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Unit of study_
BSTA5100: Mathematics Foundations of Biostatistics (MFB)
2025 unit information
This unit aims to develop and apply calculus and other mathematically-based techniques to the study of probability and statistical distributions. This unit covers the foundational mathematical methods and probability distribution concepts necessary for an in depth understanding of biostatistical methods. The unit commences with an introduction to mathematical expressions, followed by the fundamental calculus techniques of differentiation and integration, and essential elements of matrix algebra. The concepts and rules of probability are then introduced, followed by the application of the calculus methods covered earlier in the unit to calculate fundamental quantities of probability distributions, such as mean and variance. Random variables, their meaning and use in biostatistical applications is presented, together with the role of numerical simulation as a tool to demonstrate the properties of random variables.
Unit details and rules
Managing faculty or University school:
Medicine and Health
| Study level | Postgraduate |
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| Academic unit | Public Health |
| Credit points | 6 |
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Prerequisites:
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None |
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Corequisites:
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None |
| Prohibitions:
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BSTA5023 |
| Assumed knowledge:
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None |
At the completion of this unit, you should be able to:
- LO1. Manipulate general mathematical expressions and inequalities
- LO2. Understand and apply the essential elements of calculus, including differentiation and integration
- LO3. Manipulate and evaluate matrix expressions and calculate inverses of matrices
- LO4. Demonstrate an understanding of the meaning and laws of probability
- LO5. Recognise common probability distributions and their properties
- LO6. Apply calculus-based tools to derive key features of a probability distribution and properties of random variables, such as mean and variance
- LO7. Demonstrate skills in simulation of random variables to illustrate and explain statistical concepts
Unit availability
This section lists the session, attendance modes and locations the unit is available in. There is a unit outline for each of the unit availabilities, which gives you information about the unit including assessment details and a schedule of weekly activities.
The outline is published 2 weeks before the first day of teaching. You can look at previous outlines for a guide to the details of a unit.
| Session | MoA ? | Location | Outline ? |
|---|---|---|---|
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Semester 1 2024
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Online | Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney | |
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Semester 2 2024
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Online | Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney |
| Session | MoA ? | Location | Outline ? |
|---|---|---|---|
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Semester 1 2025
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Online | Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney |
Outline unavailable
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Semester 2 2025
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Online | Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney |
Outline unavailable
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Modes of attendance (MoA)
This refers to the Mode of attendance (MoA) for the unit as it appears when you’re selecting your units in Sydney Student. Find more information about modes of attendance on our website.
