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.
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Biostatistics in Public Health SpecializationJohns Hopkins UniversityAbout this Course
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Learner Career Outcomes
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Beginner Level
The recommended math prerequisite is up through and including basic algebra including logarithms and the equation of a line.
Approx. 14 hours to complete
English
Subtitles: English
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
Learner Career Outcomes
20%
started a new career after completing these courses
22%
got a tangible career benefit from this course
Shareable Certificate
Earn a Certificate upon completion
100% online
Start instantly and learn at your own schedule.
Course 1 of 4 in the
Flexible deadlines
Reset deadlines in accordance to your schedule.
Beginner Level
The recommended math prerequisite is up through and including basic algebra including logarithms and the equation of a line.
Approx. 14 hours to complete
English
Subtitles: English
Offered by
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.
Syllabus - What you will learn from this course
1 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.
1 hour to complete
6 videos (Total 64 min)
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.
4 hours to complete
6 videos (Total 88 min)
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
3 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.
3 hours to complete
5 videos (Total 75 min)
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
3 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.
3 hours to complete
6 videos (Total 78 min)
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 Data30m
Binary Data1h
2 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.
2 hours to complete
6 videos (Total 85 min)
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.
2 hours to complete
1 reading
1 reading
Biostatistical Consulting Project30m
1 practice exercise
Course Project Quiz1h
Reviews
TOP REVIEWS FROM SUMMARY STATISTICS IN PUBLIC HEALTH
by ECSep 22, 2020
I found this course really useful. It actually made you do work and it wasn't necessarily easy to pass the end of module content, which I feel made the course so much more valuable. Highly recommend.
by ABApr 23, 2020
I am glad to learn a lot of terms in statistics and how to use and interpret them in the context of Public Health researches. The Instructor provided enough examples to understand the lessons better.
by DSMay 11, 2020
Excellent explanations and interesting quizzes. I really enjoyed the final project. There was some echo throughout the lectures which was somewhat distracting, but that's minor. Thank you very much!
by PSApr 25, 2020
I enjoyed and learnt a lot from the course. Dr. McGready is an excellent teacher. His style of going over the material in great detail helped me understand the concepts well. Thank you Dr. McGready!
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.
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