401077 Introduction to Biostatistics School of Science & Health│Learning Guide Autumn 2017Western Sydney University – Learning Guide UNIT DETAILS Unit Code: 401077 Unit Name: Introduction to Biostatistics Level: 7 Contact hours per week: Internal students Tutorial: 2hrs/week External students Online discussion: up to 2hrs/week Credit Points 10 Assumed Knowledge: High school mathematics (arithmetic, formulas and algebra, reading graphs) STAFF Unit Coordinator and point of first contact Name: Paul Fahey Building: 24.2.32, Campbelltown campus Phone: (02) 46203297 Email: [email protected] CONSULTATION ARRANGEMENTS Campbelltown Mr Paul Fahey: By appointment – please email to arrange time and location Dr Kingsley Agho: By appointment – please email to arrange time and location Parramatta Mr Paul Fahey: By appointment – please email to arrange time and location Dr Kingsley Agho: By appointment – please email to arrange time and location Textbook Sullivan LM. Essentials of Biostatistics in Public Health (2nd ed). Jones & Bartlett, Sudbury, MA. 2012. ISBN-13: 978-0-7637-9531-3, ISBN-10: 0-7637-9531-3 Edition: «Session» «Year» © Copyright: Western Sydney University, September 2016. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without the prior written permission from the Dean of the School of Science & Health. Copyright for acknowledged materials reproduced herein is retained by the copyright holder. All readings in this publication are copied under licence in accordance with Part VB of the Copyright Act 1968.Table of Contents Table of Contents 1 1. About «Unit_Name» 1 1.1 An Introduction to this Unit 1 1.2 What is Expected of You 1 1.3 Changes to Unit as a Result of Past Student Feedback 1 2. Learning and Teaching in this Unit 2 2.1 Unit Learning Outcomes 2 2.2 Course Learning Outcomes and Graduate Attributes 2 2.3 Schedule of Activities 4 2.4 Summary of How Learning Activities Support Achievement of Unit Learning Outcomes 7 2.5 Learning Resources 7 3. Assessment 8 3.1 Assessment summary 8 3.2 Assessment Details 9 Assessment 1: «Brief_Description» («Weighting») 9 Assessment 2: «Brief_Description» («Weighting») 11 Assessment 3: «Brief_Description» («Weighting») 13 Assessment 4: «Brief_Description» («Weighting») 15 Assessment 5: «Brief_Description» («Weighting») 17 Assessment 6: «Brief_Description» («Weighting») 19 Assignment Cover Sheet 21 TO BE READ IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE WESTERN SYDNEY UNIVERSITY LEARNING GUIDE COMPANION AND WESTERN SYDNEY UNIVERSITY POLICIES.« U N I T _ N U M B E R C O D E » « U N I T _ N A M E » « S E S S I O N » « Y E A R » S E C T I O N O N E Western Sydney University – Learning Guide 1. About «Unit_Name» 1.1 An Introduction to this Unit Most professions in the health sciences need to read and interpret statistics relating to individual health status, interpret health risks in communities, and engage in the evaluation of interventions, or impact of health policies or programs. Many public health practitioners are actively involved in surveillance, quantitative research and/or evaluation. This unit provides students with the fundamental skills they need to analyse and interpret results from quantitative data collections. Content includes descriptive statistics, undertaking comparisons between groups, quantifying associations between variables, and statistical power. The unit is highly applied with the main focus being on interpretation and appraisal of statistical results and conducting analyses using statistical software. 1.2 What is Expected of You Study Load For a 10 credit point unit, you are expected to study 10 hours per week for 14 weeks on that unit. For example, if class time totals 2 hours per week, then you are expected to study a further 8 hours per week outside of class time. Attendance It is strongly recommended that you attend all scheduled learning activities to support your learning. Students with a poor attendance record may find themselves at risk of not passing assessment. Online Learning Requirements Learning materials and worksheets will be made available on the E-Learning (Blackboard) link on The University home page http://www.westernsydney.edu.au/ Students are expected to consult the unit Blackboard site at least twice a week, as all announcements will be made via this site and teaching material will be regularly updated and posted online. Special Requirements for the Unit Legislative pre-requisites: None Essential Equipment: Students studying online should have ready access to a computer. 1.3 Changes to Unit as a Result of Past Student Feedback This year will see face-to-face lectures replaced by online video recordings which can be accessed at any time throughout the semester. The lecture material which introduces the course content will be separated from the material which builds on and applies the content. For online students, the online tutorials will be more structured and will be recorded so they can be reviewed again later.« U N I T _ N U M B E R C O D E » « U N I T _ N A M E » « S E S S I O N » « Y E A R » S E C T I O N T W O Western Sydney University – Learning Guide 2. Learning and Teaching in this Unit 2.1 Unit Learning Outcomes Becoming a professional in this field requires a strong understanding of statistical methods and results. This unit aims to introduce the conceptual base of statistical analysis and start developing your skills in the analysis of quantitative data and interpretation of statistical results. Upon successfully completing this unit, you should be able to: 1 Select appropriate descriptive statistics and graphs for different data types and produce these from a data set using statistical software. 2 Explain key concepts such as statistical inference, the central limit theorem, sampling distributions, probability distributions, confidence intervals, hypothesis tests 3 List the key steps required to produce a confidence interval and to conduct a hypothesis test 4 Use statistical terms and symbols correctly when reviewing and interpreting statistical material 5 Compute statistical power or required sample size for a confidence interval or hypothesis test 6 Select appropriate statistical analyses to address a given research question and implement these analyses on a data set using statistical software 7 Interpret the output of statistical analyses clearly and correctly in a written report 8 Appraise the appropriateness of statistical results relative to all relevant considerations: including the research question, data types, shape of distribution, statistical power and other, procedure specific, assumptions. 2.2 Course Learning Outcomes and Graduate Attributes As a graduate from The University, you should be able to demonstrate all of the subsets of the major attributes which are: 1 Command multiple skills and literacies to enable adaptable lifelong learning; 2 Demonstrate knowledge of Indigenous Australia through cultural competency and professional capacity; 3 Demonstrate comprehensive, coherent and connected knowledge 4 Apply knowledge through intellectual inquiry in professional or applied contexts 5 Bring knowledge to life through responsible engagement and appreciation of diversity in an evolving world« U N I T _ N U M B E R C O D E » « U N I T _ N A M E » « S E S S I O N » « Y E A R » S E C T I O N T W O Western Sydney University – Learning Guide 2.3Schedule of Activities Wk Topic Tutorial Independent Reading & Activities Assessments Assessment items Feedback [Mode] 1 20/02 Descriptive statistics Descriptive analyses on categorical variables Read Sullivan Sections 4.1 & 4.2 and complete week 1 activities 2 27/02 Descriptive statistics Descriptve analyses on continuous variables Read Sullivan Sections 4.3 & 4.4 and complete week 2 activities 3 06/03 Probability Probability and probability models Read Sullivan Sections 5.1, 5.2, 5.3, 5.4 & 5.6.1 and complete week 3 activities 4 13/03 Probability The normal model and the central limit theorem Read Sullivan Chapter 5.6.2, 5.6.3 & 5.7 and complete week 4 activities Assignment 1 Mark and markers comments 5 20/03 Statistical inference Statistical inference and confidence intervals Read Sullivan Chapter 6 and complete week 5 activities 6 27/03 Statistical inference Hypothesis tests Read Sullivan Sections 7.1-7.3 & 7.5-7.7 and complete week 6 activities 7 03/04 Statistical inference Non-parametric tests including Chi-square Read Sullivan Chapter 10 and Sections 7.4 & 7.9 and complete week 7 activities 8 10/04 Intrasession Break 9 17/04 Statistical power 17 April - Easter Monday Public Holiday Power and sample size Read Sullivan Chapter 8 and complete week 9 activities Assignment 2 Mark and markers comments 10 24/04 Correlation and regression 25 April - ANZAC Day Public Holiday Correlation and regression (Complete at home . There is no face-to-face class this week) Read Sullivan Sections 9.3, 9.4 and complete week 10 activities 11 01/05 Conducting analyses Planning a statistical analysis Read materials provided and complete week 11 activities 12 08/05 Critical appraisal Critical appraisal of Methods Read materials provided and complete week 12 activities 13 15/05 Critical appraisal Critical appraisal of Results Read materials provided and complete week 13 activities 14 22/05 No class Assignment 3 Markers comments 15 29/05 STUVAC 16 05/06 Formal Exam Period 17 12/06 Formal Exam Period 18 19/06 Session Ends« U N I T _ N U M B E R C O D E » « U N I T _ N A M E » « S E S S I O N » « Y E A R » S E C T I O N T W O Western Sydney University – Learning Guide 2.4 Summary of How Learning Activities Support Achievement of Unit Learning Outcomes UNIT LEARNING OUTCOMES LEARNING ACTIVITIES ASSESSMENT ACTIVITIES 1 Select appropriate descriptive statistics and graphs for different data types and produce these from a data set using statistical software. Weekly online materials (videos, worksheets and discussion problems), tutorials, & review quizzes Assignments 1, 2 & 3 2 Explain key concepts such as statistical inference, the central limit theorem, sampling distributions, probability distributions, confidence intervals, hypothesis tests Weekly online materials (videos, worksheets and discussion problems), tutorials, & review quizzes Assignments 2 & 3 3 List the key steps required to produce a confidence interval and to conduct a hypothesis test Weekly online materials (videos, worksheets and discussion problems), tutorials, & review quizzes Assignments 2 & 3 4 Use statistical terms and symbols correctly when reviewing and interpreting statistical material Weekly online materials (videos, worksheets and discussion problems), tutorials, & review quizzes Assignments 1, 2 & 3 5 Compute statistical power or required sample size for a confidence interval or hypothesis test Weekly online materials (videos, worksheets and discussion problems), tutorials, & review quizzes Assignment 2 6 Select appropriate statistical analyses to address a given research question and implement these analyses on a data set using statistical software Weekly online materials (videos, worksheets and discussion problems), tutorials, & review quizzes Assignments 1, 2 & 3 7 Interpret the output of statistical analyses clearly and correctly in a written report Weekly online materials (videos, worksheets and discussion problems), tutorials, & review quizzes Assignments 1, 2 & 3 8 Appraise the appropriateness of statistical results relative to all relevant considerations: including the research question, data types, shape of distribution, statistical power and other, procedure specific, assumptions. Weekly online materials (videos, worksheets and discussion problems), tutorials, & review quizzes Assignment 3 2.5 Learning Resources Resources How to Engage with the Resources Lectures/ Textbooks/ Reading Lis Read the recommended chapters and lecture notes relevant to the topics. Ensure the theory match your assumptions. Summarise the contents of each topic and incorporate material from lectures and tutorials. Reading List: Sullivan LM. Essentials of Biostatistics in Public Health (2nd ed). Jones & Bartlett, Sudbury, MA. 2012. ISBN-13: 978-0-7637-9531-3, ISBN-10: 0-7637-9531-3« U N I T _ N U M B E R C O D E » « U N I T _ N A M E » « S E S S I O N » « Y E A R » S E C T I O N T W O Western Sydney University – Learning Guide Alternate or additional reading: Campbell, M. J., & Swinscow, T. D. V. (2009). Statistics at square one (11th ed.). Chichester, UK: Wiley-Blackwell/BMJ Books. Available Online Chernick, M. R. (2011). The essentials of biostatistics for physicians, nurses, and clinicians. Hoboken, NJ: Wiley. Available Online Polgar, S., & Thomas, S. A. (2013). Introduction to research in the health sciences (6th ed.). Oxford, UK: Churchill Livingstone. Riffenburgh, R. H. (2012). Statistics in medicine (3rd ed.). Amsterdam, The Netherlands: Elsevier/Academic Press. Available Online You must use APA referencing style for this unit. If you have questions about referencing, online librarians can provide instant assistance http://library.uws.edu.au/uws_library/« U N I T _ N U M B E R C O D E » « U N I T _ N A M E » « S E S S I O N » « Y E A R » S E C T I O N T H R E E Western Sydney University – Learning Guide 3. Assessment 3.1 Assessment summary There are three assessment items in this unit, designed to enable you to demonstrate that you have achieved the unit learning outcomes. Achievement of at least 50% overall is required to pass this unit. ASSESSMENT DUE DATE WEIGHTING ULO's FEEDBACK ITEM TASK MODE DATE 1 Assignment 1 Short answer questions Sunday 19 March, 2017 30% 1, 4, 6, 7 Markers comments and itemised scores on Grade-Mark Friday 7 April, 2017 2 Assignment 2 Short answer questions Sunday 23 April, 2017 30% 1 - 7 Markers comments and itemised scores on Grade-Mark Friday 12 May, 2017 3 Assignment 3 Critical appraisal and analysis Sunday 28 May, 2017 40% 1 8 – 4, 6 - Markers comments and itemised scores on Grade-Mark Official release of results Note: Results may be moderated before you receive your results. Moderation is a process whereby the unit coordinator regulates the marking of individual markers to achieve consistency in the application of unit objectives, performance standards and marking criteria. Marks for an individual piece of assessment will not be changed after you have your results. You should note that, consistent with the Criteria and Standards Based Assessment policy, the final marks for the cohort may also be adjusted if marks are very high or low or there are inconsistencies between groups.« U N I T _ N U M B E R C O D E » « U N I T _ N A M E » « S E S S I O N » « Y E A R » S E C T I O N T H R E E Western Sydney University – Learning Guide 3.2 Assessment Details Assessment 1: Short anaswer questions (30%) Due Date: Sunday 19 March, 2017 Length: Six to eight (6-8) short answer questions Submission Details: Turnitin online submission via UWS Feedback Details: Online markers comments and itemised scores through Grade-Mark Rationale So far we have introduced descriptive analyses, statistical software and probability models. These are essential components for the upcoming introduction of statistical inference. Statistical inference is often conceptually challenging to students and any weakness in precursor knowledge and skills will produce serious blockages in understanding the upcoming material. This assignment confirms your understanding of material to date or highlights any weaknesses which need to be addressed. Task There will be 6-8 short answer questions. You will be required to answer all questions using the Word template provided. Questions will be of a similar style and content to those you have addressed in the tutorials and practice exercises. All material covered in the first 4 weeks of class is assessable. Criteria Your assignment will be assessed on the following:  Whether or not your answer is correct  Whether or not graphs and tables are appropriately formatted and labelled  Whether or not you show working when requested and whether this working is correct and sufficient  Whether or not you provide explanation or justification when requested and whether or not these explanations are correct and sufficient Please avoid pasting screenshots of R Commander output into your assignment (graphs are fine). Raw output does not identify the answer to the question. Where ever possible present your answer as a sentence or paragraph. Resources There is no requirement to study beyond the text book, tutorial materials and practice exercises. If however, you do not fully understand these materials or find the style difficult, please consider: a) concepts and practice questions can be discussed with tutors, fellow students and on the online discussion group. b) there are many good youtube videos if you learn better by watching than reading. c) any introductory statistics text will cover the same material - see Section 2.5 above for a few examples available online.« U N I T _ N U M B E R C O D E » « U N I T _ N A M E » « S E S S I O N » « Y E A R » S E C T I O N T H R E E Western Sydney University – Learning Guide Marking rubric: Assessment 1 Criteria No marks Part marks Full marks Where a single number or single word answer is required Answer is absent or incorrect R Commander screenshot. Answer is written in Word and is correct. Where a graph is required Graph is absent or the wrong graph Correct graph, poorly labelled. Correct graph pasted into Word. Accurate and descriptive axes labels (within the constraints of R Commander). Accurate and descriptive title. Where a table is required Table is absent or the wrong table. R Commander screenshot. Table is poorly labelled. Table contains transcription errors. Table is formatted in Word. An accurate and descriptive title is given. No transcription errors. Where 'show working' is requested. Working is absent, incoherent or irrelevant. R Commander screenshots provided in lieu of working. Working contains errors or omissions. All calculations and derivations are fully documented and correct. No R Commander screenshots. Working laid out in logical order. Where interpretation or explanation is requested No explanation is provided. Explanation is incorrect or incoherent. Explanation demonstrates general understanding but contains errors and/or omissions. Explanation is general rather than specific to the question. Explanation is correct, complete and clear. Criteria Unsatisfactory Pass Credit Distinction High Distinction Overall Few questions answered correctly. The majority of workings and explanations missing, incorrect or incoherent. The majority of questions answered correctly. Some working or explanation absent or containing serious errors or omissions. Most questions answered correctly. Required working and explanations provided with at worst a few serious errors or omissions. Almost all questions answers correct. All required working and explanations provided with at worst a few minor errors or omissions. All question answered correctly, completely and clearly. No omissions, errors or spurious information.« U N I T _ N U M B E R C O D E » « U N I T _ N A M E » « S E S S I O N » « Y E A R » S E C T I O N T H R E E Western Sydney University – Learning Guide« U N I T _ N U M B E R C O D E » « U N I T _ N A M E » « S E S S I O N » « Y E A R » S E C T I O N T H R E E Western Sydney University – Learning Guide Assessment 2: Short answer questions (30%) Due Date: Sunday 23 April, 2017 Length: Six to eight (6-8) short answer questions Submission Details: Turnitin online submission via UWS Feedback Details: Online markers comments and itemised scores through Grade-Mark Rationale We have now introduced much of the conceptual basis of statistical inference as well as practical skills for undertaking and interpreting statistical inference. Statistical inference is central to the quest for knowledge and the progress of health care. It is fundamental to research and surveillance. This assignment confirms your mastery of these important concepts and skills. Task There will be 6-8 short answer questions. You will be required to answer all questions, using the Word template provided. Questions will be of a similar style and content to those you have addressed in the tutorials and practice exercises. All material covered in the first 8 weeks of class is assessable. Criteria Your assignment will be assessed on the following:  Whether or not your answer is correct  Whether or not graphs and tables are appropriately formatted and labelled  Whether or not you show working when requested and whether this working is correct and sufficient  Whether or not you provide explanation or justification when requested and whether or not these explanations are correct and sufficient Please avoid pasting screenshots of R Commander output into your assignment (graphs are fine). Raw output does not identify the answer to the question. Where ever possible present your answer as a sentence or paragraph. Resources There is no requirement to study beyond the text book, tutorial materials and practice exercises. If however, you do not fully understand these materials or find the style difficult, please consider: a) concepts and practice questions can be discussed with tutors, fellow students and on the online discussion group. b) there are many good youtube videos if you learn better by watching than reading. c) any introductory statistics text will cover the same material - see Section 2.5 above for a few examples available online.« U N I T _ N U M B E R C O D E » « U N I T _ N A M E » « S E S S I O N » « Y E A R » S E C T I O N T H R E E Western Sydney University – Learning Guide Marking rubric: Assessment 2 Criteria No marks Part marks Full marks Where a single number or single word answer is required Answer is absent or incorrect R Commander screenshot. Answer is written in Word and is correct. Where a graph is required Graph is absent or the wrong graph Correct graph, poorly labelled. Correct graph pasted into Word. Accurate and descriptive axes labels (within the constraints of R Commander). Accurate and descriptive title. Where a table is required Table is absent or the wrong table. R Commander screenshot. Table is poorly labelled. Table contains transcription errors. Table is formatted in Word. An accurate and descriptive title is given. No transcription errors. Where 'show working' is requested. Working is absent, incoherent or irrelevant. R Commander screenshots provided in lieu of working. Working contains errors or omissions. All calculations and derivations are fully documented and correct. No R Commander screenshots. Working laid out in logical order. Where interpretation or explanation is requested No explanation is provided. Explanation is incorrect or incoherent. Explanation demonstrates general understanding but contains errors and/or omissions. Explanation is general rather than specific to the question. Explanation is correct, complete and clear. Criteria Unsatisfactory Pass Credit Distinction High Distinction Overall Few questions answered correctly. The majority of workings and explanations missing, incorrect or incoherent. The majority of questions answered correctly. Some working or explanation absent or containing serious errors or omissions. Most questions answered correctly. Required working and explanations provided with at worst a few serious errors or omissions. Almost all questions answers correct. All required working and explanations provided with at worst a few minor errors or omissions. All question answered correctly, completely and clearly. No omissions, errors or spurious information.« U N I T _ N U M B E R C O D E » « U N I T _ N A M E » « S E S S I O N » « Y E A R » S E C T I O N T H R E E Western Sydney University – Learning Guide Assessment 3: Criticial appraisal and analysis (40%) Due Date: Sunday 28 May, 2017 Length: Maximum of 800 words excluding graphs and tables Submission Details: Turnitin online submission via UWS Feedback Details: Online markers comments and itemised scores through Grade-Mark Rationale In this assessment, students take a first step towards practical application of their statistical knowledge and skills. Students are presented with an example research question and asked to address it. The tasks of critical appraisal or previous research, analysis of a data set and interpretation of results mimic activities students are likely to need to pursue during their careers (albeit considerably scaled down and simplified for the purpose of assessment). Task There are two separate tasks. Firstly students will be presented with a published journal article and will be asked to critically appraise selected statistical aspects of the article provided. Secondly students will be presented with a research question and an appropriate data set. Using R Commander and the data set provided, students will be asked to conduct and report their own analyses addressing the research question. A Word template will be provided for the answers. Students will need to apply all skills and knowledge they have obtained in this Unit to complete this assessment. Criteria Your assignment will be assessed on the following:  The accuracy, depth and relevance of your critical appraisal  The appropriateness of your choice of statistical methods in relation to the research question and data set.  The accuracy, clarity and completeness of your description of the statistical methods used.  The accuracy, clarity and completeness of your presentation of the results of the statistical analyses.  The accuracy, depth and relevance of your interpretation of results and your answer to the research question. Please avoid pasting screenshots of R Commander output into your assignment (graphs are fine). Raw output does not identify the answer to the question. Where ever possible present your answer as a sentence or paragraph. Resources There is no requirement to study beyond the text book, tutorial materials and practice exercises. If however, you do not fully understand these materials or find the style difficult, please consider: a) concepts and practice questions can be discussed with tutors, fellow students and on the online discussion group. b) there are many good youtube videos if you learn better by watching than reading. c) any introductory statistics text will cover some of this material - see Section 2.5 above for a few examples available online.« U N I T _ N U M B E R C O D E » « U N I T _ N A M E » « S E S S I O N » « Y E A R » S E C T I O N T H R E E Western Sydney University – Learning Guide Marking rubric: Assessment 3 Criteria Unsatisfactory Pass Credit Distinction High Distinction Appraisal Did not appraise the paper. Summarised the paper instead of appraised it. Did not use any of the STROBE criteria Attempted to apply the STROBE criteria but largely incorrect or largely incoherent. Possibly incomplete (didn't cover important items). Applied the STROBE criteria and identified relevant information in the paper. Often correct although lacking depth as to whether or not STROBE items had been satisfactorily addressed and why this would be important to readers. Addressed the important STROBE items. Reasonably coherent - generally correct. A few errors or difficult to understand statements. Clear, complete and almost always correct. The strengths and weaknesses of the study have been highlighted against the relevant STROBE criteria. The reason why these strengths and weaknesses are important has been clearly explained. Descriptive analysis Did not present any statistics or graphs. . R Commander output alone without any description of what the output contains. Partial analysis (eg statistics but no graphs or vice versa). Results only – no explanation on why these results are important. Basic statistics and graphs. Basic description of relationships. Comprehensive range of statistics and graphs. Some useful commentary on how these results impact on later analyses. Comprehensive range of statistics and graphs. Full explanation on why each analysis was performed and how the results impact on later analyses. Models and inference Did not fit a model. Fitted the wrong model. R Commander output alone without any description of the model fitted. Got the regression model out of R Commander but didn't get much further. Wrote the model incorrectly, didn't specify or test the hypothesis at all - or significant errors in the hypothesis test. Correct regression model, written reasonably correctly. Conducted a hypothesis test. Some omissions, distractions or errors. Correct models, correctly and quite well explained. Correct hypothesis test and quite well explained. Only minor errors in specification of the model or hypotheses. Clearly and concisely stated the correct model and correct hypothesis test. No errors or omissions. Conclusions Answered wrong question. Conclusions are inconsistent with the observed results. Answer incomplete (doesn't fully answer research question). Answer is correct (based on the p-value provided in the previous section) but poorly worded. Answer is correct (based on the p-value provided in the previous section) but with minor omissions. Clearly and concisely states p-value, whether reject or accept null hypothesis and the answer to the research question.Western Sydney University – Learning Guide Assignment Cover Sheet School of Science & Health Student name: Student number: Unit name and number: Tutorial group: Tutorial day and time: Unit Coordinator: Title of assignment: Length: Date due: Date submitted: Campus enrolment: Declaration:  I hold a copy of this assignment if the original is lost or damaged.  I hereby certify that no part of this assignment or product has been copied from any other student's work or from any other source except where due acknowledgement is made in the assignment.  I hereby certify that no part of this assignment or product has been submitted by me in another (previous or current) assessment, except where appropriately referenced, and with prior permission from the Lecturer/Tutor/ Unit Co-ordinator for this unit.  No part of the assignment/product has been written/produced for me by any other person except where collaboration has been authorised by the Lecturer/Tutor/Unit Co-ordinator concerned.  I am aware that this work will be reproduced and submitted to plagiarism detection software programs for the purpose of detecting possible plagiarism (which may retain a copy on its database for future plagiarism checking). Signature:______________________________________ Note: An examiner or lecturer/tutor has the right to not mark this assignment if the above declaration has not been signed. THIS IS THE END OF THE LEARNING GUIDE