Pre-application Mathematics and Statistics Self-Screening Tool
The study of population health sciences involves statistical analyses of population health data and the interpretation of the results of such analyses. While the fundamental statistical and epidemiological methods necessary to complete the course will be taught in the core modules during the first term, successful applicants for the MPhil in Population Health Sciences need to be familiar with some mathematical concepts to follow the core modules.
The mathematical prerequisites differ according to whether a student plans to study the core module Principles of Biostatistics or the core module Statistics for Health Data Science. To help applicants who plan to study Principles of Biostatistics assess whether their level of mathematical skill and knowledge is sufficient to start the course, and determine which topics they may need to review or study further, we here provide a self-screening tool. You must use this self-screening tool before making your application, as one of the questions on the application form asks you to reflect on your mathematical and statistical experience with reference to the core module prerequisites and this screening tool.
As you work through this self-assessment quiz, it is important to remember that it is perfectly acceptable to find this challenging. The idea is not to test whether you are ready today to tackle the MPhil course, but to give you the opportunity to assess whether you will be able to put yourself in a position to start the course with the level of mathematics required. If you find any of the questions difficult, please reflect on what was challenging, look up the definitions of terms you are unsure of, explore the suggested resources to review or study the ideas, and then return to retake the self-screening quiz. We hope you will see this as an opportunity to learn or review some maths, and thus ensure you are ready to take the course when you arrive in Cambridge.
Applicants comfortable with the level of mathematics presented by this screening tool may prefer to take the core module Statistics for Health Data Science instead of the Principles of Biostatistics. Statistics for Health Data Science is a requirement for those wishing to pursue the Health Data Science theme and has more challenging mathematical prerequisites. There is an additional self-screening tool for those candidates interested in exploring their suitability for this pathway. Again, use it as an opportunity to assess your current understanding, and then make use of the suggested resources to further study any areas you find challenging. When you are more confident in your understanding of the concepts, have another go at the quiz, and then reflect on which MPhil PHS theme you want to apply for.
We look forward to reading your reflections on the application form.
MPhil PHS Self-Screening Tool
Health Data Science Self-Screening Tool
After you have completed the questions for either of the screening tools, look at the answers, suggested learning resources and post-test feedback, where there is also guidance on how you should reflect on these tests in your application.