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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Learner Career Outcomes
50%
started a new career after completing these courses
50%
got a tangible career benefit from this course
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
50%
started a new career after completing these courses
50%
got a tangible career benefit from this course
Shareable Certificate
Earn a Certificate upon completion
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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. 15 hours to complete
Suggested: 4 weeks of study, 3-4 hours/week
English
Subtitles: English
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
4.8
TOP REVIEWS FROM SUMMARY STATISTICS IN PUBLIC HEALTH
by ERJan 22, 2019
Great course. Couple of hiccups along the way, but I think they are all ironed out now. The instructor is excellent at explaining and providing relevant samples to demonstrate course material.
by TNMar 25, 2020
Very good course! Lectures were easy to follow and gave great examples! Would highly encourage taking this course if you are looking for a biostatistics course or even to refresh your memory!
by UKJul 5, 2019
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
by ARApr 27, 2019
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.
by ADAug 19, 2019
The instructor is very well-spoken and the course material is explained very clearly. The additional example videos are also great if you need to further your understanding.
by JRJul 27, 2019
Extremely good course on biostatistics. The lecturer is able to explain the content in a such a way that every new concept builds on other concepts previously explained.
by SNNov 9, 2019
The course is extremely well structured. The content is amazing, additional examples at the end of each lection are such an asset. I'm so happy that I took this course!
by NMJul 13, 2019
This is an excellent course. Professor McGready is an excellent teacher. He has real passion for the subject and that kept me engrossed throughout the course.
by HPFeb 12, 2019
Dr. McGready did an excellent job putting abstract statistical terms and methods in plain languages (with good examples). I find this course very helpful!
by PDSep 10, 2019
This course is well-structured and easy to understand. Dr. McGready is an awesome teacher. I will recommend "Summary Statistics in Public Health' for you!
by AMar 22, 2019
Excellent teaching and good examples which help in manipulating and visualizing huge data samples . Good course which i recommend for everyone.
by GSNov 6, 2019
I particularly valued the content of week 4 - time related data as this was something I was unfamiliar with. Enjoyed the course, very good!
by MHMay 17, 2019
Quite a good course - sometimes though the questions are not really covered within the course lectures. Simple and easy to understand.
by AMAug 14, 2019
The course provides key insights to biostatistical principles in a very practical( research oriented), simple yet very effective way.
by BBOct 13, 2019
Fantastic course with great additional real world examples. As someone who works in Clinical Research, this course is of great value!
by VCMar 16, 2020
This is a quite useful course providing great insights into the fundamental aspects of summary measures in health care research.
by AANov 7, 2019
I am so grateful for the opportunity and aid given to me to complete this course. Thank you. knowledge has been added to me.
by VVMar 19, 2020
Information presented in a clear and engaging manner which helped me gain a practical understanding of data interpretation.
by CNJun 30, 2019
Great information, organized, and well presented. I would like to review why some answers were incorrect. Thank you!
by KGFeb 26, 2019
Great course for an introduction into the literally limitless possibilities of interpretation of population data.
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.
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Is financial aid available?
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