The main aim of the course is to illustrate the basic elements of statistics needed to critically read and correctly interpret the results of a quantitative medical research.
Descriptive and inferential statistics are framed into the scientific knowledge process and the concept of "evidence-based medicine". Practicals will focus both on simple exercises and on the reading and understanding of the “results” section of scientific paper(s).
Course Prerequisites
None.
Teaching Methods
Lectures (24 hours), corresponding to 8 hours per CFU. The remaining 12 hours (4 per CFU) are dedicated to practicals (6 hours), and to home assignments and readings from the scientific literature (6 hours). Lesson notes available on the e-learning website
Assessment Methods
In-class test, with multiple choices questions and exercises. The exam will be organized so as to verify both the knowledge and the learning ability of the students (60%), and their ability to apply the knowledge in practical exercises (40%).
Contents
Lectures: Scientific knowledge, inference and "evidence-based medicine" (2 hours). Descriptive statistics: frequency distribution, indices of location, symmetry and variability (6 hours). Probability: definition, proprieties, and application. Bayes’s theorem and diagnostic test accuracy. (4 hours). Binomial and normal distributions (2 hours). Inference: Central Limit Theorem, distribution of the sample mean. Hypothesis test and confidence interval for the mean of one or more populations. Hypothesis test for proportions (10 ore). Practicals: Descriptive statistics (2 hours). Probability (2 hours). Reading of a paper from the scientific literature in the medical field (2 hours).
Course Language
Italian
More information
Reception of students by appointment, please contact the teacher at: giovanni.veronesi@uninsubria.it
