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Mixed models in Health Science

Course description

In health science, we are frequently faced with observations that are correlated by design or structure of study.

Some designs or data structures leading to mixed model considerations,

  • Data clustered in units, e.g. individuals in families.
  • Repeated measurements on a single individual or experimental item.
  • Longitudinal data, where individuals are followed-up repeatedly over time.
  • Cross-over trials.
  • Randomized clinical trials with clusters.
Main content

The course presents methods to handle these types of data. Topics covered in the course include,

  • Mixed models, including variance component and random coefficient models.
  • Random effects, nested and crossed structures.
  • Generalized estimating equations (GEE models).
  • Principles of analysis for a broad range of studies and designs as mentioned above.
  • Missing data mechanisms.
  • Power and sample size calculations for mixed models.

The focus of the course is on the general mixed model for responses of most common types. Further, applications from modern research within health science will be presented and worked through for practical illustration and interpretation.

After completing the course, the participant will
  • Know the substantive basis of mixed models and their applicability in health science.
  • Be familiar with methods for estimating mixed models.
  • Know how to interpret results from mixed-model analyses.
Course arrangements

Two days one week apart followed by a small take-home exam. The course consists of a mixture of lectures and exercises where participants may familiarize themselves with the methods and their implementation in the statistical software packages Stata or R.

Course teachers
  • Jacob Hjelmborg (Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Biodemography, Dept. of Public Healh, SDU)
  • Ulrich Halekoh
  • Afsaneh Muhammadnejad 
Course fee

The course is free for PhD students enrolled at the Faculty of Health Sciences at the University of Southern Denmark.

For PhD students enrolled at  other universities under the open market agreement, the fee is

DKK 1200

EUR 160

For others, the fee is:

DKK 3500

EUR 469

Graduate Programme

Public Health

Course language

English

Course director

Jacob Hjelmborg, Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Biodemography, Dept. of Public Healh, SDU)

The course is provided jointly by Dept. of Public Health and Dept. of Clinical Research, SDU

ECTS credits

1,8 ECTS

Register for this course

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The PhD programme Faculty of Health Sciences University of Southern Denmark

  • Campusvej 55
  • Odense M - DK-5230
  • Phone: 6550 4949

Last Updated 31.10.2024