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BIOSTATS 6018EX - Causal Inference

External - Semester 1 - 2024

This course covers modern statistical methods for assessing the causal effect of a treatment or exposure from randomised or observational studies. Content includes: Explanation of the fundamental concept of counterfactual or potential outcomes and an introduction to causal diagrams (or directed acyclic graphs (DAGs)) to visually identify confounding, selection and other biases that prevent unbiased estimation of causal effects. Key issues in defining causal effects that are able to be estimated in a range of contexts are presented using the concept of the 'target trial' to clarify exactly what the analysis seeks to estimate. A range of statistical methods for analysing data to produce estimates of causal effects are then introduced. Propensity score and related methods for estimating the causal effect of a single time point exposure are presented, together with extensions to longitudinal data with multiple exposure measurements, and methods to assess whether the effect of an exposure on an outcome is mediated by one or more intermediate variables. Comparisons will be made throughout with 'conventional' statistical methods. Emphasis will be placed on interpretation of results and understanding the assumptions required to allow causal conclusions. Stata and R software will be used to apply the methods to real study datasets.

  • General Course Information
    Course Details
    Course Code BIOSTATS 6018EX
    Course Causal Inference
    Coordinating Unit Public Health
    Term Semester 1
    Level Postgraduate Coursework
    Location/s External
    Units 3
    Contact 12 hours per week
    Available for Study Abroad and Exchange N
    Prerequisites BIOSTATS 6001EX and BIOSTATS 6003EX or BIOSTATS 6019EX and BIOSTATS 6000 or 6000EX and BIOSTATS 6006EX or BIOSTATS 6020EX and BIOSTATS 6005EX
    Restrictions Available to Grad Cert, Grad Dip, M Biostatistics students only
    Assessment Assignments and module assessments
    Course Staff

    Course Coordinator: Associate Professor Lynne Giles

    Email: bca@adelaide.edu.au 
    Location: Level 4, Rundle Mall Plaza, North Terrace
    Course Timetable

    The full timetable of all activities for this course can be accessed from .

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  • Learning Outcomes
    Course Learning Outcomes
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    University Graduate Attributes

    This course will provide students with an opportunity to develop the Graduate Attribute(s) specified below:

    University Graduate Attribute Course Learning Outcome(s)

    Attribute 1: Deep discipline knowledge and intellectual breadth

    Graduates have comprehensive knowledge and understanding of their subject area, the ability to engage with different traditions of thought, and the ability to apply their knowledge in practice including in multi-disciplinary or multi-professional contexts.

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    Attribute 2: Creative and critical thinking, and problem solving

    Graduates are effective problems-solvers, able to apply critical, creative and evidence-based thinking to conceive innovative responses to future challenges.

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    Attribute 3: Teamwork and communication skills

    Graduates convey ideas and information effectively to a range of audiences for a variety of purposes and contribute in a positive and collaborative manner to achieving common goals.

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    Attribute 4: Professionalism and leadership readiness

    Graduates engage in professional behaviour and have the potential to be entrepreneurial and take leadership roles in their chosen occupations or careers and communities.

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    Attribute 5: Intercultural and ethical competency

    Graduates are responsible and effective global citizens whose personal values and practices are consistent with their roles as responsible members of society.

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    Attribute 6: Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultural competency

    Graduates have an understanding of, and respect for, Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander values, culture and knowledge.

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    Attribute 7: Digital capabilities

    Graduates are well prepared for living, learning and working in a digital society.

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    Attribute 8: Self-awareness and emotional intelligence

    Graduates are self-aware and reflective; they are flexible and resilient and have the capacity to accept and give constructive feedback; they act with integrity and take responsibility for their actions.

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  • Learning Resources
    Required Resources
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    Recommended Resources
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    Online Learning
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  • Learning & Teaching Activities
    Learning & Teaching Modes
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    Workload

    The information below is provided as a guide to assist students in engaging appropriately with the course requirements.

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    Learning Activities Summary
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    Specific Course Requirements
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  • Assessment

    The University's policy on Assessment for Coursework Programs is based on the following four principles:

    1. Assessment must encourage and reinforce learning.
    2. Assessment must enable robust and fair judgements about student performance.
    3. Assessment practices must be fair and equitable to students and give them the opportunity to demonstrate what they have learned.
    4. Assessment must maintain academic standards.

    Assessment Summary
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    Assessment Related Requirements
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    Assessment Detail
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    Submission
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    Course Grading

    Grades for your performance in this course will be awarded in accordance with the following scheme:

    M10 (Coursework Mark Scheme)
    Grade Mark Description
    FNS   Fail No Submission
    F 1-49 Fail
    P 50-64 Pass
    C 65-74 Credit
    D 75-84 Distinction
    HD 85-100 High Distinction
    CN   Continuing
    NFE   No Formal Examination
    RP   Result Pending

    Further details of the grades/results can be obtained from Examinations.

    Grade Descriptors are available which provide a general guide to the standard of work that is expected at each grade level. More information at Assessment for Coursework Programs.

    Final results for this course will be made available through .

  • Student Feedback

    The University places a high priority on approaches to learning and teaching that enhance the student experience. Feedback is sought from students in a variety of ways including on-going engagement with staff, the use of online discussion boards and the use of Student Experience of Learning and Teaching (SELT) surveys as well as GOS surveys and Program reviews.

    SELTs are an important source of information to inform individual teaching practice, decisions about teaching duties, and course and program curriculum design. They enable the University to assess how effectively its learning environments and teaching practices facilitate student engagement and learning outcomes. Under the current SELT Policy (http://www.adelaide.edu.au/policies/101/) course SELTs are mandated and must be conducted at the conclusion of each term/semester/trimester for every course offering. Feedback on issues raised through course SELT surveys is made available to enrolled students through various resources (e.g. MyUni). In addition aggregated course SELT data is available.

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  • Policies & Guidelines
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