciences IIPHST-501
Course Data
Number:PHST-501
Title:Introduction to Biostatistics for Health Sciences II
Credit-hours:3
Department:Bioinformatics and Biostatistics
School/College:School of Public Health and Information Sciences
Type:Lecture
Catalog Description
Continued introduction to descriptive and inferential statistical methods including ANOVA, regression, general linear model, correlation, logistic regression, chi-square analysis of frequencies, survival analysis, and nonparametric methods. Taught at graduate level.
Course Description
A continued introduction to descriptive and inferential statistical methods, including blocked, factorial, and repeated measures analysis of variance, correlation and regression, logistic regression, the analysis of frequencies by the chi-square distribution, survival analysis, and nonparametric statistical methods. Corresponding coverage of software use for statistical analysis.
Course Objectives
Students successfully completing the course are able to:
- Apply the basic theory behind ANOVA, regression, the general linear model, correlation, logistic regression, chi-square analysis of frequencies, survival analysis, and nonparametric methods. [C3 (Bloom’s taxonomy,[1] cognitive domain, application level)]
- Select graphical, descriptive, and inferential statistical methods appropriate for a data set based on a description of the variables therein and the experiment/mechanism whereby the data were collected. [C3]
- Implement the above statistical methods in SPSS.[2] [C3]
- Interpret the primary assumptions about a given data set required for the above statistical methods. [C4 (analysis level)]
- Prepare appropriate and relevant results reports from output generated by a statistical procedure. [C5 (synthesis level)]
- Interpret probabilistic and practical implications of results generated by the above statistical methods. [C4]
- Communicate complex statistical results in ways easily understood by lay audiences and those unfamiliar with statistics. [C3]
Prerequisites
PHST-500 (Introduction to Biostatistics for Public Health I) and enrollment in the MPH program.
Students who don’t meet these criteria but believe they are qualified and wish to enroll in the course should contact Student Services at 502-852-3289 for information.
Course Instructor
Name / Office / Phone / Email / Office HoursDoug Lorenz, Ph.D.
Course Director / SPHIS 134 / 502-852-3635 / / By appointment
The course instructor welcomes conversations with students outside of class. Students may correspond with instructors by email or set up appointments by contacting the course director. Students should also contact the course director with questions they might have regarding the mechanics or operation of the course.
Course Topics and Schedule
IMPORTANT NOTE: The schedule and topics may change as the course unfolds. Changes are posted on Blackboard.
Each odd-numbered class is on in biostatistical methods with reading from Daniel and Cross, and each even-numbered class on software methods with reading from George and Mallery.
Class / Graded Activities / Biostatistics Methods Track / Software Methods TrackTopic / Reading / Topic / Reading
1 / Analysis of variance – one-way, blocked, factorial and repeated measures / Daniel and Cross,
Ch. 8
2 / / / The Univariate General Linear Model procedure / George and Mallery,
Ch. 12-14
3 / continued / /
4 / Homework due / / / continued
5 / continued / /
6 / Homework due / continued
7 / Correlation, simple regression, multiple regression / Daniel and Cross,
Ch. 9-10
8 / Homework due / / / The Regression and Correlation procedures. / George and Mallery,
Ch. 15-16
9 / continued / /
10 / Homework due / /
11 / continued / /
12 / Homework due / continued
13 / The analysis of frequencies and the chi-square distribution / Daniel and Cross,
Ch. 12
14 / Homework due / / / The Frequencies and Cross-tabulation procedures revisited. / George and Mallery,
Ch. 6-8
15 / continued /
16 / Homework due / / continued
17 / continued
18 / In-class, open-book midterm exam
Take-home software project due
19 / Logistic Regression / Daniel and Cross,
Ch. 11 and Section 4
20 / Homework due / The Logistic Regression procedure. / George and Mallery,
Ch. 25
21 / Methods for survival data / Daniel and Cross,
Ch. 12 and Section 8
22 / Homework due / / / The Frequencies and Cross-tabulation procedures revisited. / posted on Blackboard
23 / continued / /
24 / Homework due / continued
25 / Nonparametric statistical methods / Daniel and Cross,
Ch. 13
26 / Homework due / / / Nonparametric procedures. / George and Mallery,
Ch. 6-8
27 / continued / /
28 / Homework due / continued
Finals / In-class, open-book final exam
Take-home software project
Course Materials
Blackboard
The primary mechanism for communication in this course, other than class meetings, is UofL’s Blackboard system at or Instructors use Blackboard to make assignments, provide materials, communicate changes or additions to the course materials or course schedule, and to communicate with students other aspects of the course. It is imperative that students familiarize themselves with Blackboard, check Blackboard frequently for possible announcements, and make sure that their e-mail account in Blackboard is correct, active, and checked frequently.
Required Texts
Daniel, Wayne W. and Cross, Chad L. Biostatistics: A Foundation for Analysis in the Health Sciences, Tenth Edition. (2013) New York: John Wiley & Sons.
George, Darren and Mallery, George. IBM SPSS Statistics 19 Step by Step: A Simple Guide and Reference (12th Edition). (2011) Pearson.
Required Software
IBM SPSS Statistics Software, version 20.0 or later.
Available for student purchase at iTech Express from UofL IT department or for use in campus computer labs.
Prepared Materials Used by Instructors
Materials used by instructors in class are available to students via Blackboard no later than 24 hours following the class. These may include outlines, citations, slide presentations, and other materials. There is no assurance that the materials include everything discussed in the class.
Course Policies
Student Responsibilities
- A learner is expected to participate by attending every class possible and by taking responsibility for course material when attendance is impossible.
- Participation includes being actively engaged in class discussions, assignments, and activities.
- A student is required to have access to and use email, Blackboard, and the required commercial software package (IBM SPSS) are required.
- A student needs to check email and Blackboard regularly for homework assignments and other course-related communications.
- Discussions a student has with other students on homework matters do not violate academic honesty provided the student works through and writes up assignments entirely on his or her own without looking at assignments of other students. If asked, the student must be able to fully explain and reproduce the answers.
- A student is expected to complete assignments by the due dates which are communicated in class and posted on Blackboard. Late assignments are accepted with a penalty of 5 points for each day or part of a day late.
- A student should review materials from the previous class in track and the reading for the track.
- A participant is expected to act with integrity, including students, guests, and instructors.
- Classes start at the time scheduled, so a student needs to be on time to avoid class disruption. If the instructor is delayed past the start of class, he or she makes best effort to notify students of both the delay and estimated class start time. A student is expected to wait in class for at least 15 minutes after the instructor’s estimated start time or scheduled start if no notice is given.
Student Evaluation
The components of student evaluation are:
1.Homework (40% of final grade)
Homework is assigned weekly and includes hand-calculated problems and software assignments. The 12 weekly homework assignments are each worth 50 points and their average score is used in the final grade. Homework is submitted in Blackboard and is due on the dates listed in the class schedule, above, and on Blackboard. Late submissions are penalized 10% for each day late.
Problems in homework assignments are multiple choice questions answered in Blackboard. No partial credit is incorrect answers is given.
2.Midterm exam (25% of final grade)
The midterm exam consists of an in-class, open-book exam and a take-home software project. See Final exam, below, for details.
3.Final exam (35% of final grade)
The final exam consists of an in-class, open-book exam and a take-home software project.
Problems on the final exam generally involve the selection and execution of an appropriate statistical method. For each question, each of the following is worth one-fourth of the total points available:
- selection of the appropriate statistical method
- proper set up of statistical formulas
- correct calculation of the desired quantity
- proper reporting of the results of said calculation
The take-home software project requires students to produce output from several procedures conducted in a statistical software package. Students receive full credit for each portion of statistical output requested by the instructor to be produced; partial credit within a portion is not given.
Grading
The components of student evaluation are weighted as follows:
- Homework 40% (12, averaged)
- Mid-term exam 25% (one)
- Final exam 35% (one)
Final Grade / Final Percent
A / 90-100
B / 80-89
C / 70-79
D / 60-69
F / 0-59
Final grades are assigned on a letter scale basis (fractional scores are rounded to nearer integer):
Other Policies
Expected Student Effort Out of Class
Students are expected to spend an average at least 2-1/2 hours per week per credit hour on the course exclusive of class time. This time includes but is not limited to reading, research, preparations for class, team or group meetings (electronic or otherwise), and course deliverables.
Syllabus Revision
The course director reserves the right to modify any portion of this syllabus. A best effort is made to provide an opportunity for students to comment on a proposed change before the change takes place.
Instructional Modifications for Students with Disabilities:
Students with disabilities who need reasonable modifications to complete assignments successfully and otherwise satisfy course criteria are encouraged to contact the instructor as early in the course as possible to identify and plan specific accommodations. Students are asked to provide a letter from the Disability Resource Center and other documentation to assist in planning modifications.
Inclement Weather
This course adheres to the University’s policy and decisions regarding cancellation or delayed class schedules. Adjustments are made to the class schedule as necessary to take into account any delays or cancellations of this class. Local television and radio stations broadcast University delays or closings. The UofL web site ( and telephone information line (502-852-5555) also broadcast delays or closings.
Grievances
A student who has grievances regarding the course should seek to have the matter resolved through informal discussion and through administrative channels, such as the course director, chair of the course’s department, associate dean for student affairs, and university grievance officer. If the issue remains unresolved, the student may file a formal grievance. More information is located at Summary of SPHIS Student Academic Grievance Procedure in Student Academic Grievance Committee (
Disabilities
In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, students with bona fide disabilities are afforded reasonable accommodation. The Disability Resource Center certifies a disability and advises faculty members of reasonable accommodations. More information is located at
Academic Honesty
Students are required to comply with the academic honesty policies of the university and School of Public Health and Information Sciences. These policies prohibit plagiarism, cheating, and other violations of academic honesty. More information is located at
Course instructors use a range of strategies (including plagiarism-prevention software provided by the university) to compare student works with private and public information resources in order to identify possible plagiarism and academic dishonesty. Comparisons of student works require students to submit electronic copies of their final works to the plagiarism-prevention service. The service delivers the works to instructors along with originality reports detailing the presence or lack of possible problems. The service retains copies of final works and may request students’ permission to share copies with other universities for the sole and limited purpose of plagiarism prevention and detection.
In addition instructors provide the opportunity for students to submit preliminary drafts of their works to the service to receive reports of possible problems. Such reports are available only to the submitting student. Copies of preliminary drafts are not retained by the service.
Continuity of Instruction Plan
A plan for continuity of instruction for this course has been developed and published. All plans are available at Continuity of instruction plans provide guidance for how instruction may be modified to lessen disruption by events that affect transportation, communication, or personal interaction. Such events may be weather-related (e.g., floods, blizzards, tornados), health-related (e.g., epidemics), or other widespread occurrences or threats.
Additional Policy Information
Additional policy information is available in the following:
SPHIS Catalog (
SPHIS Policies and Procedures (
UofL Graduate Catalog (
v2013.05.06
Current Version and Course History
Current VersionVersion / 2013.05.06
Author(s) / Doug Lorenz, Ph.D.
Course History
Version / Submitted / Approved / Change Summary / Author(s)
2013.05.06 / 05/06/13 / pending /
- Initial version
Page 1 of 7
[1] Bloom’s Taxonomy – Quick Reference Guide < taxonomy et al 2020111028.pdf
[2] SPSS is a commercial statistical software package from IBM. (See Required Software, below.)