University of Alberta

Course Guide for SPH 519 Fall 2016 (Campus)

Biostatistics I Tuesday & Thursday 9:30-10:50 TBA Computer Labs: Thursday 11:00-11:50 TBA

Instructor:

Teaching Assistants:

Irina Dinu, Ph.D. Phone: (780) 492-8336 Email: [email protected] Office: 3-278 ECHA

Elham Khodayari-Moez (will lead Computer Labs) E-mail: [email protected] Fahimeh Moradi (will mark homeworks) E-mail: [email protected]

Course Description

An introduction to elementary biostatistical methods used to analyze epidemiologic data. Topics will include analysis of 2 x 2 tables, nonparametric methods, linear regression, analysis of variance, direct and indirect standardization, and analysis of censored data.

Objectives

Upon completion of this course, students will be able to: 1. understand the basic principles and methods of biostatistics as applied to health sciences research and practice 2. choose appropriate methods of basic statistical inference for a variety of study designs and data types 3. perform basic data analyses using STATA, interpret STATA output, draw appropriate conclusion, and describe these in scientific context

Competencies

• • • •

•

• • • • • •

SPH 519 2016 Course Syllabus

Understands the roles biostatistics plays in the discipline of public health Integrate knowledge of ethical issues involved in public health research and practice into biostatistical design, conduct, analysis, and reporting of health studies Describe basic biostatistical methods used in public health Understands and applies appropriate descriptive and inferential biostatistical methodologies and acknowledge the assumptions made according to the type of study design and particular study questions Carries out appropriate sample size and power calculations to ensure that studies are sufficiently powered to achieve their aims Reads and interprets data in graphs, tables, and uses proper statistical terms in discussing information Demonstrates awareness of strengths and limitations of key biostatistical methods Uses statistical and other software to carry out basic biostatistical analyses Uses statistical and other software to carry out a wide range of biostatistical analyses Describe common pitfalls in using biostatistical methods and interpretations of analysis results Cautions researchers and practitioners about potential and/or common pitfalls in using biostatistical methods and interpretations of analysis results University of Alberta, School of Public Health Page 2

Learning Resources

All required materials are made available through E-class. Lecture notes and reading materials will be provided (hard copies in class and electronic copies in E-class). Voice recordings of the lectures will be available for download from E-class. Recommended Textbooks: •

Intuitive Biostatistics by Motulsky (Publisher: Oxford Univ Press)

•

Presenting Medical Statistics from Proposal to Publication by Peacock and Kerry (Publisher: Oxford Univ Press)

40 copies of these books have been ordered by UofA Bookstore

Library

The University of Alberta library system’s website www.library.ualberta.ca details the range of services offered to students on and off campus. If you need further information or assistance, contact the Library's Electronic Reference Desk at www.library.ualberta.ca/ereference/index.cfm or call 1-800-2070172.

SPH 519 2016 Course Syllabus

University of Alberta, School of Public Health Page 3

Course Evaluation Mid Point Evaluation:

Final Course Evaluation:

As is the case with all SPH instructors, I am interested in improving the course. I need to hear from you in order to do that well. I will gather feedback and recommendations from you at the mid-point of the course, by asking a student to administer and deliver an anonymous course evaluation back to the instructor(s).

Following completion of the course, you will receive a standardized summative evaluation. The standard University of Alberta course evaluation procedure will be followed. This will involve a standard questionnaire with anonymous responses returned to the Student Services Coordinator.

Student Evaluation Assignment Homework 1 Homework 2 Homework 3 Homework 4 Midterm Exam (Open Book) Final Exam (Open Book)

Percentage 7.5% 7.5% 7.5% 7.5% 30% 40%

Date September 22 October 13 November 1 December 1 9:00-12:00 October 18 9:00-12:00pm December 13

Evaluation of Course Work Homeworks: 4 X 7.5% Four homeworks, each worth 7.5% of final grade. Each homework will be available on E-class approximately two to three weeks before the deadline. Homeworks should be submitted in class. Solutions will be posted on E-class immediately after the deadline. Midterm Exam: 30% The Midterm Exam is 3 hours open book exam. Final Exam: 40% The Final Exam is 3 hours open book exam.

Grading

See ‘Assignments and Marking Criteria’.

University of Alberta Calendar Section 23.4 Regulations and Information for Students SPH 519 2016 Course Syllabus

University of Alberta, School of Public Health Page 4

Evaluation Procedures and Grading System The University of Alberta Grading System The University of Alberta uses a letter grading system with a four-point scale of numerical equivalents for calculating grade point averages. Grades reflect judgments of student achievement made by instructors. These judgments are based on a combination of absolute achievement and relative performance in a class. Some instructors assign grades as intervals during the course and others assign marks (e.g. percentages) throughout the term and then assign a letter grade at the end. Instructors must adapt their approaches to reflect the letter grading system. Grade distribution should reflect those shown in this document. (EXEC 03 FEB 2003) Descriptor Excellent

Good Satisfactory Failure

Academic Integrity

Grading in Graduate Courses Letter Grade Grade A+ A AB+ B BC+ C CD+ D F

Point Value 4.0 4.0 3.7 3.3 3.0 2.7 2.3 2.0 1.7 1.3 1.0 0.0

Plagiarism is a serious offence. The University of Alberta is committed to the highest standards of academic integrity and honesty. Students are expected to be familiar with these standards regarding academic honesty and to uphold the policies of the University in this respect. Students are particularly urged to familiarize themselves with the provisions of the Code of Student Behaviour (online at www.ualberta.ca/CodeofStudentBehaviour) and avoid any behaviour which could potentially result in suspicions of cheating, plagiarism, misrepresentation of facts and/or participation in an offence. Academic dishonesty is a serious offence and can result in suspension or expulsion from the University. University of Alberta policy about course outline can be found in Section 23.4(2) of the University Calendar. (GFC 29 SEP 2003)

SPH 519 2016 Course Syllabus

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Schedule at a Glance Date Sept 1

Topic Introduction

Instructor Irina Dinu

Sept 6

Role of Biostatistics in Health Sciences Research

Irina Dinu

Sept 8

Experimental Study Design vs Observational Study

Irina Dinu

Sept 13

EDA (Exploratory Data Analysis)

Irina Dinu

Sept 15

Basic Framework of Statistical Inference

Irina Dinu

Sept 20

Central Limit Theorem, Normal Distribution

Irina Dinu

Sept 22

Confidence Intervals

Irina Dinu

Sept 27

Hypothesis Testing, P-values

Irina Dinu

Sept 29

2-sample t-test, Paired t-test

Irina Dinu

Oct 4

ANOVA

Irina Dinu

Oct 6

Statistical Models

Irina Dinu

Oct 11

Simple Linear Regression, Correlation

Irina Dinu

Oct 13

Confounding, Interaction, Two-way ANOVA

Irina Dinu

Oct 18

Midterm Exam TBA 9:00-12:00 Large-sample Inference on Proportions

Irina Dinu

Oct 25

Fisher’s Exact Test, Contingency Table

Irina Dinu

Oct 27

Epidemiological Measures of Associations

Irina Dinu

Nov 1

Stratification, Adjustment, and Effect Modification

Irina Dinu

Nov 15

Matched-pair Design and Analysis

Irina Dinu

Nov 17

Time-To-Event Analysis, Rates

Irina Dinu

Nov 22

Estimation of Survival Probabilities

Irina Dinu

Nov 24

Comparing Survival Probabilities, Competing Risk Nonparametric Inference

Irina Dinu

Dec 1 Dec 6 Dec 13

SPH 519 2016 Course Syllabus

Nonparametric Inference Sample Size and Power Final Exam TBA 9:00-12:00

HW #1 due

HW #2 due

Irina Dinu Midterm Exam

Oct 20

Nov 29

Assignment

HW #3 due

Irina Dinu Irina Dinu

HW #4 due

Irina Dinu Irina Dinu

Final Exam

University of Alberta, School of Public Health Page 6

(1)

Name

(2)

Department

(3)

Degree program

(4)

Research or Practice Interest

(5)

Other interest

SPH 519 2016 Course Syllabus

University of Alberta, School of Public Health Page 7