ID:
500836
Duration (hours):
30
CFU:
2
SSD:
STATISTICA MEDICA
Year:
2025
Overview
Date/time interval
Primo Semestre (01/10/2025 - 30/01/2026)
Syllabus
Course Objectives
The course in Medical statistics focuses on the main statistical issues that might be useful for a scientific approach to the study of diseases and therapies by health professionals.
The course aims to:
- obtain theoretical and practical knowledge of the most common basic statistical methodologies
- develop skills to identify and apply correctly the appropriate statistical analysis technique
- develop the ability to critically interpret statistical analyses resitls and communicate evidences in scientifically correct language appropriate to the target group.
At the end of the course, students will be able to perform their own analysis and communicate results in an appropriate manner, as well as understand and critically assess journal articles in relation to their work context.
The course aims to:
- obtain theoretical and practical knowledge of the most common basic statistical methodologies
- develop skills to identify and apply correctly the appropriate statistical analysis technique
- develop the ability to critically interpret statistical analyses resitls and communicate evidences in scientifically correct language appropriate to the target group.
At the end of the course, students will be able to perform their own analysis and communicate results in an appropriate manner, as well as understand and critically assess journal articles in relation to their work context.
Course Prerequisites
The course is part of the students' basic training together with Physics, preparatory to the lessons and activities in the nurses’ 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, he or she must follow the OFA remedial course. At the end of the remedial course, the basic knowledge will be tested again.
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, he or she must follow the OFA remedial course. At the end of the remedial course, the basic knowledge will be tested again.
Teaching Methods
The course includes both theoretical and applied lectures, starting from research questions and data that simulate contexts in which future nurses may be involved. A problem-solving approach will be adopted throughout the course. During practical sessions, students will be introduced to statistical analyses using a pocket calculator. Specific tutoring activities are planned. While not mandatory, they are strongly recommended, particularly for students who demonstrate learning gaps at the beginning of the course. Enrolled students who certify disabilities or specific learning disability, in accordance with current Italian legislation and the provisions in force at UNIPV (see Inclusive Teaching Methods – UNIPV), may be supported through ad hoc tutoring.
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. The exam is considered passed with a minimum score of 18/30: Part I) 11 closed-ended True/False questions. Scoring: correct answer → 1.5 points, incorrect or unanswered → 0 points. Maximum achievable score: 16.5 points. Access to the next part is granted only if the student correctly answers at least 6 out of the 11 questions; Part II) 1 open-ended, problem-solving exercise related to Inferential Statistics. The maximum achievable score: 14.5 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 duration of the test is 2 hours and will take place on the Kirotesting platform: during test, only the use of the pocket calculator and tables are allowed. The last will be provided. Within 2 weeks after the completion of the examination, the results of the module of Medical Statistics will be published in S3 (partial test). The Medical Statistics grade contributes to the calculation of the final grade of the integrated course in Physics, Statistics, Computer Science (arithmetic average of the results obtained in the 3 modules). 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, 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 (Chapters 1-4; 7).
A lecture on the main topics covered in the lessons will be made available on Kiro.
- 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, 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 (Chapters 1-4; 7).
A lecture on the main topics covered in the lessons will be made available on Kiro.
Contents
Introduction to Statistic and research planning
- Population & sample. Elements of random sampling and sample size
- Data organisation (i.e. database and dataset)
- Statistical unit and type of variables
Tools for descriptive analysis and interpretation of data
- Frequency distribution for qualitative and quantitative variables. Graphics
- Descriptive statistics: mean, median, mode, quantiles, range, variance, standard deviation, coefficient of variation
Introduction to probability
- Probability theorems; Normal distribution; Diagnostic test validity: sensitivity, specificity; Positive and negative predictive values.
Tools for inferential statistics
- Hypothesis testing:
a. Parametric unpaired t-test.
b. Chi-squared test.
- Population & sample. Elements of random sampling and sample size
- Data organisation (i.e. database and dataset)
- Statistical unit and type of variables
Tools for descriptive analysis and interpretation of data
- Frequency distribution for qualitative and quantitative variables. Graphics
- Descriptive statistics: mean, median, mode, quantiles, range, variance, standard deviation, coefficient of variation
Introduction to probability
- Probability theorems; Normal distribution; Diagnostic test validity: sensitivity, specificity; Positive and negative predictive values.
Tools for inferential statistics
- Hypothesis testing:
a. Parametric unpaired t-test.
b. Chi-squared test.
Course Language
Italian
More information
OFA (Basic knowledge recovery): Students do not achieve at least 75% of the required total score on the preparatory basic knowledge test must attend a specific and compulsory tutoring course. At the end of this course, they are required to demonstrate that they have recovered their basic knowledge by passing a new test. If the test is not passed, students will not be allow to sit the winter exam session. They must instead attend the tutorials provided during the winter exam session and retake the basic knowledge test at the end of that period in order to be admitted to the following exam session. OFFICE HOURS FOR STUDENTS: Office hours are available by appointment only, upon request via email (svillani@unipv.it, ottavia.ferraro@unipv.it). In the email, students must specify their degree location (i.e. Policlinico, Città di Pavia, ect.). The Professor will reply by setting a date and time. During the exam session, students can meet the Professor on Tuesday afternoons, either in person or remotely: in person at the Department of Public Health, Experimental and Forensic Medicine, Unit of Biostatistics and Clinical Epidemiology, Via Forlanini 2; remotely via zoom / meet /teams. Different days may be communicated by Professor following the e-mail appointment request. TUTORING Tutoring activities are available as follows: - mandatory for students with gaps in mathematics (see OFA) - optional, but recommended for practical training on Medical statistics - optional, but advised for students with disabilities or specific learning disability.
Degrees
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