Objectives:
To enable the student to appreciate the role of statistical methods in epidemiology and develop the knowledge and skill in statistical methods to:
- Analyze the data in accordance with the objectives of the study/program appreciate the problem of sampling variation and the role of statistical methods in quantifying this by setting confidence
- intervals and testing hypotheses;
- select and use appropriate statistical methods for the analysis of small to medium sized datasets;
- correctly interpret and report the results of such analyses, and present data analysis results effectively, by making appropriate displays, summaries and tabulations of the data;
- critically review and interpret the statistical aspects of medical and scientific publications.
Course Outline:
- Concepts and uses of Biostatistics
- Measures of Central tendency and dispersion
- Normal Distribution curve
- Presentation of data
- Sampling techniques and sample size
- Generating and using random number tables/lists
- Point estimates and confidence intervals
- Methods for hypothesis testing in the analysis of epidemiological data including standard errors and confidence intervals, t-test, chi square test and other commonly used non-parametric tests
- Mantel Haenszel Chi square test
- Basics of Regression modeling
- Interpretation of data analysis
Teaching Strategy:
- Teaching will consist of a series of interactive theory sessions covering the topic being presented. The theory lectures will be strengthened by practical sessions in which students will be working in small groups to practice the concepts presented in theory lectures.
Course Assessment:
- Assessment will be based on following allocation:
- Class assignments: 40% (80 marks)
- Attendance: 10% (20 marks)
- 1st term examination Paper IV (Biostatistics): 50% (100 marks)
- It will also contribute significantly to papers in final comprehensive examination.