Analytical Techniques in Experimental Biosciences

Aim

The aim of the course is for the student to obtain a more advanced knowledge of theoretical aspects of study design as well as data collection, data analysis and general statistics used within the field of biosciences and of epidemiology. The student will also gain deeper knowledge in bioinformatics, scientific methodologies including the philosophical and scientific aim of research, quantitative and qualitative methodologies, and the educational methodology problem-based learning. The course is compulsory in semester one in Master’s Programme in Experimental and Medical Biosciences. By the end of the course the student will be able to: Knowledge and understanding

• Describe and analyze different strategies for study design, data sampling, data collection, and statistical analysis to be used in qualitative and quantitative research

Competence and skills

• Design research studies within the field of biosciences and epidemiology
• Use and interpret common statistical methods for rates and proportions, multivariate statistics and regression analysis
• Use internet-based tools and computer programs to be able to identify, compare and analyze biological molecules

Judgement and approach

• Critically evaluate statistical findings and their interpretations in epidemiological and biomedical studies
• Demonstrate a knowledgeable and critical attitude regarding scientific investigations and articles
• Interpret and evaluate results from databank searches in a biomedical relevant context

Content

• Philosophy of science, research design, data collection and analysis, as well as qualitative and quantitative methodologies
• Basic statistical principles and common methods applicable for biomedical studies
• Design of studies in biomedicine and epidemiology
• Reasoning on causality, precision, validity and bias that could have an impact on data
• Computer-based methods for studies of biological molecules
• Application of Problem-based learning (PBL) as pedagogical methodology