Course unit details:
Biostatistics
| Unit code | DENT70001 |
|---|---|
| Credit rating | 15 |
| Unit level | FHEQ level 7 – master's degree or fourth year of an integrated master's degree |
| Teaching period(s) | Semester 2 |
| Available as a free choice unit? | No |
Overview
This interactive online course complements the Research Methods course. It provides students with an introduction to key material required for the design, analysis and interpretation of clinical and clinically related research and the production of a high-quality dissertation.
The course will run over a 12-week period, supplemented with timetabled face-to-face sessions which will be used to consolidate the online material and provide the students with an opportunity to discuss the topics in person.
Topics covered include:
- Collection and summary of data
- Sampling and probability
- Estimation and confidence intervals
- Hypothesis testing
- Comparing groups and sample size calculations
- Contingency tables
- Correlation and regression
- Multiple regression
- Reliability and validity
Aims
The unit aims to produce students who are competent in the data collection, simple analysis and interpretation of clinical or clinically related research projects. The latter may include dentistry, medical education, public health and basic-science areas such as genetics, microbiology or biomaterials; and provide students with critical appraisal skills so that on a life-long basis they will be able to apply these skills to assess the research evidence that comes before them and translate those into evidence-based practice.
Teaching and learning methods
The course will be delivered predominantly through e-learning over a period of 12-weeks, with three timetabled face-to-face symposiums. A variety of online material will be utilised including web-based reading, online discussions, tutor feedback, interactive exercises and self-assessment.
The face-to-face symposiums will be a mix of tutor presentations, group work and student presentations.
Self-directed learning will allow reflection of material in the context of research and broaden understanding as well as knowledge.
Knowledge and understanding
Students should/will be able to:
- Identify different types of data and carry out mathematical calculations
- Understand basic statistical concepts necessary for the development of a study protocol
- Carry out basic statistical techniques
- Understand the key methodological and statistical issues to consider when critically appraising published research
Intellectual skills
Students should/will be able to:
- Discuss the role of statistics in clinical research
- Explore the development of a research idea from hypothesis through to interpretation and conclusion
- Make a judgement on the credibility of methodology and statistical analysis of research articles with respect to implications for clinical practice/future research
- Discuss issues regarding the implementation of research findings
Practical skills
Students should/will be able to:
- Carry out statistical analysis by hand and using a statistical software package
- Generate information to a standard suitable for publication
- Discuss statistical techniques covered in the course with statisticians and specialist and non-specialist colleagues alike
Transferable skills and personal qualities
Students should/will be able to:
- Manage workload; use initiative when seeking information
- Use information technology and appropriate related software to a high standard
- Apply research related skills to professional practice
Assessment methods
Written assignment (mid-term): 40%
Written assignment (end of term): 60%
Feedback methods
Feedback given within the required timeframes, onto students' submitted assignments, directly via Blackboard.
Study hours
| Independent study hours | |
|---|---|
| Independent study | 150 |
Teaching staff
| Staff member | Role |
|---|---|
| Selman Mirza | Unit coordinator |