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Course Description:
This course is an introduction to basic statistical principles and their application to qualitative
and quantitative research in health sciences. Rules governing use of descriptive and inferential
statistics will also be explored in this course.
Course Objectives:
By the end of this course the students will be able to:
1. State the definitions of various statistical terms.
2. Describe the various statistical methods used in health sciences.
3. Analyze the use of statistics in some selected research studies.
4. Explain the rules governing the use of:
4.1 Descriptive statistics
4.2 Measures of central tendency
4.3 Parametric measures
4.4 Inferential statistics.
5. Calculate statistical results for selected measures.
Teaching/Learning Strategies:
Interactive lectures, problem solving exercises, small group sessions and tutorials.
Course Expectations:
Pre-reading and preparation for each class
Attendance and participation in LCFs and tutorials
Successful completion of quizzes
Successful completion of home assignments
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SC 331: Introduction to Biostatistics
Assessment Criteria:
Attendance:
It is compulsory for the students to attend all the theory and tutorials sessions.
Home Assignments:
Homework will be assigned after every lecture and will be due at the beginning of the next
lecture. Home assignments will cover 20% of the total. Marks will be deducted for late
submission of assignments as per policy.
Tutorials:
Students are required to complete and show the tutorial assignments to the facilitator/s before
leaving the class.
In class quizzes:
There will be 4 quizzes (40% total). No quiz will be repeated. Non-attendance for any quiz will
be graded zero unless prior arrangements have been made with the course coordinator.
Final examination:
The final examination will cover the entire course and is allocated 40%. It will cover all the
course content which is covered till the last class. Scientific calculators will be allowed. Students
are advised to make full use of the review session prior to the final exam.
NOTE:
Students are required to bring scientific calculators and review basic mathematics for the
biostatistics course. Students failing the course will be allowed to sit a comprehensive make up
examination. Students in this instance will be given minimum passing score as per re-sit exam
policy.
Required Reading:
Kuzma, J.W. (2004). Basic Statistics for the Health Sciences. (4thed.). California: Mayfield.
Reference Readings:
Bluman, G. A. (2008). Elementary Statistics, A step by step approach (7th ed.) McGraw Hill
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SC 331: Introduction to Biostatistics
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SC 331: Introduction to Biostatistics
June Regression AA
17
Unit Objectives
UNIT I: Introduction to Biostatistics
By the end of this session the students should be able to:
Discuss the importance of biostatistics
Distinguished between the population and sample based statistics
Discuss different types of variables.
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