SFOK22003U Survival and Event History Analysis

Volume 2024/2025
Education

MSc in Public Health Science - elective course

 

 

 

Content

The course introduces statistical concepts and methods for analyzing time-to-event (survival) data obtained from following individuals until a particular event occurs, or they are lost to follow-up. We will illustrate the use of modern tools for time-to-event analysis and discuss interpretation and communication of results. The course provides practical experience with real health science data using the statistical software R (no previous experience with R is required).

The content includes: censoring and truncation; Kaplan-Meier estimation; log-rank tests; Cox regression; model checking; competing risks.

Learning Outcome

After completing the course the student is expected to:

Knowledge

  • Distinguish methods for analysis of time-to-event data from other types of measurements.
  • Understand the concepts of censoring and truncation.
  • Explain central survival analysis concepts such as hazard, survival and cumulative incidence and their relationships.
  • Describe and compare models for time-to-event data. Illustrate how the models can be applied to epidemiological or public health data.
  • Understand and recognize common pitfalls specific to time-to-event data.

 

Skills

  • Determine the proper statistical method to address a specific scientific question from a given time-to-event data set. This includes understanding the underlying assumptions of the method and identifying violations of these.
  • Perform time-to-event analysis with modern techniques using the statistical software R. Assess the fit of the model.
  • Interpret the results reported by statistical software. Communicate the results and conclusions of a time-to-event analysis in a clear and precise way.
  • Write a statistical report with a well-defined problem statement, method and result presentations, discussion and conclusion.
  • Critically read and review reports or articles addressing epidemiological and public health questions by time-to-event analysis.

 

Competencies

  • Identify and conceptualize questions encountered in the professional life of a public health researcher that can be addressed by time-to-event studies.
  • Independently design, carry out and communicate time-to-event studies.
  • Give advice and take active part in collaborations where decisions are based on the statistical analysis of time-to-event data.
Passed course in statistics SFOA09001U/E from the MSc in Public Health Science.
The course is developed to follow after the course in statistics from the MSc in Public Health Science that contains an introduction to survival analysis.
The course consists of lectures and computer sessions (bring your own laptop) illustrating the implementation and interpretation, as well as self-study preparation and weekly mandatory home assignments (quizzes) supported by discussion threads. The exercises are based on the statistical software R. The course requires active home work and preparation.
  • Category
  • Hours
  • Lectures
  • 21
  • Class Instruction
  • 7
  • Preparation
  • 71
  • E-Learning
  • 14
  • Exam
  • 25
  • Total
  • 138
Continuous feedback during the course of the semester
Feedback by final exam (In addition to the grade)
Credit
5 ECTS
Type of assessment
Written assignment
Type of assessment details
Project report at the end of the course.
Aid
All aids allowed
Marking scale
passed/not passed
Censorship form
No external censorship
Exam period

See the exam plan

Re-exam

In case of 10 or fewer students registered for re-exam

Type of assessment: Oral examination

Assessment details: 30 minutes examination

Preparation: None

Aids: All aids allowed

 

Criteria for exam assesment

To pass the exam, the student must be able to:

Knowledge

  • Distinguish methods for analysis of time-to-event data from other types of measurements.
  • Understand the concepts of censoring and truncation.
  • Explain central survival analysis concepts such as hazard, survival and cumulative incidence and their relationships.
  • Describe and compare models for time-to-event data. Illustrate how the models can be applied to epidemiological or public health data.
  • Understand and recognize common pitfalls specific to time-to-event data.

 

Skills

  • Determine the proper statistical method to address a specific scientific question from a given time-to-event data set. This includes understanding the underlying assumptions of the method and identifying violations of these.
  • Perform time-to-event analysis with modern techniques using statistical software. Assess the fit of the model.
  • Interpret the results reported by statistical software. Communicate the results and conclusions of a time-to-event analysis in a clear and precise way.
  • Write a statistical report with a well-defined problem statement, method and result presentations, discussion and conclusion.
  • Critically read and review reports or articles addressing epidemiological and public health questions by time-to-event analysis.