Course Catalogue

View Specification Document | Reading List

This course provides an introduction to biomedical statistics and the basic analyses used in both clinical and laboratory studies.

Weekly lectures and tutorials. Additional tutorials as needed.

Successful completion of BDS1 in academic session 2020-21

None

Assessment

Coursework assignment on application of analyses (30%)

Written exam on critical selection of methods and interpretation of data in April / May diet. (70%)

The aim of this course is to provide students with knowledge and understanding of the principles involved in the statistical methodology of clinical trials, from the conception of the research idea, collection and analysis of data, to the presentation of the completed project; in both lay and technical terms. It will also equip them with the ability to appraise critically the research of others.

By the end of this course students will be able to:

■ define a range of common statistical terms.

■ perform basic statistical analysis using an appropriate computer package.

■ design an experiment appropriate to the hypothesis specified by making an informed judgement of the most appropriate experimental design for the problem.

■ display data graphically in an appropriate manner, accompanied by an accurate and concise description.

■ interpret the results of a study and communicate them to both technical and lay audiences.

■ critically appraise the methods, results and clinical implications of published research.

Students must submit at least 75% by weight of the components (including examinations) of the course's summative assessment.