| Unit name | Regression Models |
|---|---|
| Unit code | BRMSM0056 |
| Credit points | 20 |
| Level of study | M/7 |
| Teaching block(s) |
Teaching Block 1 (weeks 1 - 12) |
| Unit director | Dr. Jon Heron |
| Open unit status | Not open |
| Units you must take before you take this one (pre-requisite units) |
None |
| Units you must take alongside this one (co-requisite units) |
None |
| Units you may not take alongside this one |
None |
| School/department | Bristol Medical School |
| Faculty | Faculty of Health Sciences |
This unit will enable students to understand, interpret and carry out statistical analysis of epidemiological data using a range of regression models commonly applied in epidemiology. The course will show how model parameters are derived and the assumptions underlying the models. Students will learn how to model interactions and non-linear effects of predictors. We will show how to use model diagnostics to assess model assumptions and further evaluate model fit. The course will introduce the theory of generalised linear models (GLMs) and how these can be used to create models for many different outcomes depending on their underlying distribution. We will show how to derive and fit GLMs to data using maximum likelihood estimation. These concepts will be used to present commonly used GLMs such as logistic, Poisson, negative binomial and proportional odds regression models. Further model checks will be taught and the concept of overdispersion will be discussed. The course will introduce the theory behind survival analysis models and in particular parametric models using the general proportional hazards model. Then students will learn about model checks and diagnostics for survival models. Throughout the unit research case studies from within Population Health Sciences at Bristol will be presented to give real world published examples of how these methods are used in epidemiology.
On successful completion of the unit, a student should be able to:
• There will be 10 teaching weeks
• Teaching will include learning activities including lectures, small group work, discussions, individual tasks, and practicals.
• Directed and self-directed learning will include activities such as reading, accessing web-based supplementary materials, critical analysis, and completion of assessments.
• 150 hours of directed and self-directed learning. The directed learning includes 50 hours of teaching and the self-directed learning includes activities such as reading, quizzes, and multi-media learning.
Formative assessments: Formative assessments will come in many forms such as informal questioning, quizzes and group exercises in lectures, tutorials and homework. These form an assessment for learning and will not contribute to the final unit mark. There will also be a single piece of coursework taking the form of a data analysis and interpretation exercise. The students will be provided with a dataset and then given a set of analytical tasks to complete. This coursework will be similar in structure to the summative assessment. Model answers will be provided allowing the student to gain additional feedback on understanding prior to the final assessment (ILOs 1-6).
Summative assessment: The unit will be assessed using a single piece of coursework, a data analysis and interpretation exercise. Students will be given a dataset and a set of analytical tasks to complete. They will also be asked to state the strengths and limitations of their analysis and discuss possible alternatives, with suitable justification. The coursework will be structured rather than open so that each question (or sub-question) requires no more than a paragraph, table and/or figure as the answer. (ILOs 1-6).
A mark of 50% is required to pass the unit.
If this unit has a Resource List, you will normally find a link to it in the Blackboard area for the unit. Sometimes there will be a separate link for each weekly topic.
If you are unable to access a list through Blackboard, you can also find it via the Resource Lists homepage. Search for the list by the unit name or code (e.g. BRMSM0056).
How much time the unit requires
Each credit equates to 10 hours of total student input. For example a 20 credit unit will take you 200 hours
of study to complete. Your total learning time is made up of contact time, directed learning tasks,
independent learning and assessment activity.
See the Faculty workload statement relating to this unit for more information.
Assessment
The Board of Examiners will consider all cases where students have failed or not completed the assessments required for credit.
The Board considers each student's outcomes across all the units which contribute to each year's programme of study. If you have self-certificated your absence from an
assessment, you will normally be required to complete it the next time it runs (this is usually in the next assessment period).
The Board of Examiners will take into account any extenuating circumstances and operates
within the Regulations and Code of Practice for Taught Programmes.
