Mathematical Foundations of Biostatistics

Winter 2024 (2 units)

The goal of this course is to equip students with core statistical concepts and methods. In this course students will learn mathematical, computational, statistical and probabilistic background; the basics of probability distributions including the definitions of density functions, cumulative distributions, moments of the distributions; theory and methods for point estimation; and methodology for the construction of hypothesis testing and confidence intervals. R statistical software will be used.
 

Objectives

Upon completion of this courses, students will be able to:

  •  Identify the correct visualization tool to explore data and the correct model to analyze the data.
  • Choose the best estimation procedure to obtain the model parameter and the correct way of justifying the hypothesis.
  • Identify the sufficient sample size to justify the hypothesis.
  • Demonstrate the ability to choose a study endpoint based on a hypothesis.
  • Demonstrate skill in constructing hypothesis testing and confidence intervals.

Prerequisites

Calculus is a prerequisite for this class. For example, students must understand integration and derivatives. A previous or concurrent course in introductory biostatistics is preferred, Biostatistical Methods I (BIOSTAT 200).

Faculty

Course Director:

Fei Jiang, PhD, MS
 

Associate Professor,  Department of Epidemiology & Biostatistics
email: [email protected]

Format

Course content will be delivered through weekly interactive lectures. These will take place on Thursdays from 3:15 PM to 5:15 PM, Jan. 11 to Mar. 19 All course materials and handouts will be posted on the course's online syllabus.

All course materials and handouts will be posted on the course's online syllabus.

Materials

TBA

Grading

Only UCSF students (defined as individuals enrolled in UCSF degree or certificate programs) will receive academic credit for courses. Official transcripts are available to UCSF students only. A Certificate of Course Completion will be available upon request to individuals who are not UCSF students and satisfactorily pass all course requirements.

UCSF Graduate Division Policy on Disabilities

To Enroll

ATCR and MAS students use the Student Portal

Students taking individual courses:

Course Fees
How to pay (please read before applying)
Only one application needs to be completed for all courses desired during the quarter.

Winter 2024 Course Schedule

Apply by January 15, 2024 (deadline extended)