https://studiegids.vu.nl/en/courses/2025-2026/AB_1142At the end of the course, students are able to: Apply the knowledge and skills gained in the course ‘Introduction In Biomedical Sciences’ in the context of the current course.Recall, identify and describe methodological and statistical concepts and theories and apply these to a specific research scenario.The student can describe different probability models (normal, standard normal and t-distribution).The student can describe the Central Limit Theorem and its use.The student understands what a parameter estimate is and what it is used for.The student understands the conceptual rationale of null hypothesis testing.The student knows the different statistical tests and procedures with their corresponding assumptions.The student understands the fundaments of the mathematical formula of test statistics and confidence intervals.Select and carry out appropriate statistical procedures for a specific research scenario.The student can derive probability/probability densities from the discussed probability models.The student can construct appropriate null and alternative hypotheses for specific research scenarios.The student can select and calculate the discussed statistical procedures: z-test, χ2-test, t-test, correlation and selected non-parametric tests.The student can carry out a confidence interval estimation for an estimated parameter.The student can use Excel to support the calculation of probabilities, test statistics, and confidence intervals.Interpret the results of statistical procedures and make appropriate inferences from these results.The student can correctly interpret the results from a statistical test or confidence interval estimation in the context of a specific research scenario .Create a scientific research reportThe student can formulate and analyze a (biomedical) scientific problem, and document its background in a concise and academic manner.The student can describe research results in a scientific way.The student can discuss research results within a scientific and societal context.During the course, students:practice scientific writing by writing a research report as part of the assignment of this course,practice collaboration by working on the assignment in duos,develop critical thinking by learning about the strengths and limitations of statistics,develop scientific integrity by learning about the strengths and limitations of statistics, the accurate and precise reporting of statistical procedures and their results.In this course, the overall emphasis is on how biomedical knowledge is acquired through research. This includes a recapitulation of (1) types of research methods, their advantages and disadvantages, conclusions warranted by different research methods, and (2) which types of data can be generated, data management and descriptive statistics. The main goal of the course is to gain a conceptual understanding of inferential statistics, and to learn to apply basic statistical techniques that are used in the research practice of biomedical scientists. Students will learn how to formulate research questions and hypotheses, execute inferential statistics and interpret statistical results, in light of the limitations of statistics. The knowledge and skills acquired in this course will enable students to carry out basic (biomedical) research, and understand research procedures reported in academic literature in the domain of biomedical sciences.Lectures: 12 hoursWork groups: 8 hoursComputer practicals: 8 hoursResearch work groups for the assignment: 4 hoursIndependent study: 136 hoursThe exam(s) (digital, closed book, multiple choice and open questions, use of excel and a formula sheet permitted) count towards 75% of the total grade.The assignment (i.e. a research report) counts towards 25% of the total grade.If the exam grade is insufficient, students will partake in a resit exam, counting towards 75% of the total resit grade. If the assignment grade is insufficient, students will retake the assignment, counting towards 25% of the total resit grade.The following textbook is advised: "The practice of Statistics in the Life Sciences" by Brigitte Baldi and David S. Moore (Fourth (or Third) edition). ISBN-13:978-1-319-18760-6. The fourth edition is advised. The first edition has become inadequate. Additional course materials will be made available through Canvas.This course is compulsory for students in the first year of the BSc Biomedical Sciences.There are no deviations from the regular course registration process.Students need to pass this course to enter the 2nd-year course Statistics and Methodology.The course builds upon knowledge and skills acquired in ‘Introduction to Biomedical Sciences’.The course is organized by means of the course Canvas page.