Short Course: Sample Size Determination for Scientific Studies, 27 May 2026

Course Overview

Sample size determination is a central component of planning a scientific study. A well-justified sample size ensures that a study is scientifically credible, ethically defensible, and feasible to conduct.

This one-day course introduces the principles of precision-based and power-based sample size calculations. Using practical examples and simulation-based demonstrations, we will outline the general process underlying sample size determination and show how it can be applied across common study designs. We will also discuss practical challenges that arise in real studies, common sources of uncertainty and complexity, and how to report a sample size calculation in a grant application or study protocol.

This course is suitable for researchers, PhD students, early-career investigators, and professionals involved in designing or planning scientific studies across a range of disciplines, particularly health and medical research.

Note: After the course, participants can access a free consultation to discuss their own sample size calculation with a statistician. If you would like to take up this opportunity, please provide a brief outline when registering. Thank you!

Course Outline

This course will cover topics including:

• Precision-based and power-based sample size calculations

• Sample size determination for common study designs

• Standard formulas and software tools

• Practical issues in study planning

• Writing and justifying a sample size calculation

Prerequisites: You will need to use a computer during the course, but no knowledge of statistical software is required. Broad familiarity with statistical concepts such as confidence intervals and hypothesis testing would be helpful, but is not essential (these topics will be covered in Introductory Statistics for Researchers using R, May 6-8).

Presenter and Expertise: Mark Donoghoe, Biostatistician, UNSW Medicine & Health Clinical Research Unit

Date: 27 May 2026

Time: 9.30am to 4.00pm

Delivery Mode: In-person

Location: Wallace Wurth LG02

This course is proudly presented by UNSW Medicine & Health's Clinical Research Unit

You will receive a certificate of completion for the course.

Note: If you have a funding support and would like to pay by "Internal Funding Payment", please contact us stats.central@unsw.edu.au

Course cancellation or postponement policy:

If the course is cancelled or postponed by Stats Central, you have the option to:

1. Keep the funds and enrol in the next available course when it is rescheduled (most preferred option), or

2. Receive a full refund of the ticket price

FAQs

How can I contact the organiser with any questions?

Please send us an email at: stats.central@unsw.edu.au