Introduction to Biostatistics

Junior researchers, mid-career or senior researchers requiring a refresher course, researchers seeking conversion to R statistical software.

Upon completion of this module, students should be able to:

- Select and perform basic statistical analyses commonly required in bio/medical research
- Write up the statistical methods and findings of simple statistical procedures clearly, and accordance with best practice.
- Correctly interpret and critique the results of simple statistical analyses of biological, medical or related data.

Students will be taught fundamentals of statistics, and trained in the R statistical software environment. Topics include:

• Understanding data
• Visual and numeric exploratory analyses
• Statistical inference
• Confirmatory research approaches
• Hypothesis testing, and sample size calculation.
• Chi square and t tests,
• ANOVA models, 
• Correlation and simple linear regression
• Selected non-parametric tests.

Upskilling for a quantitative, computational role in public service, research, or private sector; Ability to understand and design simple research to answer medical or biological questions; Improvement of skills necessary for postgraduate research.

This micro-credential is delivered through the UCD online learning platform (Brightspace) and will consist of lectures/seminars, and practical exercises with real data.
A repository of resources will be available to support your learning, and as a UCD student, you will have full access to the library. 
This is a 5 ECTS micro-credential and involves approximately 120 hours of learner effort over one trimester.

• It is recommended that applicants have completed a bachelor’s degree in a cognate subject, although any subject across STEM, Arts or humanities would be adequate.
• Applicants whose first language is not English must demonstrate proof of English proficiency as per UCD's minimum English language requirements.
• All applications are assessed on a case-by-case basis.

• Timed computational assessment: 40%
• End-of-trimester assignment: 60%

- Feedback individually to students on an activity or draft prior to summative assessment

- Feedback individually to students, post-assessment

- Group/class feedback, post-assessment

Feedback on any formative exercises will be given on request or automatically by the online learning platform. Feedback on the computational assessment will be given individually to students through the online learning platform. General feedback will be given to the full class through the online learning platform.

• PHPS40980 Introduction to Knowledge Synthesis, Systematic Reviews & Meta-analysis
• PHPS40990 Systematic Review, Meta-analysis and Clinical Guidelines
• PHPS40970 Design and Analysis of Clinical Trials
• PHPS41160 Patient-Centred Outcomes

The above can be cumulatively used towards  professional Certificate in Knowledge Synthesis (X973)

• PHPS40460
• Biostatistics II

Please note: Learners can avail of only one form of funding per application. 

Micro-Credentials Learner Fee Subsidy-Human Capital Initiative Pillar 3

The HCI Pillar 3 Micro-credential Learner Fee Subsidy has been introduced to enable more learners to address critical skills gaps and engage with lifelong learning through micro-credentials. The HCI Pillar 3 Micro-credential Learner Fee Subsidy is funded by Higher Education Authority (HEA) and the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science. 

HCI Micro-credential Learner Fee Subsidies are available on identified micro-credentials only from March 2024 until October 2025. Funded places are limited and course providers will administer the subsidy on a first come first serve basis.

Please see Eligibility Criteria for further information.    

If you have any questions about this micro-credential, or would like to speak to a UCD staff member, please contact (opens in a new window)microcredentials@ucd.ie.