Objectives
This teaching module provides a first of integrates quantitative methods in evidence based medicine, with an emphasis on the relevance of association and causality in Medicine. It precedes ensuing optional or obligatory semesters on quantitative Methods on Fundamental, Pre-clinical and Translational Research. In this first block, the student learns to understand how biostatistical methods can be used to infer population characteristics based on appropriate samples.
Program
- Exploratory Data Analysis.
- Binomial and Normal Distributions.
- Basic Concepts of Sampling Theory.
- Confidence Intervals for: the mean of a normal population, the difference of means of two normal populations (based on independent and matched samples), one proportion and the difference of two proportions (based on independent and matched samples).
- Tests of Hypotheses on: the mean of a normal population, the difference of means of two normal populations (based on independent and matched samples), the ratio of variances of two independent normal populations, one proportion and difference of two proportions (based on independent and matched samples).
- Chi-square Test of Independence.
- Association and Agreement Measures.
- Relative Risk and Odds Ratio.
Teaching Methodologies
The theoretical classes will include a concise review of the material to be covered and its links to previous classes. A theoretical and conceptual analysis is then provided. The next phase will be oriented towards problem based learning pratical examples. Given that in the theoretical classes we discuss problem solving techniques, this will provide a direct link to the independent material shown in the pratical classes.
Bibliography
See above.
