Introduction to Biostatistics Overview

Sep 17, 2024

Introduction to Biostatistics - Lecture 1

Course Overview

  • Main Aim: Understanding statistics and biostatistics.
  • Course Materials:
    • "Introduction to Probability and Statistics" by Mendenhall, Beaver, and Beaver.
    • "Introduction to Probability and Statistics for Engineers and Scientists".

What is Statistics?

  • Science dealing with the collection, classification, analysis, and interpretation of numerical data.
  • Examples:
    • Elections: Opinion polls predicting outcomes.
    • Weather Patterns: Predictions impacting government decisions.
    • Income by Profession: Understanding income trajectories in various fields.

What is Biostatistics?

  • Application of statistics to biology.
  • Examples:
    • Evolution: Analyzing structural changes over time.
    • Medicine: Predicting drug resistance.
    • Public Health: Managing disease outbreaks like the Zika virus.

History of Statistics

  • Originated from gambling studies.
  • Developed through works of DeMoyver, Laplace, Galton, Carl Pearson.
  • Importance in biology and clinical sciences.

Importance of Studying Statistics

  • Clinical Trials: Designing trials, understanding stopping protocols.
  • Cell Motility: Measuring effects of drugs on cell movement.
  • Protein Folding: Measuring forces for unfolding proteins, understanding distribution.

Types of Studies in Statistics

  1. Surveys/Cross-sectional Studies: Collecting current data.
  2. Retrospective Studies: Analyzing past data.
  3. Prospective Studies: Long-term tracking of population.
  4. Clinical Trials: Testing safety and efficacy of drugs.

Sampling Techniques

  • Simple Random Sampling: Unbiased selection from a population.
  • Systemic Sampling: Selecting at regular intervals from a list.
  • Stratified Random Sampling: Sampling in proportion to sub-populations.

Examples of Statistical Techniques

  • Random Sampling Example: Selecting combinations from a set.
  • Polling Example: Importance of accurate sampling to avoid incorrect predictions.

Conclusion and Next Steps

  • Summary: Overview of statistics and biostatistics, examples, and sampling methods.
  • Next Lecture: Focus on measuring numbers from experiments, creating understandable plots from data.
  • Homework: MCQs for review and understanding of today's lecture.

Thank you for attending the first lecture. Please review the MCQs to reinforce your understanding of the material covered.