Introduction to biostatistics

The course is a compulsory course within the Master’s Programme of Applied Biostatistics (M2STA).

The entry requirements of the course include a professional degree/Bachelor's degree of at least 180 credits in health sciences, natural sciences, economics, or engineering, and a course in statistics or quantitative methods of at least 7,5 credits. Further, English B/English 6 or equivalent, and Mathematics 3b/3c or equivalent are required.

The course covers probability theory, statistical inference and data summarization. A brief introduction is given to the mathematical notation and theory underlying the course content. The mathematical concept of probability is described and calculation rules for probabilities are explained. Random variables are described in terms of probability density and distribution functions, as well as expectation and variance, and are linked to the situations in which they arise. Multidimensional distributions and covariance are introduced. The law of large numbers and the central limit theorem are stated and their implications discussed.

Common ways of summarizing data numerically (measures of centrality and variability) as well as graphically are explained.

With a starting point in sampling, inference is introduced. Estimation is described with a focus on the maximum likelihood method. The concepts of bias and variance of estimators are explained. Confidence intervals as well as hypothesis testing and p-values are discussed with a special focus on interpretation. Some common statistical tests are presented and discussed theoretically and practically.

On successful completion of the course the student will be able to:

Knowledge and understanding

• Describe common probability distributions and explain how they arise.
• Explain the law of large numbers and the central limit theorem.
• Explain point and interval estimation, bias and variance of estimators, and the maximum likelihood method.

Competence and skills

• Perform fundamental calculations with probabilities.
• Select and interpret appropriate graphical and numerical summaries of data.
• Choose appropriate methods for hypothesis testing in common scenarios and critically interpret the results.

Judgement and approach

• Reflect on the interplay between population and sample.
• Discuss implications of the absence of random sampling on statistical inference.

The course combines lectures, seminars and exercise sessions.

Language of instruction: English

Students are assessed based on an individual written examination (5hp) and an individual oral examination (4hp).

If a student who has been failed twice for the same examination element wishes to change examiner before the next examination session, such a request is to be granted unless there are specific reasons to the contrary (Chapter 6 Section 22 HF).

If a student has received a certificate of disability study support from the University of Gothenburg with a recommendation of adapted examination and/or adapted forms of assessment, an examiner may decide, if this is consistent with the course’s intended learning outcomes and provided that no unreasonable resources would be needed, to grant the student adapted examination and/or adapted forms of assessment.

If a course has been discontinued or undergone major changes, the student must be offered at least two examination sessions in addition to ordinary examination sessions. These sessions are to be spread over a period of at least one year but no more than two years after the course has been discontinued/changed. The same applies to placement and internship (VFU) except that this is restricted to only one further examination session.

If a student has been notified that they fulfil the requirements for being a student at Riksidrottsuniversitetet (RIU student), to combine elite sports activities with studies, the examiner is entitled to decide on adaptation of examinations if this is done in accordance with the Local rules regarding RIU students at the University of Gothenburg.

The grading scale comprises: Pass with distinction (VG), Pass (G) and Fail (U). The individual written exam (5hp) is graded with Pass (G) and Fail (U), the oral exam (4hp) is graded with Pass with distinction (VG), Pass (G) and Fail (U). To receive grade Pass on the course, the grade Pass must be received on both the written exam and the oral exam. To receive grade Pass with distinction on the course, the grade Pass must be received on the individual written exam and the grade Pass with distinction must be received on the oral exam.

The course evaluation is carried out in the form of an anonymous questionnaire. A compilation of the questionnaire is done by the course coordinator. The results of and possible changes to the course will be shared with students who participated in the evaluation and students who are starting the course.