Course Outline
Faculty of Health Science
Course Code: ALHL 2905
Course Title: Biostatistics for Health Professionals
Credits: 3
Sections: 1
Course Modality: Blended
Course Modality Type: ☐ Synchronous ☒ Asynchronous ☐ N/A
Course Instructor Englebert Emmanuel Sr.
Program: Pharmacy and Medical Laboratory Science
Semester: 2020-1
Class Day/Time: Monday/Friday 5:30 pm – 6:45 pm
Class Venue: Online
Communication Tool: ☒ Zoom ☐ Google Meet ☐ N/A
Course Platform: ☒ MOODLE ☐ Google Classroom ☐ N/A
Prerequisites: ( ) Yes (√ ) No
Co-requisites: ( ) Yes (√ ) No
Field Trips: ( ) Yes (√ ) No
Office/Virtual Hours: Monday - Saturday – 5:00pm - 8:00pm or by appointment
Telephone: 627-5980
Resources
Required Text:
Triola and Triola, (2006). Biostatistics for the Biological and Health Sciences.
Pearson-Addison Wesley.
Course Description:
This course provides an introduction to statistics with an emphasis on the concepts and principles of biostatistics.
It assists the student to utilize knowledge and skills in both that are essential for professionals in public health
practice and research.
Course Intended Learning Outcome
Upon successful completion of this course the student will be able to:
1. Give an overview of statistics and its application to public health science.
2. Discuss the uses of statistics in public health nursing.
3. Discuss the relationship of statistics and the research process.
4. Calculate statistical data applicable to Public Health.
5. Describe how data is systematically organized and interpret.
6. Discuss the methods how statistical data is summarized.
7. Describe the importance and properties of normal distribution.
8. Describe the major sampling technique used in inferential statistics.
9. Identify the role of the Public Health in the statistical process.
COURSE SCHEDULE
Date Topics/Sub-topics Teaching Strategies and Readings and Assessment and Due
Activities Assignments Dates
Wk1 1. Introduction to statistics Use of Lecture and Discussion to Reading :
1.1 Definition and Purpose include: Chapter 1 Develop and add terms
1.1.1 Statistics Explanation and discussion of to Reference Notebook
Aug 17 - 1.1.2 Statistician concepts Develop and add
Aug 21 1.2 Types of Statistics terms to Reference
1.2.1Descriptive Engaging students in reflection and Notebook
1.2.2 Inferential analysis of main concepts
1.2.3 Vital Statistics Application of concepts
1.2.4 Biostatistics
Lecture Recitation
Wk2 2. Uses of Biostatistics Instructor presents information Reading :
2.1 Assessment Question and answer activities Chapter 2 Add terms to Reference
Aug 24 -28 2.2Planning Cooperative learning activities Notebook
2.3 Implementation Add terms to
2.4 Monitoring Reference
Notebook
Wk3 3. Relationship of Statistics and Reading: HW #1
Research Process Chapter 3
Aug 31 - 3.1 Obtaining data by measuring Add terms to Reference
Sept 4 variables Add terms to Notebook
3.1.1 Variable Reference
3.1.1.1 Definition Notebook
3.1.1.2 Classification
3.1.1.2.1 Quantitative/
Measurement
Variables
3.1.1.2.1.1 Continuous
3.1.1.2.1.2 Discrete
3.1.1.2.2 Qualitative/
Categorical variables
3.1.1.2.2.1 Nominal
Date Topics/Sub-topics Teaching Strategies and Readings and Assessment and Due
Activities Assignments Dates
3.1.1.2.2 .2 Ordinal
3.1.1.2.3 Derived
Variables
3.2 Examining the
relationship between
variables
3.2.1 No Relationship
3.2.2 Graphing
Relationship
3.2.3 Strength of a
relationship
3.3 Drawing inferences
about a population
3.3.1 Population
3.3.1.1 Definition
Wk4 3.4 Selecting a sample Use of Lecture and Discussion to Reading: Quiz #1
3.4.1 Sample include: Chapter 3 Chapters 1-2
Sept 7 – 3.4.1.1 Definition Explanation and discussion of
Sept 11 3.4.1.2 Representativeness concepts Add terms to Add terms to Reference
of a sample Reference Notebook
3.4.1.3 Sampling Methods Engaging students in reflection and Notebook
3.4.1.3.1 Probability analysis of main concepts
3.4.1.3.2 Non Probability Application of concepts
3.5 Using statistical procedures to Lecture Recitation
organize and analyze data Instructor presents information
3.5.1 Descriptive Statistics Question and answer activities
3.5.2 Inferential Statistics Cooperative learning activities
Wk5 4. Statistical Data applicable to Scientific Methods including: Reading: Test #1
Public Health Identifying a problems Chapter 4 Chapters 1-3
Sept 14 - 4.1 Vital Registration Developing hypothesis Add terms to Reference
Sept 18 Add terms to Notebook
Date Topics/Sub-topics Teaching Strategies and Readings and Assessment and Due
Activities Assignments Dates
4.2 Mortality rate Gathering Data Reference Notebook
4.3 Morbidity rate Analyzing result
4.4 Birth rate Generating conclusion Group Assignment
4.5 Population estimates Integrating Technology for data analysis on a
and density Use of computer to access health event – contact
4.6 Fertility Rate statistical tools (SPSS) Epidemiology Unit –
4.7 Incidence MOH to obtain 3
4.8 Prevalence years dataset (2017-
2019)
Wk6 5. Systematic Organization and Use of Lecture and Discussion to Reading: HW #2
Interpretation of Data include: Chapter 5
Sept 21 – 5.1 Types of Data Explanation and discussion of Reference notebook
Sept 25 5.1.1 Qualitative concepts Add terms to evaluation #1
5.1.2 Quantitative Reference
5.2 Frequency Table Engaging students in reflection and Notebook
5.1.2 Relative analysis of main concepts
Frequency Application of concepts
5.1.3 Cumulative
Frequency Lecture Recitation
Instructor presents information
Wk7 5. Systematic Organization and Question and answer activities Reading: Add terms to Reference
Interpretation of Data Cooperative learning activities Chapter 5 Notebook
Sept 28 - 5.3 Graphic Methods
Oct 2 5.3.1 Frequency Histograms Add terms to Quiz #2
5.3.2 Frequency Polygons Reference Chapter 4-5
5.3.3 Bar Graphs Notebook
5.3.4 Pie Charts
5.3.5 Stem and Leaf Diagram
5.3.6 Box and Whiskers Plots
Wk8 6. Summary Statistics Reading:
6.1 Measures of Central Chapter 6 Add terms to Reference
Oct 5 – Tendency Notebook
Oct 9 6.1.1 Arithmetic Mean Add terms to
Reference Notebook
Date Topics/Sub-topics Teaching Strategies and Readings and Assessment and Due
Activities Assignments Dates
6.1.2 Median
6.1.3 Mode
Wk9 6. Summary Statistics Reading:
6.2 Measure of Dispersion Chapter 6 Test #2
Oct 12 – 6.2.1 Range Use of Lecture and Discussion to Chapters 4-6
Oct 16 6.2.2 Variance include: Add terms to
6.2.3 Standard Deviation Explanation and discussion of Reference Notebook Add terms to Reference
concepts Notebook
Engaging students in reflection and
analysis of main concepts
Application of concepts
Wk10 7. Normal Distribution Reading: Add terms to Reference
7.1 Importance of normal Chapter 7 Notebook
Oct 19 – distribution in Statistics HW# 3
Oct 23 Add terms to
Inquiry Base Learning to
Reference Notebook
include:
Assessing observations
Wk11 7. Normal Distribution Drawing conclusions Reading:
7.2 Properties of normal Chapter 7 Add terms to Reference
Oct 26 – distribution Lecture Recitation Notebook
Oct 30 Add terms to
Instructor presents information
Reference Notebook
Question and answer activities
Cooperative learning activities
Wk12 7. Normal Distribution Reading: Add terms to Reference
Integrating Technology Notebook
7.3 Tabulating areas under the Chapter 7
Nov 2 –
Use of computer to access Quiz #3
standard normal distribution
Nov 6 statistical tools (SPSS). Add terms to Chapter 7
Reference Notebook
Wk13 8. Inferential Statistics Use of Lecture and Discussion to Reading:
8.1 Confidence Interval include: Chapter 8
Nov 9 – 8.2 Statistical significance Explanation and discussion of Add terms to Reference
Nov 13 8.2.1 Hypothesis Testing concepts Add terms to Notebook
Date Topics/Sub-topics Teaching Strategies and Readings and Assessment and Due
Activities Assignments Dates
8.2.2 P-value Reference Notebook
8.2.3 Chi square Engaging students in reflection and
8.2.4 T-test analysis of main concepts
Application of concepts
Wk14 9. Role of the Public Health Reading: Test#3
Professionals in Statistical Process Inquiry Base Learning to Chapter 9 Chapters 7-9
Nov 16 – 9.1 Researcher include:
Nov 20 9.2 Educator Assessing observations Reference Notebook
9.2 Advocate Drawing conclusions due – final evaluation
Lecture Recitation
Instructor presents information
Question and answer activities
Cooperative learning activities
Wk15 REVIEW FOR FINAL EXAMINATION
GROUP PROJECT AND PRESENTATION DUE - DATABASE ANALYSIS (VIDEO STYLE)
Nov 23 – Nov 27
Wk16 EXAM WEEK
Nov 30 -Dec 4
COURSE POLICIES AND REGULATIONS
ACADEMIC HONESTY POLICY
The administration of student discipline in the university community is a responsibility shared by
students, faculty, and administrative staff. The University of Belize Academic Honesty Policy outlines
the University’s expectations for the integrity of student’s academic work, the procedures for resolving
alleged violations of those expectations, and the rights and responsibilities of students and faculty
throughout the process. All students are expected to conform to the Academic Honesty Policy. Lecturers
are expected to consult with academic department chairpersons to prevent and respond to violations of
the Academic Honesty Policy. Students wishing to dispute a charge of academic dishonesty or a sanction
made upon them because of such allegations can do so by appealing to the Dean of Student Affairs to
invoke the Discipline Appeals Process as detailed in the Student Handbook. (Please visit www.ub.edu.bz
for a full description of violations to the Academic Honesty Policy and sanctions.)
STUDENT EVALUATION OF INSTRUCTION: ONLINE MECHANISM
Students are advised that they are free to submit comments on line in respect to any course they are
registered in during the semester (as opposed to waiting for the end of the semester). Students are assured
that since there is no need to log in to access the facility available on the UB web page www.ub.edu.bz
their comments will be anonymous. The comment(s) will go to the Quality Assurance Office that in turn
will forward the comments to the relevant Dean for timely action.
CLASS POLICIES
1. CLASS ATTENDANCE: Students are expected to attend all sessions, and to be on time.
Students must attend at least 80% of class sessions. Unexcused absences beyond this point may
result in a reduction in your grade. You must provide the necessary documentation for any other
absences e.g. doctors certificate if you are ill. You are expected to participate fully in class
discussions and come to class prepared to contribute to class discussions and group work. Because
participation in class is imperative for success, each student’s final grade will be positively or
negatively affected based upon the number of class sessions they attend. Absent students are
responsible for obtaining class notes, handouts, and activities, as well as any other pertinent
information. Points lost due to absences can be made up only through extra credit opportunities
provided by the instructor.
2. PUNCTUALITY: Kindly make every effort to arrive on time to all sessions. Walking into a
session late is unprofessional and distracting to the rest your colleagues. If you will be late for any
session, please inform the instructor via an e-mail, telephone call, or text message.
3. PROFESSIONALISM AND ETHICS: In your fieldwork and/or class activities, you are
expected to conduct yourself in an ethical, legal, and professional manner. No eating in the
classroom.
4. READINGS: Readings will be assigned. You will be expected to attend the class session
prepared to discuss the readings from the required text and/or any additional readings assigned. The
aim is to enhance your understanding and skills related to these materials and to enable you to share
your understanding with class members.
5. CELL PHONES: As courtesy to your classmates and instructor, please have cell phones turned
off throughout class time. If an urgent matter arises that requires you to have your cell phone on (on
vibrate), please inform the instructor before the session.
6. MISSED OR LATE ASSIGNMENTS: Students are expected to do all class assignments, and
turn them in on time. If prior approval for late assignment is not granted by the instructor, 5 points
will be deducted from that assignment or the assignment will not be accepted after 3 days. Assigned
readings must be completed prior to the class for which they are intended.
7. TECHNOLOGY: Internet and electronic mail systems will be used as needed to develop
strategies, facilitate class discussion, and enhance communication between professor and
students.
GRADING SCALE
The final grade will be assigned in adherence with the University of Belize’s Grade Policy. Thus, final
grades will be computed using a combination of semester grades (including homework assignments), tests
and quizzes, project etc, and a final examination. The final letter grade will be assigned using the following
University Grading Scale:
95-100 A 80-84 B 65-69 D+
90-94 A- 75-79 C+ 60-64 D
85-89 B+ 70-74 C 0-59 F
METHODS OF ASSESSMENT
ASSIGNMENTS
Critical thinking assignment may include, but are not limited to the following:
Oral Presentation on group assignments on unit topic.
APPROPRIATE OUTSIDE ASSIGNMENTS:
Appropriate outside assignments may include but are not limited to:
Group assignments on the unit topic cover applying new knowledge gain.
Pre-reading material to be covered
Method of Evaluation
Course Work 60%
Group Project (1) 15%
Home Work (3) 10%
In-course Tests (3) 20%
Quiz (3) 10%
Definition Booklet 2%
Class Participation 3%
Final Exam 40%
Reference Notebook: due November 24, 2020 (2%)
Students must create a reference notebook with important concepts for each week and any additional
reference material the student may deem relevant. At the end of the semester the student must have a
notebook with relevant concepts for the course. A list of concepts is available on Moodle. Below is the
marking guide for the reference notebook.
Area Ratings
Inclusion of Concepts: The student includes relevant concepts for the 1 2 3 4 5
course
Definitions: The student provides a definition for each concept 1 2 3 4 5
Usage: The student describes how the concept is applied appropriately 1 2 3 4 5
Organization: The student organizes the notebook in a way that is 1 2 3 4 5
logical and easy to follow (concepts do not need to be in alphabetical
order).
Creativity: The student is creative in putting together the reference 1 2 3 4 5
notebook. It is appealing to the eye and practical.
Inclusion of other reference material: The student includes other 1 2 3 4 5
material that is relevant to the course and can be deemed reference
material
Name: Total:
RUBRIC FOR GROUP PRESENTATION
Students will be grouped to research and present health surveillance data, using methodology learnt in
Biostatistics. Surveillance data has to be for a 5 years period so that students are able to apply inferences using
SPSS or any statistical software of their choice. Data has to be approved by lecturer and weekly progress will
be required from each group starting at week #3. This will be presented the week before examination. Group
grade will be awarded based on statistical concepts, statistical procedures used, relevant examples, statistical
communication and presentation structure.
The grading rubric is outlined below:
Areas Under Unsatisfactory (5- Proficient (7.6-
Basic (6.5-7.5) Distinguished (9-10)
Review 6.4) 8.9)
Statistical Displays error in Explains Clearly articulates Fully and eloquently
Concept knowledge of mathematical statistical concept articulates statistical
statistical concept concepts without concepts. Develops
difficulty, but connections among
expresses ideas in statistical concepts.
rudimentary form
Statistical Has difficulty Explains Explains statistical Explains statistical
procedures explaining statistical procedures without procedures without
statistical procedures difficulty and difficulty and provides
procedures. without difficulty provides partial full explanations for
explanation for why statistical
why statistical procedures are valid or
procedures are appropriate
valid and
appropriate
Examples No examples or Adequate choice Appropriate Well-chosen and well
inappropriate of examples,; may choices of sequenced examples
examples contain minor examples
flaws
Statistical Consistently Adequate use of Appropriate use of Sophisticated use of
Communication inappropriate use of statistical statistical statistical terminology
statistical terminology and terminology and and symbols
terminology and/or symbols; may symbols
symbols contain minor
errors
Presentation Presentation has no Presentation has a Presentation has a Presentation has a
Structure clearly defined recognizable clearly defined clearly defined
structure, or the structure with an structure with structure with elegant
structure is chaotic introduction and some clear transition and an
conclusion transitions and a effective introduction
logical and conclusion
introduction and
conclusion
Total 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0
Final Grade 0.0
RUBRIC FOR CLASS PARTICIPATION
Participation is graded on a scale from 0 (lowest) through 5 (highest), using the criteria below. The criteria
focus on what you demonstrate and do not presume to guess at what you know but do not demonstrate. This
is because what you offer to the class is what you and others learn from. Student will be awarded points based
on the criteria below for weekly participation which will be accounted to 5% of your final grade.
Grade Criteria
0 Absent
Present, not disruptive.
Tries to respond when called on but does not offer much.
1
Demonstrates very infrequent involvement in discussion.
Demonstrates poor preparation: knows basic case or reading facts, but does
not show evidence of trying to interpret or analyze them.
Offers straightforward information (e.g., straight from the case or reading),
without elaboration or very infrequently (perhaps once a class).
2
Does not offer to contribute to discussion, but contributes to a moderate
degree when called on.
Demonstrates sporadic involvement.
Demonstrates adequate preparation: knows the case well enough or
understand the reading facts, shows or present adequate evidence when
interpreting or analyzing scenario.
Offers adequate information (e.g., with additional facts about the case or
3 reading), with some elaboration or some infrequently (perhaps once a class).
Does contribute to discussion, but contributes to a moderate degree when
called on.
Demonstrates infrequent involvement.
Demonstrates good preparation: knows case or reading facts well, has thought
through implications of them.
Offers interpretations and analysis of case material (more than just facts) to
class.
4 Contributes well to discussion in an ongoing way: responds to other students’
points, thinks through own points, questions others in a constructive way,
offers and supports suggestions that may be counter to the majority opinion.
Demonstrates consistent ongoing involvement.
Demonstrates excellent preparation: has analyzed case exceptionally well,
relating it to readings and other material (e.g., readings, course material,
discussions, experiences, etc.).
Offers analysis, synthesis, and evaluation of case material, e.g., puts together
pieces of the discussion to develop new approaches that take the class further.
Contributes in a very significant way to ongoing discussion: keeps analysis
5
focused, responds very thoughtfully to other students’ comments, contributes
to the cooperative argument-building, suggests alternative ways of
approaching material and helps class analyze which approaches are
appropriate, etc.
Demonstrates ongoing very active involvement.
