Biostatistics

About the course

The course focuses on giving an understanding to the statistical reasoning within scientific methodology and the analyses of data. To start with, the role that statistical methodology has within scientific methodology will be described and discussed. In the course, it is discussed different structures of data, among them quantitative and qualitative data. Descriptive statistics is introduced in the course through use of tables, figures and statistical measurements. The concept of statistical inference is introduced with emphasis on confidence intervals and hypothesis tests. Statistical inference is applied through statistical analysis methods for comparisons of groups and for exploration of dependencies between variables where both parametric and non-parametric methods are brought up. The course in concluded with a description of linear regression as method for analyses. During a literature seminar are research articles related to public health discussed with a focus on the statistical method. Throughout the course, the theoretical parts will be illustrated by practical computer exercises where statistical software are used.

Upon successful completion of the course, the student is expected to i) have knowledge about relevant statistical terminology and the role of statistics as a scientific method, ii) recognize different structures of data and be able to summarize data in tables, graphs and measures, iii) understand basic statistical concepts about probability and inference with emphasis on hypothesis testing and confidence intervals, iv) be able to perform and interpret the result of appropriate statistical analyses concerning comparisons of groups, relationship between variables and linear regression, v) understand the content of basic statistical methodology in scientific epidemiological articles.

Teaching is conducted through lectures, seminars and computer exercises where statistical software is used. All teaching is in English.