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Enabling Clinical and Translational Research

Course Information

MMI Workshop: Biostatistics

Title: MMI Workshop: Biostatistics

Date(s): 6 - 10 July 2009 (Mornings)

Main Venue:
McKenna Computer Suite, Aras Ui Chathail
NUI Galway, Galway


Online Application Period: Application period is closed. This workshop is now oversubscribed

Registration Charges: 200 Euros (Academic rate) / 500 Euros (Non-academic rate)

Download workshop poster here

 


A Molecular Medicine Ireland / HRB Clinical Research Facility Galway Workshop
 


The aim of the workshop is to provide participants with an overview of fundamental biostatistical methods, an understanding of the key concept of variability and a practical working knowledge of the statistical techniques they are likely to encounter in applied medical research.

Techniques covered will include study design, analysing one and two sample problems (independent and dependent data) through interval estimation and hypothesis testing approaches, comparing three or more samples (analysis of variance), regression problems, survival analysis, logistic regression and sample size calculations. Each session has been designed in the format of a workshop and will include lectures and computer based practical work.
 

The aims and objectives of the workshop are:

  • to introduce participants to statistical concepts and thinking;
  • to provide a practical introduction to data analysis;
  • to encourage and equip participants to apply simple statistical techniques to design, analyse and interpret biomedical studies;
  • to utilise a statistical package to illustrate the power of statistical techniques;
  • to make participants aware of the limitations of simple techniques and encourage them to seek expert advice when more complex procedures are required;
  • to enable participants to communicate the results of their analyses in clear non-technical language in writing up laboratory reports, projects and publications.
     

 

Programme6-10 July; 0930-1300

Monday
Session 1

Summarising
data

 Tuesday
Session 2

Interval
estimation		 Wednesday
Session 3

Hypothesis
Testing
and
p-values		 Thursday
Session 4

Designing
a study		 Friday
Session 5

Examples of
more
'complicated' analytic
techniques

Additional lectures and workshops (2pm - 5pm each afternoon)
           

 

 

Day 1: Mon 6 July; 0930-1300
Summarising Data Back to top
  • Understand the key concept of variability
  • Understand the ideas of population, sample, parameter and statistic
  • Differentiate between common types of data and display them appropriately using a simple statistical package
  • Understand the basic concepts of Normal and Binomial distributions
Day 2: Tue 7 July; 0930-1300
Interval Estimation Back to top
  • Understand simple ideas of point estimation;
  • Produce and interpret interval estimates in some simple cases
  • Recognise the additional benefits of calculating interval estimates for unknown Parameters and be able to interpret interval estimates correctly
  • Check assumptions underlying these simple procedures and know how to deal with departures from these assumptions
  • Understand the difference between paired and independent data and be able to recognise both in practice
  • Apply knowledge of confidence intervals and tests to investigate simple questions of interest regarding categorical data
Day 3: Wed 8 July; 0930-1300
Hypothesis Testing and p-values Back to top
  • Understand the relationship between a confidence interval and a hypothesis test as well as the relative merits of both
  • Understand the concept of a p-value
  • Carry out a variety of commonly used hypothesis tests
  • Understand how to interpret test results correctly and in non-technical language
Day 4: Thu 9 July; 0930-1300
Designing a Study Back to top
  • Understand the difference between a designed experiment and an observational study, and the need for both
  • Understand the aims and desirable features of a randomized experiment
  • Use simple techniques for ensuring that an experiment gives valid, reliable and precise results
  • Be able to calculate the required sample size for a variety of study designs
  • Critiquing the Statistical Component in a Medical paper
Day 5: Fri 10 July; 0930-1300
Examples of more 'complicated' analytic techniques Back to top
  • Simple and Multiple Regression
  • Logistic Regression
  • Survival Analysis
  • Analyzing Cluster Randomized Trials
  • Be able to calculate the required sample size for a variety of study designs
Day 1-5: Mon 6-Fri 10 July; 1400-1700

Additional Lectures and Workshops

 Back to top
  • Attendees of the Biostatistics workshops will be eligible to attend additional lectures and workshop covering Biomedical Research Skills. These takes place each afternoon (2pm – 5pm) and the topics include: scientific techniques (e.g. FACs, Real-time PCR, Microarray, Immunohistochemistry), Advanced Imaging, Technology Transfer, Bibliometrics ("Finding the Needle in the e-Stack"), Grant Writing and the Paper Review Process.
    Details of the afternoons' sessions schedule will be provided to applicants

Registration Charges

The registration charges do not include accommodation or travel. If for some reason you are unable to attend a course or workshop booked, MMI will refund your fee subject to €20 administration charge at any time up to 14 days prior to the course or workshop. If attendance is cancelled within 14 days prior to the start of the course or workshop, refunds of 50% will be made. Non attendance at courses or workshops paid for without prior cancellation are not eligible for a refund.

Fees: 200 Euros (Academic rate) / 500 Euros (Non-academic rate)
The registration charges do not include accommodation or travel.

 -  Follow the directions at the foot of this page to register
 -  You can pay by credit card via our online secure system or by an alternative      means. When you apply for this course, you will be contacted by Email at a later date to request payment.

Accomodation
Attendees are responsible for arranging and paying for their own accommodation on the workshop

 -  Please find a list of NUI Galway approved B&Bs here
 -  For further accomodation options, please see here

Please also note that Corrib Village, the official on-site university campus for NUI Galway students provided us with the following rates:
 
 -  Single Room - Enuite - Bed & Continental Breakfast - €65 per person per night
 -  Single Room - En-Suite - Room Only - €60 per person per night

Each accomodation mentioned is reasonably close to the University

Venue
The following link is an interactive campus map: http://www.nuigalway.ie/campus_map/

Please note, a University parking permit is available to any attendees who require it

Workshop Faculty
Please click on the followings link in order to reach instructor's profile

Dr John Newell (Department of Mathematics and HRB Clinical Research Facility, NUI Galway)
Professor Tom Aitchison (retired) (Department of Statistics, University of Glasgow, Scotland, UK)

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