What will I learn on this module?
You will learn about a range of appropriate statistical techniques that are used to analyse medical data. You will be introduced to the design and analysis of clinical trials and learn how to design the statistics of clinical trials for a variety of scenarios. These trials are the scientific tests that all medical advances need to go through to assess whether they have merit. You will learn techniques that can be used to handle various types of medical data found in epidemiology and learn when to apply them. You will investigate some of the statistical models used in survival data analysis for the analysis of time to failure data such as transplant data.
By the end of the module, you should have developed an ability to design clinical trials that are scientifically sound and be able to select and apply the appropriate statistical techniques to analyse medical data in a variety of forms.
Outline Syllabus
Design and analysis of Clinical Trials including the four main phases, estimation of sample size and power of a test. Parallel group and cross-over trials.
Categorical data analysis using contingency tables, McNemar's test, Fishers Exact test and test for trend.
Epidemiology: Prospective, retrospective and cross-sectional studies. Analysis of trials including dichotomous response and dichotomous risk factors. Study bias and reliability of a trial. Observer bias and diagnostic tests
Mortality statistics. Survival data analysis
Analysis of covariance, logistic regression
How will I learn on this module?
You will learn through a series of interactive lectures and seminars which include classroom discussions and video presentations. Seminar classes will be scheduled every week to allow exploration of practical application and guidance on data analysis. Lectures allow students to witness the development of the relevant statistical aspects behind the statistical approaches to these problems and understand how to apply the techniques and interpret the results through many examples.
Formative feedback is available weekly in the classes as you get to grips with new techniques and solve problems. In addition, we operate an open door policy where you can meet with your module tutor to seek further advice or help if required. Your ability to identify and evaluate the important factors associated with designing a clinical trial is assessed in a take away assignment whereas your ability to select and apply appropriate methods of analysis to various types of clinical data and critically review aspects of the methodology of clinical trials is tested in a formal exam at the end of the module.
General feedback on assessments will be given in class and individual feedback will be written on scripts. An opportunity to discuss work further will be available on an individual basis when work is returned and also through the open door policy.
How will I be supported academically on this module?
Direct contact with the teaching team during the teaching sessions will include participation in both general class discussions as well as one to one discussions during the seminars. This gives you a chance to get immediate feedback pertinent to your particular needs in this session. Further feedback and discussion with the teaching team area also available at any time through our open door policy. In addition, all teaching materials, reading lists and supplementary material (such as interesting articles and videos) are available through the e-learning portal.
What will I be expected to read on this module?
All modules at Northumbria include a range of reading materials that students are expected to engage with. Online reading lists (provided after enrolment) give you access to your reading material for your modules. The Library works in partnership with your module tutors to ensure you have access to the material that you need.
What will I be expected to achieve?
Knowledge & Understanding:
1. Identify and evaluate the important factors associated with designing a clinical trial.
Intellectual / Professional skills & abilities:
2. Select and apply appropriate methods of analysis to clinical data.
Personal Values Attributes (Global / Cultural awareness, Ethics, Curiosity) (PVA):
3. Critically review aspects of the methodology of clinical trials.
How will I be assessed?
SUMMATIVE
• Coursework (30%) – 1
• Examination (70%) – 1, 2, 3
FORMATIVE
Formative assessment will be available on a weekly basis in the classroom sessions through normal lecturer-student interactions, allowing them to extend, consolidate and evaluate their knowledge.
Formative feedback will be provided on student work and errors in understanding will be addressed reactively using individual discussion. Solutions for seminars will be provided after the students have attempted the questions, allowing students to receive feedback on the correctness of their solutions and to seek help if matters are still not clear.
Pre-requisite(s)
None
Co-requisite(s)
None
Module abstract
‘Medical Statistics’ is the application of appropriate statistical methods to medical scenarios. Medical Statistics produces many different types of data and it is vital that the correct statistical technique is used when drawing conclusions from studies. This module will allow you to learn about a range of appropriate statistical techniques and you will be introduced to the design and analysis of clinical trials.
You will learn through a series of interactive lectures and seminars which include classroom discussions and video presentations. Formative feedback is available weekly in the classes as you get to grips with new techniques and solve problems. In addition, we operate an open door policy where you can meet with your module tutor to seek further advice or help if required. Assessment is through a mid-semester assignment and an end-of-semester exam.
Throughout the module, you will engage with the medical literature and learn how to appreciate good design of clinical trials and learn to extract useful information from medical data.
Course info
UCAS Code G100
Credits 20
Level of Study Undergraduate
Mode of Study 3 years Full Time or 4 years with a placement (sandwich)/study abroad
Department Mathematics, Physics and Electrical Engineering
Location City Campus, Northumbria University
City Newcastle
Start September 2025
All information is accurate at the time of sharing.
Full time Courses are primarily delivered via on-campus face to face learning but could include elements of online learning. Most courses run as planned and as promoted on our website and via our marketing materials, but if there are any substantial changes (as determined by the Competition and Markets Authority) to a course or there is the potential that course may be withdrawn, we will notify all affected applicants as soon as possible with advice and guidance regarding their options. It is also important to be aware that optional modules listed on course pages may be subject to change depending on uptake numbers each year.
Contact time is subject to increase or decrease in line with possible restrictions imposed by the government or the University in the interest of maintaining the health and safety and wellbeing of students, staff, and visitors if this is deemed necessary in future.
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