M2 - Drawing Conclusions from Data: an Introduction
Type of Course - Dates - Venue - Description - Target audience - Exam - IMPORTANT: Incorporation in DTP and reimbursement by DS
Course prerequisites - Teacher - Course material - Book recommendations - Fees - Enrol
Previous title: Introductory Statistics. Basics of Statistical Inference
Type of course
In this course we focus on live on campus classes. However, we do offer the possibility to follow a class online, if for some reason you cannot attend a class in person.
Dates
November 9, 16, 23 and 30, December 7 and 14, 2021, from 5.30 pm till 9.30 pm.
Please note: The deadline for UGent PhD students who want a refund to open a dossier on the DS website (Application for Recognition) is October 8, 2021.
Venue
Faculty of Science, Site Sterre, Krijgslaan 281, building S9, 9000 Gent.
Description
This course aims to provide insight into basic statistical concepts with emphasis on practical applications. Mathematical formulae will be kept to a minimum. The theory and the methods of analysis will be extensively illustrated with examples relating to a wide variety of different fields. To emphasize the practical approach in this course all classes will take place in a pc room.
The first session will be dedicated to getting to know the software package R (and SPSS). Participants are encouraged to participate in both parts.
We start with concise graphical and numerical descriptions of data obtained from observational or experimental studies. The most common and frequently used probability distributions of discrete and continuous variables will be presented. Statistical inference draws conclusions about a population based on sampled data. Chance variations are taken into account such that a level of confidence is attached to these conclusions.
We present the reasoning behind significance tests for the comparison of observed data with a hypothesis, the validity of which we want to assess. We apply this procedure to data obtained either from one or from two populations.
The correct use of the t-test will be discussed. Nonparametric methods are considered as a possible alternative in case the requirements of the t-test are not met.
We cover the basic concepts of hypothesis testing for categorical data, including the chi-square test.
Quite often the relationship between two variables, where the outcome of one variable is seen as depending on the value of the other, is the focus of scientific interest.
We will give an introduction to linear regression analysis, where a regression line based on observations obtained in a sample describes this relation.
Hands-on exercises are worked out behind the PC using the R software. If preferred, participants can use SPSS.
Target audience
This course will benefit professionals and investigators from diverse areas, research scientists, clinical research associates, investing in data handling and wishing to acquire insight into basic statistical methods or to refresh their knowledge and practice of statistics.
Exam
Participants can, if they wish, take part in an exam. Upon succeeding in this test a certificate from Ghent University will be issued.
The exam consists of a take home project assignment. Students are required to write a report by a set deadline.
Incorporation in DTP and reimbursement from DS for UGent PhD students
As a UGent PhD student, to be able to incorporate this 'specialist course' in your Doctoral Training Program (DTP) and get a reimbursement of the registration fee from your Doctoral School (DS) you need to follow strict rules: please take the necessary action in time. The deadline to open a dossier on the DS website (Application for Recognition) for this course is October 8, 2021. Please note that opening a dossier does not mean that you are enrolled. You still need to enrol via the registration form on this site.
Please note: For UGent PhD students it is no longer necessary to participate or succeed in the exam to be able to incorporate the course in your DTP and get a refund.
Course prerequisites
The course is open to all. It is necessary to have an understanding of basic algebra (basic rules, solving equations, ...), exponents and square roots. Participants can make the exercises in SPSS if they have sufficient previous experience with that software package. SPSS output will be provided by the teacher.
Teacher
She is consultant in statistical data analysis specialized in the field of the development and validation of alternatives to laboratory animals.
Course material
Copies of slides.
Book recommendations
A recommended handbook for further study is "Fundamentals of Biostatistics", Bernard Rosner, 8th ed. (2015), Thomson Brooks/Cole (ISBN 978-1305268920). The examples used in this book are restricted to the field of bioscience. The book is therefore recommended if you have a background in a related research area, such as (veterinary) medicine, biotechnology, biology, pharmacy, a.s.o.
Fees
A different price applies, depending on your main type of employment.
| Employment | Module 2 | Exam |
|---|---|---|
| Industry/Private sector1 | 960 | 30 |
| Non-profit, government, higher eductaion staff2 | 720 | 30 |
| (Doctoral)student, retired, unemployed2 | 325 | 30 |
1 If two or more employees from the same company enrol simultaneously for this course a reduction of 20% on the module price is taken into account starting from the second enrolment.
2 UGent-staff and UGent doctoral students who pay internally via SAP or internal transfer can participate at these special rates.