Course overview
- Study period
- Semester 2, 2025 (28/07/2025 - 22/11/2025)
- Study level
- Postgraduate Coursework
- Location
- External
- Attendance mode
- Online
- Units
- 4
- Administrative campus
- Herston
- Coordinating unit
- Public Health School
Students undertake one or more projects, usually under the supervision of an experienced biostatistician, in order to gain practical experience in the application and knowledge and skills learnt in the coursework components of the Master of Biostatistics or Master of Science (Statistics) program. Typically the projects will involve the student acting as a statistical consultant in a research team so that they gain additional experience in communication and teamwork. Assessment is based on a portfolio comprising a reflective preface and brief reports on each project.
Students must obtain permission from the course coordinator before they can enrol.
The purpose of the Project is to enable students to engage in a guided research activity in a selected area of public health. The Project is designed to be flexible, with the specific setting, activities and outcomes negotiated between the student and advisor(s).
A member of the School of Public Health (SPH) academic staff shall be the Principal or Associate Advisor. Associate Advisors from SPHﾠor other institutions, including appropriate workplace or agency sites may be appointed, but this is optional. A Project is normally undertaken following the completion of required coursework; exceptions to this can be discussed with the relevant Program or Plan Co-ordinator.
Students are required to have identified an SPH Advisor, who has agreed to supervise the project, prior to obtaining permission to enrol in the course.
A two-page proposal should be submitted to the supervisor and agreed upon by both student and supervisor before the student enrols in the course. The proposal, which may be reviewed by other SPH staff, should include the following headings:
- Working title
- Introduction/background
- Aims/objectives
- Ethics implications (where relevant)
- Expected outcomes/benefits
- Tasks and timeline.
Students are required to contact their relevant Program or Plan Coordinator to seek permission to enrol in the course. This must occur at least three weeks before the commencement of the semester in which the student is seeking to enrol. It is therefore essential that students begin planning their Project, including contact with their proposed supervisor, at an early stage and no later than mid-way through the semester before they wish to enrol.
Course requirements
Prerequisites
You'll need to complete the following courses before enrolling in this one:
STAT7608 or STAT7619
Course contact
Timetable
Additional timetable information
A Project is worth #4 units – the equivalent of 2 standard taught courses.ﾠ A Project enrolment is for one semester with commencement in either Semester 1 or 2. The expected workload is 20 hours per week over one semester.
Students and their research supervisor/s should establish regular meeting times to discuss the conduct and outcomes of this course.ﾠ Students should submit drafts regularly to their supervisor/s for feedback and incorporate that feedback into their final submission.ﾠ
Aims and outcomes
The aim of the Project is to enable students to engage in a guided research activity in a selected area of population health. It is intended to provide students the opportunity to consolidate, extend and apply knowledge and skills acquired in their population health training to date.
Learning outcomes
After successfully completing this course you should be able to:
LO1.
engage in a guided research activity in a
selected area of population health
LO2.
complete a final report of a standard of and take the form of a manuscript suitable for publication in an academic journal.
Assessment
Assessment summary
| Category | Assessment task | Weight | Due date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paper/ Report/ Annotation, Reflection | Project report | 85% |
20/10/2025 5:00 pm |
| Presentation | Presentation (Project Pitch or Presentation of Results) | 10% |
28/07/2025 - 19/09/2025 |
| Paper/ Report/ Annotation | Analysis plan | 5% |
28/07/2025 - 25/08/2025 |
| Tutorial/ Problem Set |
Working with data module
|
28/07/2025 - 25/08/2025 |
Assessment details
Project report
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Paper/ Report/ Annotation, Reflection
- Weight
- 85%
- Due date
20/10/2025 5:00 pm
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02
Task description
Projects are usually due the last day of teaching, which is Friday 28 October for Semester 2 2022.
Projects are marked by two examiners, nominated by the Program Coordinator who may be internal or external. A percentage and a corresponding grade from 1 to 7 is allocated using the assessment criteria. The Principal Supervisor or any Associate Supervisor cannot be an examiner. There is no set format for the final report as presentation, content and structure will vary according to the nature of the project completed. Thorough and accurate referencing is required and students are referred to the UQ Library citation style guides. Possible formats for project reports include:
Traditional academic format:
- Introduction
- Literature review
- Aims and objectives
- Methodology
- Results
- Discussion of findings
- Recommendations for action and further research
Organisational or consultancy report format:
- Introduction
- Statement of the problem
- Scope of the project
- Data collection strategy
- Presentation, synthesis and critical review of findings
- Recommendations for policy, practice, further research
Critical literature review:
- Introduction/background
- Review questions
- Literature search strategy
- Presentation, synthesis and critical review of findings
- Conclusions, implications and recommendations for policy, practice, further research
Submission guidelines
email to Program Coordinator m.waller@uq.edu.au
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
The maximum extension allowed is 28 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.
Please see 10. Policies & Guidelines
Late submission
Please see 10. Policies & Guidelines
Presentation (Project Pitch or Presentation of Results)
- Mode
- Oral
- Category
- Presentation
- Weight
- 10%
- Due date
28/07/2025 - 19/09/2025
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02
Task description
The ability to communicate analysis approaches and study results correctly, confidently, and in an accessible and understandable way is an essential (but often overlooked) skill for any practising biostatistician. The oral presentation assessment will provide students with the opportunity to gain practical experience presenting their work.
Submission guidelines
A date for the presentation will be arranged with the program coordinator m.waller@uq.edu.au
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
The maximum extension allowed is 28 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.
Please see 10. Policies & Guidelines
Late submission
Please see 10. Policies & Guidelines
Analysis plan
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Paper/ Report/ Annotation
- Weight
- 5%
- Due date
28/07/2025 - 25/08/2025
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02
Task description
Students will complete an analysis plan template. This template does not include all elements recommended in these guidelines, but instead represents a curated selection most likely to apply across a range of different study types and designs. Ideally, the completion of this statistical analysis plan will get you to think critically about the statistical methods required for your project before undertaking the analysis.
Submission guidelines
Email to m.waller@uq.edu.au
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
The maximum extension allowed is 28 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.
Please see 10. Policies & Guidelines
Late submission
Please see 10. Policies & Guidelines
Working with data module
- Online
- Mode
- Activity/ Performance
- Category
- Tutorial/ Problem Set
- Due date
28/07/2025 - 25/08/2025
- Learning outcomes
- L01
Task description
Students should complete this UQ library training:
Working with data module
https://uq.pressbooks.pub/digital-essentials-data-and-files/chapter/module-overview/
Submission guidelines
email m.waller@uq.edu.au once completed the training module
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
The maximum extension allowed is 28 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.
Please see 10. Policies & Guidelines
Late submission
Please see 10. Policies & Guidelines
Course grading
Full criteria for each grade is available in the Assessment Procedure.
| Grade | Description |
|---|---|
| 1 (Low Fail) |
Absence of evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: (typically 0 - 19%) |
| 2 (Fail) |
Minimal evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: (typically 20 - 44%) |
| 3 (Marginal Fail) |
Demonstrated evidence of developing achievement of course learning outcomes Course grade description: (typically 45 - 49%) |
| 4 (Pass) |
Demonstrated evidence of functional achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: (typically 50 - 64%) |
| 5 (Credit) |
Demonstrated evidence of proficient achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: (typically 65 - 74%) |
| 6 (Distinction) |
Demonstrated evidence of advanced achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: (typically 75 - 84%) |
| 7 (High Distinction) |
Demonstrated evidence of exceptional achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: (typically 85 - 100%) |
Supplementary assessment
Supplementary assessment is available for this course.
The final grade awarded will be based on the results of the supplementary assessment only, and a passing grade will be awarded if, and only if, the student receives at least 50% of the marks on the supplementary assessment.
Additional assessment information
Students and their research supervisor/s should establish regular meeting times to discuss the conduct and outcomes of this course.ﾠ Students should submit drafts regularly to their supervisor/s for feedback and incorporate that feedback into their final submission.ﾠ
Learning resources
You'll need the following resources to successfully complete the course. We've indicated below if you need a personal copy of the reading materials or your own item.
Library resources
Library resources are available on the UQ Library website.
Additional learning resources information
To be decided between the supervisor and the student
Learning activities
The learning activities for this course are outlined below. Learn more about the learning outcomes that apply to this course.
Filter activity type by
Please select
| Learning period | Activity type | Topic |
|---|---|---|
Not scheduled |
Not Timetabled |
Completing the Analysis plan Learning outcomes: L01 |
Not scheduled |
Not Timetabled |
Delivering the presentation Learning outcomes: L01 |
Not scheduled |
Not Timetabled |
Computing the data training module Learning outcomes: L01 |
Multiple weeks |
Not Timetabled |
Writing the Project and reflective preface It is highly desirable that the final report be of a standard of and take the form of a manuscript suitable for publication in an academic journal. The School of Public Health strongly encourages students and project supervisors to give preference to projects that are likely to lead to publication. It is expected that the final report will be of at least a standard suitable for dissemination as an organisational report. Higher level project reports may be of (or close to) a standard suitable for publication in the public health literature. Those not reaching this level will be eligible to Pass (65%; a grade of 4) provided basic assessment criteria are met. Types of research and research-related activities that may constitute a Project include:
Learning outcomes: L01, L02 |
Policies and procedures
University policies and procedures apply to all aspects of student life. As a UQ student, you must comply with University-wide and program-specific requirements, including the:
- Student Code of Conduct Policy
- Student Integrity and Misconduct Policy and Procedure
- Assessment Procedure
- Examinations Procedure
- Reasonable Adjustments for Students Policy and Procedure
Learn more about UQ policies on my.UQ and the Policy and Procedure Library.
Course guidelines
School of Public Health (SPH) Guidelines for late submission of progressive assessment - Preamble
To apply for an extension to the due date for a piece of progressive assessment (eg assignments, oral presentations and computer-based assignments) students should complete the online request at https://my.uq.edu.au/information-and-services/manage-my-program/exams-and-assessment/applying-assessment-extension?p=2#2
Information regarding deferral of in-semester exams and end-of-semester exams is available from https://my.uq.edu.au/information-and-services/manage-my-program/exams-and-assessment/deferring-exam
If requesting an extension on medical grounds, a medical certificate must be provided. The extension will be approved for the number of days included in the medical certificate that the student was not fit to study or work, eg if the medical certificate is for 3 days, an extension will be approved for 3 days maximum regardless of the student's request.
If requesting an extension using a Student Access Plan (SAP) as evidence, a maximum of 7-day extension will be approved in the first instance. Updated medical documentation, as well as a copy of the SAP, is required if requesting an extension for more than 7 days.
A student may have a maximum of three extension requests approved for a single assessment task.
An extension for an assessment item due within the study period in which the course is offered, must not exceed four weeks in total.
The following SPH guidelines are consistent with the UQ policy. However, the SPH Guidelines contain specific rules and interpretations for SPH courses, and requests for extension and penalties for late submissions will be judged according to the guidelines outlined in this document. You should read both the information in your my.UQ at the following link: https://my.uq.edu.au/information-and-services/manage-my-program/exams-and-assessment/applying-assessment-extension and the SPH guidelines (below) before submitting a request for an extension. The SPH Guidelines apply to all courses offered by the School of Public Health unless the Course Profile explicitly states otherwise.
SPH Guidelines for late submission of progressive assessment
Initial extension for an individual item of assessment – the SPH Student & Academic Administration Team and/or the Course Coordinator decides.
This could be for medical or compassionate reasons, or if, in the opinion of the Course Coordinator, there are exceptional circumstances.
Acceptable and unacceptable reasons for an extension are listed at the following link, along with the required evidence to be provided: https://my.uq.edu.au/information-and-services/manage-my-program/exams-and-assessment/applying-assessment-extension?p=1#1
A request for an extension to an assessment due date must be submitted through mylUQ as soon as it becomes evident that an extension is needed, but no later than one calendar day after the assessment task submission due date and time.
If applying for an extension after the due date and time of the assessment item, your request may not be approved. An explanation as to why your request was not submitted prior must be included.
If approved, a new due date will be set. This would generally be no later than 7 days after the original due date, however this can be modified to take account of the circumstances of the request and the time that would have been lost from studies.
If the new due date is past the date for submission of end-of-semester results, the student will receive an INC (incomplete) result.
Second and all subsequent extensions for an individual item of assessment – the SPH Student & Academic Administration Team and/or the Program Convenor together with the Course Coordinator decides.
This would only be approved for exceptional circumstance with supporting documentation.
- Online requests must be made at least 24 hours prior to the due date from the first extension.
- The SPH Student & Academic Administration Team and/or the Course Coordinator will consult with the Program Convenor, who will make the final decision.
- If approved, the new due date would generally be no later than 7 days after the first extension due date.
- The Program Convenor should consider if remedial or other support should be offered to the student.
- The Program Convenor should provide a report on these matters as needed at SPH Examiners’ Meetings.
A student may have a maximum of three extension requests approved for a single assessment task.
An extension for an assessment item due within the study period in which the course is offered, must not exceed four weeks in total.
Please Note: In order to support course progression, extensions that total more than 14 calendar days from the original due date of an assessment item will only be approved in very exceptional circumstances. These requests are assessed and approved or denied on a case-by-case basis.
If you have been ill or unable to attend class for more than 4 weeks in a semester, we advise you to carefully consider whether you are capable of successfully completing your courses this semester. You might need to consider applying for removal of course.
Penalty for late submission
Submission of assignments, practical reports, workbooks, and other types of written assessments after the due date specified in the Course Profile will receive a penalty.
The penalty will be a deduction of 10% RELATIVE PERCENTAGE per day (24 hour period or part thereof, including weekends and public holidays) or for work graded on a 1-7 scale, a deduction of one grade per day, e.g. If the original mark is 73%, then 10% relative percentage is 10% of this value, ie 7.3%, The final mark for this assessment item after applying the penalty for 1 day late submission would be 73 -7.3 = 65.7% The same outcome is achieved by multiplying the original score by .9; ie 73 x .9 = 65.7%
The penalty for multiple days late is the relative percentage multiplied by the number of days late.
A submission that is not made within 10 days of the due date will receive a mark of 0% for that assessment item.
Where a student has sought more than one extension, the due date for calculating the penalty will be the due date for the most recently approved extension.
Submission of Medical Certificates
Students are responsible for ensuring that any medical documentation they submit is authentic and signed by a registered medical practitioner. Such practitioners can be identified via the AHPRA website. Also note that:
- Not all online medical services are staffed by registered practitioners
- If the registration status of the practitioner cannot be verified, then an alternative practitioner should be sought
- Students will be held fully responsible for all documentation they submit, even if done so in ignorance of the practitioner's registration status
Medical documentation may be subjected to an audit by the University.
SPH Assessment Guidelines
The School of Public Health assessment tasks have been designed to be challenging, authentic and complex. While students may use AI technologies, successful completion of assessment in this course will require students to critically engage in specific contexts and tasks for which artificial intelligence will provide only limited support and guidance.
A failure to reference AI use may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
To pass this assessment, students will be required to demonstrate detailed comprehension of their written submission independent of AI tools.