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Biostatistics

Course Overview 
 

Statistics provides the basic framework for thinking about data in a rigorous fashion. Biostatistics applies this rigorous examination of data to information gathered in the biological sciences, including clinical trials, public health, genetics, and genomics. It seeks to differentiate between correlation and causation to uncover the proper interpretation of data.

This course is intended as both a refresher course and as a first course in the applications of statistical thinking and methods. Both descriptive and inferential statistics will be covered, and students will complete a collaborative, real-life project demonstrating their understanding of the methods and applications covered in the course.


Topics include:

  • Basic probability
  • Discrete and continuous distributions
  • Descriptive statistics
  • Confidence intervals
  • Hypothesis testing
  • Correlation
  • Simple regression
  • Chi-square tests
  • Analysis of variance (ANOVA)

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 will need access to Excel or a similar spreadsheet software to complete course assignments.

Prerequisites: None

Course typically offered: Online in Fall, Winter, Spring, and Summer (every quarter)

Next Steps: Upon completion of 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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