Master of Science in Biostatistics

Purpose

The Master of Science in Biostatistics aims to train learners in the planning and data analysis of biomedical and public health studies and is designed to take two years to complete. The degree requirements and electives include biostatistics courses, statistics courses, health-related courses, and a mini-dissertation. Qualifying learners successfully compete for positions in research institutions, pharmaceutical companies, government agencies, and universities.

Upon completion of this qualification, the learner should be prepared to function as a statistician or statistical consultant. Therefore, the learners must have an extensive understanding of statistical theory and practice and should be proficient in the application of statistical methods to one or more areas in the health sciences. At the completion of this qualification the learners should be able to:

• Demonstrate a broad knowledge and understanding of statistical theory and practice as applicable in the health sciences.
• Function as a collaborator on a research team.
• Take a leadership role in the design and implementation of a health science project.
• Assume responsibility for the design and implementation of analyses for health science investigations.
• Assist with the design and implementation of data management systems for large health science studies.
• Prepare reports and publications resulting from health science studies.
• Serve as an advocate for good statistical design in health science investigations.

Rationale

The Master of Science in Biostatistics at the University of Fort Hare is a minimum two-year degree qualification after an Honours degree in Statistics or its equivalence. The qualification was developed to meet the growing need for the research community to possess excellence in biostatistical and epidemiological data analysis involving health issues in the public and private sectors using a wide range of contemporary statistical methods.

The qualification offers thorough training and grounding in modern biostatistical and epidemiological research and the application of appropriate statistical methods to plan, design and investigate health issues in these areas and offer solutions to help improve health services at all levels in the community. The qualification is designed to educate persons to be independent researchers and biostatistics professionals in academia, research institutes such as the South African Centre of Excellence in Modelling and Analysis (SACEMA), the South African Field Epidemiology/Biostatistician Training program (SAFETP), the National Institute for Communicable Disease (NICD), government or industry and Medical Research Council. The qualification also provides learners with a wider scope for professional development in understanding and use of statistical software packages including SAS, R SPSS, STATA etc.

• The learners in this qualification are those who have an Honours in the field of statistics, mathematics, medical statistics or meet the equivalent minimum requirements.

Upon completion of the Master's qualification, the learners will have a wide range of career opportunities in many sectors of the economy such as academic careers in universities, government departments, the pharmaceutical industry, medical and biomedical research and health services, research institutions, non-governmental organisations and many others.

• The qualification resides in life sciences that is public health and medical statistics pathway.
• The qualification will enable the learner to demonstrate:
• Specialist knowledge to enable engagement with and critique of current research practices, as well as advanced research in Biostatistics.
• The ability to evaluate current processes of knowledge production, and to choose an appropriate topic of enquiry in the field of biostatistics.
• The ability to design, select and apply survival analysis techniques and other related techniques, to complex practical and theoretical problems.
• The ability to make autonomous ethical decisions which affect knowledge production, or complex organisational or professional issues, and the ability to critically contribute to the development of ethical standards in medical research.
• The ability to develop his or her own learning strategies, which sustain independent learning and academic or professional development.
• The ability to operate independently and take full responsibility for his or her own work.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

The institution has an approved Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) policy which is applicable with regards to equivalent qualifications for admission into the qualification. RPL will be applied to accommodate applicants who qualify. RPL thus provides alternative access and admission to qualifications, as well as advancement within qualifications. RPL may be applied for access, credits from modules and credits for or towards the qualification.

RPL for access

• Learners who do not meet the minimum entrance requirements or the required qualification that is at the same NQF level as the qualification required for admission may be considered for admission through RPL.
• To be considered for admission in the qualification based on RPL, applicants should provide evidence in the form of a portfolio that demonstrates that they have acquired the relevant knowledge, skills, and competencies through formal, non-formal and or informal learning to cope with the qualification expectations should they be allowed entrance into the qualification.

RPL for exemption of modules

• Learners may apply for RPL to be exempted from modules that form part of the qualification. For a learner to be exempted from a module, the learner needs to provide sufficient evidence in the form of a portfolio that demonstrates that competency was achieved for the learning outcomes that are equivalent to the learning outcomes of the module.

RPL for credit

• Learners may also apply for RPL for credit for or towards the qualification, in which they must provide evidence in the form of a portfolio that demonstrates prior learning through formal, non-formal and/or informal learning to obtain credits towards the qualification.
• Credit shall be appropriate to the context in which it is awarded and accepted.

Entry Requirements

The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is

• Bachelor of Science Honours in Biostatistics, NQF Level 8.

Or

• Bachelor of Science Honours in Applied Mathematics, NQF Level 8

Or

• Bachelor of Science Honours in Mathematics, NQF Level 8.

This qualification consists of the following compulsory and elective modules at National Qualifications Framework Level 9 totalling 368 Credits.

Compulsory Modules, Level 9, 248 Credits

• Survival Analysis, 40 Credits.
• Biostatistics, 40 Credits.
• Design of Clinical trials, 40 Credits.
• Mini - dissertation, 128 Credits.

Elective Modules, Level 9, 120 Credits

• Clinical Epidemiology, 40 Credits.
• Epidemiology, 40 Credits.
• Categorical Data Analysis, 40 Credits.

1. Identify, conceptualize, design and implement research in medical, pharmaceutical and public health fields.
2. Independently undertake a study and evaluation of the literature and current research in Biostatistics, medical statistics, the design of clinical trials and in public health.
3. Creation of new application of knowledge: the learner should be able to apply new knowledge in medical research, public health and the design of clinical trials.

4.Show critical understanding of biostatistical concepts, design and analysis of data in the medical, pharmaceutical and public health fields.

1. Carry out independent research in medical, pharmaceutical and public health fields.
2. Effectively present and communicate the results of research and opinion to specialist and non-specialist audiences.
3. Apply appropriate data analysis methods and techniques to complex practical and theoretical problems.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1

• Formulate and prepare a research topic of relevance to the qualification to be approved by the Department Faculty.
• Prepare and present a research proposal including an extensive literature review on the approved topic.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2

• Present a research proposal to the satisfaction of the Department or Faculty under the guidance of the supervisors and or promoters.
• Undertake field research based on the approved topic and write a dissertation which will be sent to external examiners for assessment to the satisfaction of the Higher Degrees committee.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3

• Publish at least one peer-reviewed paper demonstrating the application of new knowledge.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4

• Produce a master's dissertation where these concepts have been applied.
• Publish at least one peer-reviewed paper and presentation at conference(s).

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5

• Carry out research for the fulfilment of the requirements of a master's dissertation under the supervision of a competent person.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6

• Defend the dissertation in an oral presentation after submission and examination.
• Publish the research findings in a peer-reviewed scientific journal.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 7

• Demonstrate how to analyse survival and categorical data through practical sessions using R and SAS programs.

INTEGRATED ASSESSMENT

The assessment is by coursework and mini dissertation. The integrated assessment will be as follows

This qualification will comprise of 50% course work each consisting of a three-hour paper (of 40 credits each) and a 50% mini-dissertation (128 credits) of limited scope, to be decided in consultation with the Head of Department.

The formative assessment will also be done through learning and applying statistical software packages to analyse and interpret data through practical's and assignments.