HNE-37306 Applied Data Analysis (in Human Nutrition and Health Research)

Course

Credits 6.00

Language of instruction:

Dutch and/or English

Assumed knowledge on:

(MAT-15303 Statistics 1 + MAT-15403 Statistics 2) or MAT-14303 Basic Statistics; MAT-24306 Advanced Statistics for Nutritionists; HNE-24806 Introduction to Epidemiology and Public Health

Continuation courses:

HNE-30806 Analytical Epidemiology; Thesis Nutrition and Disease; Thesis Nutrition and Health over the Lifecourse.

Contents:

Interpretation and analysis of results from nutritional research in humans requires understanding of the close interrelationship between the main study designs and methods of data analysis. Nutritional investigations include intervention trials and observational studies, with either continuous or dichotomous health outcomes.
During this course, the students will learn to analyse and interpret data from various types of studies using statistics as their main tool. Aspects concerning data-handling and interpretation of effect measures and of statistical tests is an important part of this course.

Learning outcomes:

After successful completion of this course students are expected to be able to:
- recognize the main types of experimental and observational study design;
- choose the appropriate method of data analysis, given the study design and type of variables;
- prepare a protocol for data analysis;
- perform basic data analysis and interpret the results in a context of human intervention trials and observational studies;
- understand the principles of calculation of sample size and study power and is able to conduct these calculations for basic study designs;
- understand how stratification and regression analysis can be used to evaluate confounding and effect measure modification and is able to perform these methods;
- understand the principles and procedures of energy-adjustment and is able to adjust for energy using different methods.

Activities:

- lectures;
- E-modules and practicals on the computer;
- group work;
- self study.

Examination:

Written individual closed questions exam (100%).

Literature:

- book: Medical Statistics at a Glance. Petrie A, Sabin C. Paperback. 3rd ed., ISBN 9781405180511;
- Blackboard: Students will be given access to the 'Blackboard' site of the course through http://blackboard.wur.nl. Announcements and all course materials will be posted on this site;
- in some cases students could also use other statistics books (e.g. Ott and longnecker) or an epidemiology book (e.g. Rothman) to refresh their knowledge;
- preparation: Students are urgently recommended to make notes during the computer practicals. Study material is included in the computer modules.