SAHRU Ltd. A Trinity College Dublin Campus Company

Course Leader: Dr. Alan Kelly

Course Details: there are two versions of the modular course: ESiM and ESiM+R. The distinction between the two versions relates to the needs of the participant. ESiM+R is suited to a researcher who conducts (or intends to conduct) data analysis fairly regularly. The modules introduce and exemplify the principles of statistics (from basic summary statistics through hypothesis testing, non-parametric methods, contingency table analysis, power calculations and simple linear regression, see the course outline here) and the accompanying file with each module shows how all the analyses and graphics may be reproduced using the statistical programming language R (a freely available Open Source statistical analysis environment - see this link). This file acts as an R tutorial. Assignments are provided and these are undertaken using R (although you may use a statistics package of your choice if you prefer, but I encourage participants to stay with R).

If you do not envisage doing much actual data analysis, and merely wish to learn or brush-up on biostatistics, then the alternative version of the course might suit better. As indicated, the modules are essentially the same, but there is no accompanying R files. Assignments may be completed 'by hand' or using the Excel templates that I will provide.

It would be fair to say that both versions of the course require considerable investment of time to read the material and do the assignments. Experience indicates that the ESiM+R version will take more time, but this is to be expected. Neither version is intended as a superficial introduction to statistics (of the "how to learn statistics in a weekend" variety). When the course is completed, a participant will have both a through knowledge and practical understanding of basic statistic methods as routinely employed in health research. And, if ESiM+R is taken, then the participant will have considerable exposure to real data analysis using a comprehensive statistical package.

Participants choosing the ESiM course should be reasonably comfortable with using Excel if they wish to use the templates to complete the assignments.
It is expected that participants choosing the ESiM+R course will be experienced computer users. Having some prior exposure to a programing language or a statistics package or database package would be desirable.

An electronic forum or bulletin board is provided for all participants to share their experiences and ask questions as and when necessary.
A participant needs to compete 6 assignments successfully within 1 year of their starting the course to qualify for a certificate of course completion.

The cost per module is €90 or, if all 9 modules are purchased - as a special introductory offer for the new modular course - then the total cost is just €650.

You may download a booking form from here.

Further details from Dr. Alan Kelly.

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