Mathematical Foundations for Biostatistics

Postgraduate | 2026

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Mode icon
Mode
Mode
Your study will be 100% online
100% online
area/catalogue icon
Area/Catalogue
BIOL 5034
Course ID icon
Course ID
203060
Campus icon
Campus
Online
Level of study
Level of study
Postgraduate
Unit value icon
Unit value
6
Course owner
Course owner
School of Public Health
Course coordinator
Course coordinator
Shenal Dedduwakumara
Course level icon
Course level
5
Work Integrated Learning course
Work Integrated Learning course
No
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Inbound study abroad and exchange
Inbound study abroad and exchange
The fee you pay will depend on the number and type of courses you study.
No
University-wide elective icon
University-wide elective course
No
Single course enrollment
Single course enrolment
No

Course overview

This course covers the foundational mathematical methods and probability distribution concept necessary for an in depth understanding of biostatistical methods. The course commences with an introduction to mathematical expressions, followed by the fundamental calculus techniques of differentiation and integration, and essential elements of mixed algebra. The concepts and rules of probability are then introduced , followed by the application of the calculus methods covered earlier in the course 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.

Course learning outcomes

  • See Studies Guides at: https://url.au.m.mimecastprotect.com/s/jyzMCmO5QMCjMl1XJtJi1URPVES?domain=bca.edu.au/
  • Manipulate general mathematical expressions and inequalities
  • Understand and apply the essential elements of calculus, including differentiation and integration
  • Manipulate and evaluate matrix expressions and calculate inverses of matrices
  • Demonstrate an understanding of the meaning and laws of probability
  • Recognise common probability distributions and their properties
  • Apply calculus-based tools to derive key features of a probability distribution and properties of random variables, such as mean and variance
  • Demonstrate skills in simulation of random variables to illustrate and explain statistical concepts

Availability

Census date Icon
Census date
Fri 27/03/2026
Enrol by date
Enrol by date
Fri 13/03/2026
Last day to W
Last day to W
Fri 10/04/2026
Last day to WF
Last day to WF
Fri 08/05/2026

Class details

Online

Class number
Class number 20066
Section
Section 01OL
Size
Size 30
Available
Available 29
Dates Days Time Campus Location Instructor
- Online ,

Census date Icon
Census date
Fri 04/09/2026
Enrol by date
Enrol by date
Fri 21/08/2026
Last day to W
Last day to W
Fri 18/09/2026
Last day to WF
Last day to WF
Fri 16/10/2026

Class details

Online

Class number
Class number 50051
Section
Section 01OL
Size
Size 30
Available
Available 30
Dates Days Time Campus Location Instructor
- Online ,

Prerequisite(s)

N/A

Corequisite(s)

N/A

Antirequisite(s)

  • must not have completed BIOSTATS6019EX Mathematical Foundations for Biostatistics at the University of Adelaide

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Only some Postgraduate Coursework programs are available as Commonwealth Supported. Please check your program for specific fee information.

The Student Contribution amount displayed below is for students commencing a new program from 2021 onwards. If you are continuing in a program you commenced prior to 1 January 2021, or are commencing an Honours degree relating to an undergraduate degree you commenced prior to 1 January 2021, you may be charged a different Student Contribution amount from the amount displayed below. Please check the Student Contribution bands for continuing students here. If you are an international student, or a domestic student studying in a full fee paying place, and are continuing study that you commenced in 2025 or earlier, your fees will be available here before enrolments open for 2026.