At the end of the course, students will be better able to avoid the main pitfalls faced by scientists when interpreting the results of data analysis.
Knowledge in the biomedical field is constantly evolving through scientific research in which statistical data analysis is central. The objective of this course is to provide the student with the statistical concepts necessary to critically read the biomedical literature.
This course covers a wide range of essential biostatistical skills, with a strong emphasis on critical understanding of results and statistical interpretation in a biomedical context.
- Regression to the mean
- Censored data
- Normal distribution
- Absolute and relative differences and logarithmic transformation
- Descriptive statistics and error bars
- Correlation vs. causation
- Margin of error
- Quantifying the exceptional nature of a result (P-value)
- Biological vs. statistical significance
- Problem of repeating a random test
- Logic of corroboration vs. logic of validation
Assessment for this course is based on an in-session written examination. The exam may consist of multiple-answer and/or open-ended questions. The student may be asked to define terms seen in the course, perform calculations that would have been explained in the course (no form is provided, a calculator may be necessary), explain the relevance of concepts seen in the course and/or correctly interpret the results of a data analysis.
| Training | Study programme | Block | Credits | Mandatory |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bachelor in Medicine | Standard | 0 | 2 | |
| Bachelor in Veterinary Medicine | Standard | 0 | 2 | |
| Bachelor in Medicine | Standard | 1 | 2 | |
| Bachelor in Veterinary Medicine | Standard | 2 | 2 |