Introduction to Biostatistics

Prerequisites: Algebra or Equivalent

Discover the value of statistical measurement in health care situations.

Statistical analysis is the backbone of health care planning. It allows health care professionals and policymakers to make assumptions and recommendations based on the responses of a sample of the population, rather than an entire group. In this introductory course, you learn statistical terminology and techniques without delving into the mathematical theory underlying the formulas and calculations.

You’ll have weekly discussions with fellow classmates and your professor, applying statistical theories to a variety of relevant health care scenarios. You’ll also gain hands-on experience by conducting your own statistical study, using the techniques and theories covered in this course.

What You’ll Learn in PBHL 5502

Biostatistics is the development and application of statistical reasoning and methods in addressing, analyzing and solving problems in public health, health care and biomedical, clinical and population-based research.

This course focuses on basic statistical concepts including frequency distribution, central tendency, variability, probability, point and interval estimates, normal curve, hypothesis testing, multivariate methods and survival analysis.

Course Topics

Throughout this course, weekly topics may include:

• Introduction to Biostatistics
• Summarizing Data
• Probability Distributions
• Confidence Intervals
• Hypothesis Testing with One and Two Samples
• Determining Optimum Sample Size
• Introduction to Multivariate and Non-Parametric Analysis

Course Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of PBHL 5502, you will be able to:

• Describe the roles biostatistics serves in the discipline of public health.
• Describe basic concepts of probability, random variation and commonly used statistical probability distributions.
• Describe preferred methodological alternatives to commonly used statistical methods when assumptions are not met.
• Distinguish among the different measurement scales and the implications for selection of statistical methods to be used based on these distinctions.
• Apply descriptive techniques commonly used to summarize public health data.
• Apply common statistical methods for inference.
• Apply descriptive and inferential methodologies according to the type of study design for answering a particular research question.
• Interpret results of statistical analyses found in public health studies.

Request More Information

To learn more about the online Master of Public Health curriculum from Benedictine University, including Biostatistics, call (866) 295-3104 to speak with a program manager or request more information.

Programs that include this course