| PubHlth 540 - Fall 2011 | |
| Introduction to Biostatistics |
Biostatistics and Epidemiology UMass Amherst |
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For Students Syllabus 1. Summarizing Data TOPv |
Syllabus Download hardcopy of syllabus here (pdf, 9 pp) Required Text: Note - This is, admittedlly, expensive. It's just fine to purchase an earlier edition!
Statistical Software:
How to Obtain Stata Course Description This course is the first of a two semester sequence: PubHlth 540 - Introductory Biostatistics and PubHlth 640 - Intermediate Biostatistics. Minimal mathematical background is required. Familiarity with algebra is generally sufficient. The goal of PubHlth 540 is basic statistical literacy. It begins with a discussion of the ideas of variability in nature and the tools we use for its description. The distinctions between systematic versus chance variability are detailed. Concepts in simple random sampling and sampling distributions are introduced. Within this framework, you will learn selected methods of data description, estimation and hypothesis testing. Course Objectives and Outcome Competencies Course Objectives: By the end of this course, you should be able to perform, interpret, and communicate the findings of selected simple statistical analyses of biological and health data, including description, confidence interval estimation and hypothesis testing.
Outcome Competencies: The specific outcome competencies include, but are not limited to the following: 1. The selection and conduct of appropriate statistical analysis – Upon completion of this course, you will have learned the basics of choosing from among the various statistical methods when you want to summarize data, estimate population parameters, or perform a statistical hypothesis test. Specifically, you will have practice in these techniques in the one and two population settings under the assumption of either a normal or binomial population distribution sampling. 2. Integrating analysis strategies in biostatistics with principles and issues in epidemiology – You will have an understanding of the applicability of data description, estimation and hypothesis testing to epidemiology and, specifically, their interpretation with respect to confounding, effect modification, and bias. 3. Evaluation of basic statistical principles in published public health research – At the end of this course, you will have had practice in reading published examples of biostatistics. You will be encouraged to earn your 10% participation grade by selecting a published article from your own particular area of interest and writing a brief summary of its content. 4. Appreciating a conceptual framework that integrates techniques and methods in biostatistics – In this course, two conceptual frameworks are utilized. The first is the perspective that the principles and methods of epidemiologic research are an extension of the scientific method (and the goal of causal inference) to observational studies (and the challenges to causal inference that arise there!). The second conceptual framework is the idea that a statistical hypothesis test is a comparison of “signal” to “noise”. Office Hours:
This course has 9 units
Note - There will be no examination of unit 9 (Regression and Correlation). Grading Policy:
Policy on Late Submissions of Practice Problems and Examinations
Note – If you know you are late, I encourage you to use the FULL week, since lost points are per week not per day. How to Earn Course Participation Credit
Posting Schedule Policies • Sorry - In general, course materials and examinations will not be posted ahead of schedule • Note to Worcester Class Section - Attendance in class is not mandatory. If you miss a class, be sure to check THIS WEEK. Also, be sure to check ANNOUNCEMENTS. • Note to Worcester Class Section: In general, Linda Hollis will not mail out course materials.
Letter Grade Determination:
Important Dates to Remember • First Class: • Last Day to Drop with no record - Monday September 19, 2011 • Exam 3 (the last exam) Due - Friday December 16, 2011
Schedule of Lectures and Examinations
TOP Carol Bigelow, PhD Policy on Academic Dishonesty: a) Cheating – intentional
deceit, trickery, or breach of confidence, used to gain some unfair
or dishonest advantage in one’s academic work.
Visit the University of Massachusetts Website
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| Copyright
2011 University of Massachusetts, Amherst. This is the course web site for PubHlth 540W, Biostatistics and Epidemiology. Produced and maintained by the School of Public Health and Health Sciences. Send comments or questions about this web site to cbigelow@schoolph.umass.edu. Page updated: August 10, 2011 |