IGIENE E STATISTICA 2

Module Statistics

1. Knowledge and Understanding

• Acquire a thorough understanding of the fundamental concepts of basic statistics, with particular emphasis on data collection, organization and processing techniques, as well as on the classification of biological variables.
• Understand the concepts of population and sample, graphical methods for data representation, and frequency distributions, in order to effectively communicate statistical results.
• Acquire knowledge of variability, dependence, covariation and causality in the context of biological and biomedical sciences.
• Develop a sound understanding of the basic methods of descriptive and inferential statistics and their application to biological data analysis.

2. Applying Knowledge and Understanding

• Apply fundamental statistical principles to the collection, analysis and interpretation of biological data, using methodological approaches appropriate to different types of epidemiological studies.
• Use statistical methods and tools to calculate measures of central tendency and variability, investigate relationships between variables, and analyze covariation and statistical dependence.
• Understand and apply probabilistic and inferential methods in biomedical contexts.

3. Making Judgements

• Critically evaluate statistical data, assessing the appropriateness of the tools and methods used for data collection and analysis.
• Interpret the results of statistical analyses, understanding the concept of statistical significance and its appropriate interpretation in biological contexts.

4. Communication Skills

• Communicate statistical concepts clearly, accurately and rigorously, both in written and oral form.
• Present and discuss the results of statistical analyses, using appropriate technical terminology.
• Communicate effectively with both specialists and non-specialists in statistical data analysis, explaining complex concepts in terms that are accessible to diverse audiences.

5. Learning Skills

• Develop independent learning skills in statistics, with particular emphasis on its applications in biology, biotechnology, medicine and public health.
• Keep up to date with new techniques for data collection and management, as well as with advanced tools and innovative technologies for statistical analysis, with particular attention to database management.

The course includes classroom lectures with continuous encouragement for interaction with students, as well as in-class and laboratory exercises to develop the ability to apply the knowledge gained during the course. In the event that teaching is conducted in a blended or remote mode, necessary variations may be introduced compared to what has been previously stated in order to adhere to the planned program as outlined in the syllabus.

Attendance is mandatory. 

Basic concepts and objectives of statistics. Data collection methods. Types of biological variables. Data tabulation and graphical representation.

Descriptive statistics. Measures of central tendency (mean, mode, median, quartiles, percentiles). Measures of variability: range, deviation, variance, standard deviation, coefficient of variation.

Bivariate analysis and causal relationships between variables.

The concept of covariance. Pearson's correlation coefficient: values, limits, and properties. 

Concepts of causality and dependence. Dependency analysis. Regression analysis.

Probability calculation. The concept of an event. Operations on events. Venn diagrams. Conditional probability. Application of probability in the biomedical field: Bayes' theorem.

Inferential statistics. Hypothesis testing, statistical significance, P-value. Parametric and non-parametric tests for independent and dependent data. Statistical tests for quantitative variables: Z-test, T-test, ANOVA. Statistical tests for categorical variables: Chi-squared test.

BIOSTATISTICA, M. Pagano - K. Gauvreau, Editore: Idelson-Gnocchi

Specially prepared material will be distributed during the course of the lectures and made available on the Studium website.

• Written exam, consisting of 15 multiple-choice and/or open-ended questions. The exam is graded on a scale

of 30. There is no penalty for incorrect answers.

• Oral exam

Both the written and oral exams will contribute to the final grade. The maximum grade will be awarded to

students who demonstrate mastery of the topics covered, the ability to connect the knowledge acquired,

effective communication skills, and command of the subject-specific terminology.

Assessment may also be conducted online, should conditions require it.

Which of the following statements correctly describes the concept of a population or “universe”?

A) A statistical population consists of all elements that share certain characteristics, that is, the set of all individuals or objects to which the phenomenon under study refers

B) A population is a set of elements that represent only a part of the whole, that is, a subset of units

C) A statistical population is always smaller than a sample

D) None of the above 

The median can be calculated:

A) For quantitative variables and ordinal qualitative variables

B) Only for quantitative variables

C) For ordinal and nominal qualitative variables

D) None of the above