500836 - MEDICAL STATISTICS

courses

ID:

500836

Duration (hours):

23

CFU:

SSD:

STATISTICA MEDICA

Year:

2025

Date/time interval

Primo Semestre (01/10/2025 - 16/01/2026)

Course Objectives

The course in Medical Statistics focuses on the main statistical aspects useful for a scientific approach to the study of risks related to the health of workers and the population by a Prevention Health tecnician. The course in Medical Statistics aims to:
- to acquire theoretical and practical knowledge of the most common basic statistical methodologies
- develop the skills to identify and correctly apply the appropriate statistical analysis technique
- develop the ability to critically interpret the results obtained from statistical analyses and to communicate the evidence in a scientifically correct language suitable for the target group.
At the end of the course students will be able both to carry out basic statistical analyses independently and to communicate in an appropriate way the findings, as well as to understand and critically evaluate the published evidences in relation to their work context.

Course Prerequisites

The course is part of the students' basic training, together with Physics and Epidemiology, preparatory to the lessons and activities in the Prevention field. To follow the course, the student must have basic knowledge of mathematics of scientific high schools’ program. At the beginning of the teaching activity, basic knowledge of mathematics will be evaluated by a test administered in the Kirotesting platform. If the student does not achieve a score of 70% of the total, the OFA remedial course is mandatory. At the end of the remedial course, the basic knowledge will be tested again.

Teaching Methods

The course is organised in lectures and practical exercises. With the problem solving approach, the fundamental elements of Medical Statistics will be addressed. Specific tutoring activities are planned, which are not mandatory, but are strongly recommended, especially for students who present educational weaknesses upon entry. Enrolled students who certify disabilities or specific learning disabilities, in accordance with the relevant legislation and the provisions in force at UNIPV (see https://portale.unipv.it/it/didattica/servizi-lo-studente/modalita-didattiche-inclusive) may be supported by tutoring or ad hoc supplementary teaching activities.

Assessment Methods

The written exam consists of two parts. The sum of the points obtained in both parts determines the final grade, expressed on a 30-point scale: Part I) 3 multiple-choice questions, each with three options: one correct, one plausible, and one incorrect. Scoring: correct answer → 2.5 points, Plausible answer → 1.5 points, and an incorrect or unanswered → 0 points. Maximum achievable score: 7.5 points. The contribution of this section to the final grade is marginal, accounting for a maximum of 25% of the overall score; Part II) 3 open-ended problem-solving exercises: 2 exercises in descriptive statistics and 1 exercise in inferential statistics. The maximum achievable score: 24 points. Students are expected not only to demonstrate knowledge and the ability to correctly apply statistical techniques, but also to interpret the results obtained and to communicate the findings in a scientifically accurate manner. The exam is considered passed with a minimum score of 18/30. During the course, students will practice exercises like those included in the final exam. The written exam has a duration of 2 hours and will be administered through the Kirotesting platform, using a personal device (laptop or tablet). For students without a personal device, one will be provided by the University Office (students must inform the instructor in advance). During the exam, only a calculator and statistical tables provided by the instructor may be used. Within two weeks after the exam, the results of the Medical Statistics module will be published in S3 (partial exam grade). The result of the Medical Statistics module contributes to the final grade of the Integrated Course in Physics, Statistics, and Epidemiology, which is calculated as the arithmetic mean of the grades obtained in the partial exams. In accordance with Italian regulations, students with specific learning disability are entitled to the compensatory measures recommended by the SAISD Centre of Pavia University.

Texts

Any Biostatistics or Medical Statistics manual may be used. Recommended one of the following books:
- Pagano Gauvreau, Mattie. Biostatistica. 3rd Italian Edition, 2025. Idelson-Gnocchi
- Triola, Triola, Roy. Fondamenti di Statistica per le discipline biomediche. 2022 Pearson, 2nd edition; ebook available (previous edition are also fine)
- Whitlock, D Schluter. Analisi statistica dei dati biologici. 2022, Zanichelli, 2nd edition; ebook available (previous edition are also fine)
- Daniel, Cross. Biostatistica. Concetti di base per l'analisi statistica dell'area medico-sanitaria. 2019 Edises.

A lecture summarizing the main topics covered in the lessons will be made available on Kiro.

Introduction to Statistic and research planning. Variability and chance. Population, sample and sampling methods (non-probabilistic and probabilistic methods (simple random sampling; stratified random sampling; cluster sampling; multiple-stage sampling). - Description of statistical unit and type of variables. - Data organization: sheet for data collection, database and dataset. Tools for descriptive analysis - Frequency distribution for qualitative and quantitative variables. Graphics. - Descriptive statistics: o mean, median, mode, quantiles, o range variance, standard deviation, coefficient of variation - Correlation coefficient (notes) - Normal distribution. Tools for Inferential statistics: - Hypothesis testing: o Parametric unpaired t-test. o Chi-squared test.

Course Language

Italian

More information

OFA (Basic knowledge recovery): Students do not achieve at least 75% of the total score required for the test of basic knowledge preparatory to teaching must follow a specific and compulsory tutoring course, after which they must attest that they have recovered their basic knowledge by passing a new test. If the test is not passed, they will not be able to attend the winter exam session. The students will have to follow ad hoc tutorials during the winter examination session and repeat the basic knowledge recovery test to attend the next examinations sessions. OFFICE HOURS FOR STUDENTS: By appointment only, sending a request via email (svillani@unipv.it): in the email specify the course degree of belonging to. The Professor will respond by setting a date and time. During the examination session, the Professor receives students on Tuesday in the afternoon at the office located at the Department of Public Health, Experimental and Forensic Medicine, Unit of Biostatistics and Clinical Epidemiology, Via Forlanini 2 or remotely via zoom / meet / teams. Different days will be communicated by Professor after the e-mail appointment request. TUTORING Several tutorings are active: - mandatory for those who have deficiencies on mathematics (see OFA) - not mandatory, but recommended for practical training on Medical statistics - not mandatory, but suggested for students with disability or specific learning disability.