SDST3021 Modern Biostatistics (6 credits) Academic Year 2026
Offering Department SCDS (Department of Statistics and Actuarial Science) Quota 15
Course Co-ordinator Prof D Y Zhang, SCDS (Department of Statistics and Actuarial Science) < doraz@hku.hk >
Teachers Involved (Prof D Y Zhang,Statistics & Actuarial Science)
Course Objectives This course is designed to introduce students the state-of-the-art study designs and statistical analysis methods in biomedical studies including randomized and observational studies, Bayesian inference, phase II and phase III clinical trials and adaptive designs.
Course Contents & Topics The following topics will be covered in the course:
- Bayesian inference and prediction
- diagnostic tests
- study design techniques including randomized and observational designs
- study of risks
- classical clinical trial methods and crossover trial design
- sample size calculation for phase II, phase III and adaptive designs
- meta analysis
Course Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this course, students should be able to:

CLO 1 understanding the basic concepts of study designs
CLO 2 understand the type of studies and its associated risk factors and exposure
CLO 3 design clinical trials and compute sample size and power
CLO 4 design, implement and monitor phase II and phase III clinical trials
CLO 5 develop a professional career in pharmaceutical industry
Pre-requisites
(and Co-requisites and
Impermissible combinations)		 Pass in SDST2602 or SDST3902; and
Not for students who have passed in APAI3021, or already enrolled in this course.
Only for students admitted in 2025 and thereafter.
Course Status with Related Major/Minor /Professional Core 2U000C00 Course not offered under any Major/Minor/Professional core
2026 Professional Core in Statistics ( Disciplinary Elective )
2026 Major in Statistics ( Disciplinary Elective )
2026 Minor in Statistics ( Disciplinary Elective )
2025 Professional Core in Statistics ( Disciplinary Elective )
2025 Major in Statistics ( Disciplinary Elective )
2025 Minor in Statistics ( Disciplinary Elective )
Course to PLO Mapping 2026 Professional Core in Statistics < PLO 1,2,3,4,5,6 >
2026 Major in Statistics < PLO 1,2,3,4,5,6 >
2025 Professional Core in Statistics < PLO 1,2,3,4,5,6 >
2025 Major in Statistics < PLO 1,2,3,4,5,6 >
Offer in 2026 - 2027 Y        1st sem    Examination Dec     
Offer in 2027 - 2028 Y
Course Grade A+ to F
Grade Descriptors
A Demonstrate thorough mastery at an advanced level of extensive knowledge and skills required for attaining all the course learning outcomes. Show strong analytical and critical abilities and logical thinking, with evidence of original thought, and ability to apply knowledge to a wide range of complex, familiar and unfamiliar situations. Apply highly effective organizational and presentational skills.
B Demonstrate substantial command of a broad range of knowledge and skills required for attaining at least most of the course learning outcomes. Show evidence of analytical and critical abilities and logical thinking, and ability to apply knowledge to familiar and some unfamiliar situations. Apply effective organizational and presentational skills.
C Demonstrate general but incomplete command of knowledge and skills required for attaining most of the course learning outcomes. Show evidence of some analytical and critical abilities and logical thinking, and ability to apply knowledge to most familiar situations. Apply moderately effective organizational and presentational skills.
D Demonstrate partial but limited command of knowledge and skills required for attaining some of the course learning outcomes. Show evidence of some coherent and logical thinking, but with limited analytical and critical abilities. Show limited ability to apply knowledge to solve problems. Apply limited or barely effective organizational and presentational skills.
Fail Demonstrate little or no evidence of command of knowledge and skills required for attaining the course learning outcomes. Lack of analytical and critical abilities, logical and coherent thinking. Show very little or no ability to apply knowledge to solve problems. Organization and presentational skills are minimally effective or ineffective.
Communication-intensive Course N
Course Type Lecture-based course
Course Teaching
& Learning Activities
Activities Details No. of Hours
Lectures 36.0
Tutorials 12.0
Reading / Self study 100.0
Assessment Methods
and Weighting
Methods Details Weighting in final
course grade (%)		 Assessment Methods
to CLO Mapping
Assignments Coursework (assignments, tutorials, and class test(s)) 40.0 1,2,3,4,5
Examination One 2-hour written examination 60.0 1,2,3,4,5
Required/recommended reading
and online materials
Course Website http://moodle.hku.hk
Additional Course Information