2019/20 Taught Postgraduate Module Catalogue

EPIB5047M Independent Skills in Health Data Analytics

15 creditsClass Size: 12

Module manager: Dr George Ellison
Email: g.t.h.ellison@leeds.ac.uk

Taught: Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) View Timetable

Year running 2019/20

Pre-requisite qualifications

Academic entry requirements

A 1st degree in a quantitative or scientific subject area with substantial mathematical, statistical or numeracy components (at least 2:1). We also consider working experience (two years or more) of research in a quantitative subject area. Non-graduates who: have successfully completed three years of a UK medical degree; are normally ranked in the top 50% of the year 3 cohort; and wish to take the Health Data Analytics MSc as an intercalated programme, will also be accepted.


English language requirements

An overall score of 7.0 on IELTS (International English Language Testing System) with at least 6.0 in writing and no other skill below 6.5; from a TOEFL paper-based test the requirement is a minimum score of 600, with 4.5 in the Test of Written English (TWE); from a TOEFL computer-based test the requirement is a minimum score of 250, with 4.5 TWE; from a TOEFL Internet-based test the requirement is a minimum score of 100, with 25 in the "Writing Skills" score.

This module is mutually exclusive with

EPIB5036M

Independent Learning Skills in Epidemiology and Biostatistic

Module replaces

EPIB5036M Independent Learning Skills in Epidemiology and Biostatistics

This module is not approved as an Elective

Module summary

This project is suitable for students wishing to work independently on a topic (i.e. technique or method) using data analytics skills in applied observational research, where this is not addressed by the learning outcomes of modules studied elsewhere in the programme. A supervisor will be allocated to oversee the details of the work. The work will involve either a data analysis, supported by a review of methods underlying the analysis, or a critical review of methods, illustrated by examples of the methodology.

Objectives

To provide a comprehensive understanding of the process by which data analysts assimilate knowledge from the published literature;
To enable students to synthesise explanations from a variety of sources into a coherent set of notes;
To develop skills in oral presentation of review material.

Learning outcomes
On completion of this module, students should be able to:

a) Investigate a chosen topic in applied observational research involving data analytics, critically reviewing or comparing and contrasting methods not taught elsewhere in our programme;
b) Search independently and review various sources for work already done on the topic;
c) Synthesise explanations of the topic from these various sources;
d) Compile a report for assessment which will involve a complete set of coherent notes;
e) Describe orally the contents of their report and demonstrate their knowledge of the underpinning methods by defending their work under questioning.

Skills outcomes
The ability to write a project report and to describe/defend it orally, as listed under module objectives.
The ability to independently review and implement data analytic methods in observational that have not been encountered in previous taught studies.

Syllabus

Outline syllabus: Each student will be allocated to a supervisor. Student and supervisor will work together to develop a programme of work. The material may be available in textbooks, although the development of the topic will preferably not follow any one textbook completely. This work may either take the form of a data analysis, supported by a review of methods underlying the analysis, or a critical review of methods, illustrated by examples of the methodology.

1. Choice of topic. Each student will be allocated to a supervisor. The choice of topic is flexible but must involve investigation of methods not studied elsewhere in the programme. The material may be available in textbooks, although the development of the topic will preferably not follow any one textbook completely.

2. Supervision. The supervisor will assist the students with a suggested outline of some of the contents of the topic. This will be given in writing to the student and a copy retained by the supervisor. Students will be able to consult the supervisor in case of difficulty. As much as possible of the supervisor's comments, questions and suggestions will be given to the student in writing and a copy retained by the supervisor.
Students will complete a short supervision report on which supervisors may comment. The report will be made available to the internal assessor.

3. Student's work. Each student will be required to draw up detailed notes on the topic. This might involve extracting information from a textbook but the student must rewrite material in his/her own words.

4. Assessment. At the end of the project each student will use their notes to construct a report summarising their project. The report must be handed in by the end of week 11 of Semester 2. There will be a brief oral presentation given by each student to the supervisor and an internal assessor, followed by some questions. This will take place during the exam period and will be used as part of the final grade. The assessment will take into account how much of the original assignment was eventually covered and the understanding of the material covered. The project grading will be done by the supervisor in consultation with an independent assessor.

Teaching methods

Delivery type	Number	Length hours	Student hours
Class tests, exams and assessment	1	1.00	1.00
Lecture	2	1.00	2.00
Tutorial	11	1.00	11.00
Private study hours			136.00
Total Contact hours			14.00
Total hours (100hr per 10 credits)			150.00

Private study

Approximately 12 hours per week independent reading and practical work as directed by the supervisor.

Opportunities for Formative Feedback

Weekly tutorials with the supervisor (face to face or electronically as appropriate).

Methods of assessment

Coursework

Assessment type	Notes	% of formal assessment
Presentation	Verbal Presentation - 10 minutes, followed by questions and discussion by assessor and supervisor	30.00
Assignment	Project Report - The word limit is 3000 words, excluding tables, figures, captions, appendices of code and title pages etc, but the total report should be no more than 60 pages in length.	70.00
Total percentage (Assessment Coursework)		100.00

Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated

Reading list

The reading list is available from the Library website

Last updated: 10/05/2018

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