NNEK16000U Cancelled Applied Biostatistics in Nutrition and Physiology

Volume 2020/2021
Content

Focus will be on standard descriptive methods and parametric statistical models, especially analysis of variance and regression models, as well as more advanced methods including models for repeated measurements; a frequentist point of view will mostly be adopted. It will be a modern approach towards the use of statistical methods, reflecting current practice in nutritional and physiology research as seen in the research activities at NEXS w.r.t. publication of scientific articles and reports. Choice of appropriate statistical models will be a key theme, i.e., how to translate study designs into suitable parametric model specifications, both for randomized controllled trials (e.g., parallel-arm and cross-over trials) and for observational studies (e.g., cohort and cross-sectional studies). Estimation of relevant parameters such as means, differences, and slope coefficients will be of particular relevance. Moreover, methods for improved efficiency and for reducing bias such as relevant adjustments for covariates and confounders  will also be covered. Assessment of uncertainty of estimates by means of confidence intervals and standard errors will also be an integral part of the course; p-values will also be discussed. Statistical methods will mainly be introduced and discussed through reading of selected parts of publications and other relevant literature. The first 6 weeks of the course will consist of lectures and exercises. The last two weeks will consist of project work where participants will reanalyze publicly available data, using the knowledge and skills they acquired during the first 6 weeks. The statistical environment R will be used throughout the course.

Learning Outcome

Knowledge

 

The participants will have acquired knowledge on applied statistical analysis of a number of key study designs used in nutritional and physiology research, both for analysis of randomized controlled trials and observarional studies. The participant will know 1) how to approach model construction and validation, 2) about the rationale for adjustments and modifications of statistical models that are routinely used, and 3) which quantities are relevant to estimate and report.

Skills

In the face of data, the participant will be able to carry out both descriptive summaries as well as to apply state-of-the-art statistical methodology, both for the quantification of intervention effects in commonly used randomized controlled trials and for assessment of associations and correlates in the most important types of observational studies.

Competences

In the face of a concrete study, the participant will know how to choose between relevant statistical methods. Moreover, the participant will will be competent in evaluating and interpreting results obtained from applying such methods. At the level required for smaller journal articles and master thesis reports, the participant can conduct statistical analyses.

Course literature will be announced at study start on Absalon.

Academic qualifications equivalent to a BSc degree is recommended.
Lectures, seminars, group work with supervision and exercises.
  • Category
  • Hours
  • Lectures
  • 4
  • Preparation
  • 133
  • Practical exercises
  • 48
  • Exam Preparation
  • 20
  • Exam
  • 1
  • Total
  • 206
Continuous feedback during the course of the semester

Comments, ideas, and suggestions when doing article reading and project work.

Credit
7,5 ECTS
Type of assessment
Oral examination, 20 minutes
Written assignment, during course
Individual oral examination, 20 minutes examination.
Each student presents a self-selected part of the group report but may be asked about any part of the report during the examination.
Project report and oral exam both count 50% in the final grade.
Exam registration requirements

Submission of group report.

Aid
All aids allowed
Marking scale
7-point grading scale
Censorship form
No external censorship
Internal grading. More assessors.
Re-exam

The re-exam will be like the ordinary oral exam. The project report must be submitted no later than 3 weeks before the oral re-examination. Previously submitted report can be used.

Criteria for exam assesment

Please see "Learning outcomes".