Biostatistics is the application of statistical reasoning to the life sciences, and it is the key to unlocking the data gathered by researchers and the evidence presented in the scientific literature. In this course, we'll focus on the use of statistical measurement methods within the world of public health research. Along the way, you'll be introduced to a variety of methods and measures, and you'll practice interpreting data and performing calculations on real data from published studies. Topics include summary measures, visual displays, continuous data, sample size, the normal distribution, binary data, the element of time, and the Kaplan-Meir curve.
This course is part of the Biostatistics in Public Health Specialization
Summary Statistics in Public Health
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About this Course
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What you will learn
Calculate continuous data measures
Interpret data visualizations
Analyze binary data
Analyze time to event data
Skills you will gain
StatisticsNormal Distributionsummary measuresbinary data
Learners taking this Course are
- Biostatisticians
- Medical Doctors
- Dentists
- Pharmacists
- Researchers
Syllabus - What you will learn from this course
Week
11 hour to complete
The Role of Statistics in Public Health Research
Within this learning module, you will learn how statistics are used within public heath research. Topics covered include study design types, data types, and data summarization. You will complete a practice quiz before completing a graded quiz.
6 videos (Total 64 min), 1 quiz
6 videos
Welcome47s
Introduction and Overview11m
Samples Versus Population11m
Considerations with Regard to Study Design22m
Data Types and Summarization8m
Additional Examples9m
1 practice exercise
Practice Quiz: The Role of Statistics in Public Health Research
4 hours to complete
Continuous Data Measures
Module two involves several lectures, a practice quiz and a graded quiz. Topics include summary statistics, visual displays, role of sample size, and continuous data.
6 videos (Total 88 min), 2 quizzes
6 videos
Useful Summary Statistics24m
Visual Displays16m
The Role of Sample Size on Sample Based Estimates16m
Comparing Distributions of Continuous Data16m
Additional Examples11m
2 practice exercises
Practice: Continuous Data Measures1h
Continuous Data Measures1h 20m
Week
23 hours to complete
The Normal Distribution
The focus of this module is on normal distribution. Topics covered include defining the standard normal distribution, and application of principles of normal distribution to sample data. There is a practice quiz where you can test your knowledge before completing the graded quiz.
5 videos (Total 75 min), 2 quizzes
5 videos
The Standard Normal Distribution Defined19m
Applying the Principles of the Normal Distribution to Sample Data to Estimate Characteristics of Population Data26m
What Happens When We Apply the Properties of the Normal Distribution to Data Not Approximately Normal: A Warning13m
Additional Examples12m
2 practice exercises
Practice: The Normal Distribution30m
The Normal Distribution1h
Week
33 hours to complete
Binary Data
Module four covers binary data and its significance. In addition to lectures, you will complete a practice quiz and a graded quiz.
6 videos (Total 78 min), 2 quizzes
6 videos
Binary Data: Definition and Summarization (Binomial Distribution, P-Hat, SD)11m
Comparing Distributions of Binary Data: Risk Difference and Relative Risk22m
Comparing Distributions of Binary Data: Odds Ratios16m
A Brief Note About Ratios (Will Also Be Revisited Later in the Course)12m
Additional Examples13m
2 practice exercises
Practice: Binary Data20m
Binary Data1h
Week
42 hours to complete
Dealing with the Element of Time
In module five, you will explore how time is defined and studied in relation to data and learn about the Kaplan-Meir curve. In addition to a practice quiz, you will complete a graded quiz and project.
6 videos (Total 85 min), 2 quizzes
6 videos
Time to Event Data: Definition (Censoring) and Numerical Summary Measures (Incidence Rates)24m
Numerically Comparing Groups on Time to Event Outcomes11m
Summarizing Time-to-Event Data, Graphically27m
Graphically Comparing Groups on Time to Event Outcomes9m
Additional Examples10m
2 practice exercises
Practice: Dealing with the Element of Time
Dealing with Elements of Time1h
2 hours to complete
Course Project
During this module, you get the chance to demonstrate what you've learned by putting yourself in the shoes of biostatistical consultant on two different studies, one about asthma medication and the other about self-administration of injectable contraception. The two research teams have asked you to help them interpret previously published results in order to inform the planning of their own studies.
1 reading, 1 quiz
1 reading
Biostatistical Consulting Project30m
1 practice exercise
Course Project Quiz1h
4.8
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Top reviews from Summary Statistics in Public Health
Great course. The lecturer makes things so easy to understand. I love that there are additional examples available. I will definitely recommend this course to everyone in healthcare
This is a well structured content. The course is presented in the most simplest form to accommodate complete novices. I found it very educative, practical and lucidly intense.
Instructor
John McGready, PhD, MS
Associate Scientist, BiostatisticsBloomberg School of Public Health
About Johns Hopkins University
The mission of The Johns Hopkins University is to educate its students and cultivate their capacity for life-long learning, to foster independent and original research, and to bring the benefits of discovery to the world.
About the Biostatistics in Public Health Specialization
This specialization is intended for public health and healthcare professionals, researchers, data analysts, social workers, and others who need a comprehensive concepts-centric biostatistics primer. Those who complete the specialization will be able to read and respond to the scientific literature, including the Methods and Results sections, in public health, medicine, biological science, and related fields. Successful learners will also be prepared to participate as part of a research team.
Frequently Asked Questions
When will I have access to the lectures and assignments?
Once you enroll for a Certificate, you’ll have access to all videos, quizzes, and programming assignments (if applicable). Peer review assignments can only be submitted and reviewed once your session has begun. If you choose to explore the course without purchasing, you may not be able to access certain assignments.
What will I get if I subscribe to this Specialization?
When you enroll in the course, you get access to all of the courses in the Specialization, and you earn a certificate when you complete the work. Your electronic Certificate will be added to your Accomplishments page - from there, you can print your Certificate or add it to your LinkedIn profile. If you only want to read and view the course content, you can audit the course for free.
What is the refund policy?
Is financial aid available?
More questions? Visit the Learner Help Center.