Introduction to Biomedical Sciences

Course

URL study guide

https://studiegids.vu.nl/en/courses/2024-2025/AB_1136

Course Objective

At the end of the course the student is able to:
- Form and address scientific research questions
- Find, read, understand and critically analyze scientific literature
- Identify different types of variables
- Represent and interpret graphical data
- Interpret and conduct descriptive statistics
- Identify different study designs
- Criticize and revise flawed study designs
- Understand and apply basic probability theory/rules
- Identify forms of bias in science

Course Content

In this introductory course, students will learn the basics of methodology in order to become familiar with the scientific research process. Together, we will learn about the importance of well-designed studies, the role of statistical analysis in science, data visualization and more. Students will also apply their methodological knowledge in order to read and interpret published scientific literature, as well as to construct a literature report to address a research question of their own design. The following learning pathways are incorporated into this course: Academic skills Mathematic skills

Teaching Methods

Lectures: 16 hours Work groups: 14 hours Computer Practicals: 8 hours Self-study: 130 hours

Method of Assessment

The student will be tested on: 1. Exam (covering methodology topics including: Study design, descriptive statistics, probability theory and biases) 2. Literature report (content and academic English) A minimum score of 5.5 for both the written exam and the report is required in order to pass. Each component is worth 50% of the final grade. See Canvas page of the course for details.

Literature

"The Practice of Statistics in the Life Sciences" by Brigitte Baldi & David S. Moore (Fourth -or Third
- edition). ISBN-13: 978-1-319-18760-6. Other essential literature will be provided on Canvas.

Target Audience

Compulsory course for first-year BSc Biomedical Sciences students.

Custom Course Registration

You need to register yourself for the course via VUweb, including lectures and the exam. The faculty will register you for all remaining teaching methods.

Entry Requirements

No prior knowledge is needed.
Academic year1/09/2431/08/25
Course level6.00 EC

Language of Tuition

  • English

Study type

  • Bachelor