Biostatistics
Course Overview
Statistics provides the basic framework for thinking about data in a rigorous fashion. Biostatistics applies this thorough examination of data to information gathered in the biological sciences, including clinical trials, public health, environmental health, genetics, and genomics. Biostatisticians help researchers design experiments and studies, collect and analyze data, and draw meaningful conclusions communicated to the public. It seeks to differentiate between correlation and causation to uncover the proper interpretation of data.
This course is intended as both a refresher and a first course in the applications of statistical thinking and methods within the biological sciences. It emphasizes key attributes that contribute to clinical trial research and design. Descriptive and inferential statistics will be covered, and students will be challenged to evaluate scientific research within their field of interest critically.
Topics include:
- Basic probability
- Discrete and continuous distributions
- Descriptive statistics
- Confidence intervals
- Hypothesis-testing
- Correlation
- Simple regression
- Chi-square tests
- Analysis of variance (ANOVA)
- Nonparametric methods
Practical experience:
- Organize, summarize, and present data
- Describe the relation between two variables
- Understand basic probability and probability distributions
- Work with sample data to make inferences about a population
Software: Students are encouraged to use R to complete course assignments, although not required.
Prerequisites: None
Course typically offered: Online in Fall, Winter, Spring, and Summer (every quarter)
Next Steps: After completing this course, consider taking Biostatistical Methods I: Linear Regression and ANOVA to continue learning.
For more information, contact appliedscience@ucsd.edu.
Related Documents
Course Number: BIOL-40049
Credit: 3.00 unit(s)
Related Certificate Programs: Biostatistics
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1/13/2025 - 3/21/2025
$725
Online
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CLASS TYPE:
Online Asynchronous.
This course is entirely web-based and to be completed asynchronously between the published course start and end dates. Synchronous attendance is NOT required.
You will have access to your online course on the published start date OR 1 business day after your enrollment is confirmed if you enroll on or after the published start date.
McComb, Bryan
Dr. Bryan McComb (he/his/him) stands as a biostatistician at Pfizer, dedicating his expertise to the design and analysis of late-stage clinical trials within the non-malignant hematology group. Beyond his role at Pfizer, Dr. McComb is a versatile independent consultant and educator in mathematics and biostatistics with 10 years of background and knowledge. Driven by a fervent dedication to innovation, his current research interests are in the application of master protocol designs within the rare disease space. He received his B.S. in Mathematics from Muhlenberg college and his Ph.D. in Biostatistics from New York University, solidifying his expertise and passion for pushing scientific boundaries.
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TEXTBOOKS:
REQUIREDFundamentals of Biostatistics 8th
by Bernard Rosner
ISBN / ASIN: 9781305268920
You may purchase textbooks via the UC San Diego Bookstore.
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1/13/2025 - 3/21/2025
extensioncanvas.ucsd.edu
You will have access to your course materials on the published start date OR 1 business day after your enrollment is confirmed if you enroll on or after the published start date.
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3/24/2025 - 5/30/2025
$725
Online
-
-
-
CLASS TYPE:
Online Asynchronous.
This course is entirely web-based and to be completed asynchronously between the published course start and end dates. Synchronous attendance is NOT required.
You will have access to your online course on the published start date OR 1 business day after your enrollment is confirmed if you enroll on or after the published start date.
McComb, Bryan
Dr. Bryan McComb (he/his/him) stands as a biostatistician at Pfizer, dedicating his expertise to the design and analysis of late-stage clinical trials within the non-malignant hematology group. Beyond his role at Pfizer, Dr. McComb is a versatile independent consultant and educator in mathematics and biostatistics with 10 years of background and knowledge. Driven by a fervent dedication to innovation, his current research interests are in the application of master protocol designs within the rare disease space. He received his B.S. in Mathematics from Muhlenberg college and his Ph.D. in Biostatistics from New York University, solidifying his expertise and passion for pushing scientific boundaries.
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TEXTBOOKS:
No information available at this time.
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POLICIES:
No refunds after: 3/31/2025.
Early enrollment advised.
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3/24/2025 - 5/30/2025
extensioncanvas.ucsd.edu
You will have access to your course materials on the published start date OR 1 business day after your enrollment is confirmed if you enroll on or after the published start date.
Please contact the Science & Technology department at 858-534-3229 or unex-sciencetech@ucsd.edu for information about this course and upcoming sections.