140.651.01
Methods in Biostatistics I

Location
East Baltimore
Term
1st Term
Department
Biostatistics
Credit(s)
4
Academic Year
2023 - 2024
Instruction Method
In-person
Class Time(s)
Tu, Th, 10:30 - 11:50am
Lab Times
Tuesday, 3:30 - 4:20pm (01)
Wednesday, 3:30 - 4:20pm (02)
Auditors Allowed
Yes, with instructor consent
Available to Undergraduate
Yes
Grading Restriction
Letter Grade or Pass/Fail
Course Instructor(s)
Ravi Varadhan
Contact Name
Ravi Varadhan
Frequency Schedule
Every Year
Prerequisite

Working knowledge of calculus and linear algebra

Description
Presents fundamental concepts in applied probability, exploratory data analysis, and statistical inference, focusing on probability and analysis of one and two samples. Includes topics discrete and continuous probability models; expectation and variance; central limit theorem; inference, including hypothesis testing and confidence interval for means, proportions, and counts; maximum likelihood estimation; sample size determinations; elementary non-parametric methods; graphical displays; and data transformations. Introduces R and concepts are presented both from a theoretical, practical and computational perspective.
Learning Objectives
Upon successfully completing this course, students will be able to:
  1. Discuss core applied statistical concepts and methods
  2. Discuss the display and communication of statistical data
  3. List the distinctions between the fundamental paradigms underlying statistical methodology
  4. Identify the basics of maximum likelihood
  5. Identify the basics of frequentist methods: hypothesis testing, confidence intervals
  6. Discuss the creation and interpretation of P values
  7. Describe estimation, testing and interpretation for single group summaries such as means, medians, variances, correlations and rates
  8. Describe estimation, testing and interpretation for two group comparisons such as odds ratios, relative risks and risk differences
  9. Describe the basic concepts of ANOVA
  10. Select the appropriate statistical method to evaluate the results of a public health program, policy or intervention
Methods of Assessment
This course is evaluated as follows:
  • 40% Homework
  • 20% Midterm
  • 40% Final Exam
Instructor Consent
No consent required
Special Comments

Please note: This is the onsite section of a course that is also offered virtually. Students will need to commit to the modality for which they register. Students will choose one lab time: Tuesday OR Wednesday. A recommended book for the course is Methods in Biostatistics with R (https://leanpub.com/biostatmethods/).