Introduction to Statistics

Build confidence in statistics and learn how to make sense of data in real world settings. Taught by an experienced biostatistician with a background in clinical trials, medical device research, and real-world evidence, this practical, introductory course covers essential statistical methods and how to interpret and communicate results effectively.

This course is often taken to fulfill admissions requirements for medical and nursing programs and is also a great fit for anyone looking to strengthen their statistical skills for academic or professional success. No formal prerequisites are required, and concepts are taught in a practical, approachable way, with an emphasis on understanding results rather than extensive mathematical calculations.

By the end of the course, you’ll be able to summarize and visualize data, understand probability, interpret confidence intervals, conduct hypothesis tests, and explore relationships between variables. 

Learning outcomes By the end of the course, students will be able to:

• Describe and summarize numerical and categorical data using appropriate tables, graphs, and numerical measures.
• Apply fundamental probability concepts and use discrete and continuous probability distributions to answer practical questions.
• Construct and interpret confidence intervals for population parameters.
• Conduct and interpret one-sample and two-sample hypothesis tests, including appropriate conclusions about statistical evidence.
• Describe and interpret associations between variables using correlation and simple linear regression.
• Distinguish statistical association from causation and communicate statistical findings, uncertainty, and limitations clearly.