sponsored by Helmholtz Information & Data Science Academy (HIDA)
in cooperation with Core Facility Statistical Consulting at Helmholtz Zentrum München - German Research Center for Environmental Health (Helmholtz Munich)
Introduction to Statistics
“Introduction to Statistics” is a foundational course in statistical analysis for scientists and practitioners. This introductory course combines an overview of basic statistical methods with their application in the statistical software R. This course covers descriptive statistics, classical statistical tests, and linear regression and its extensions. All methods are explained in an applied setting. By the end of the course, you will be able to identify appropriate statistical methods, apply them, and interpret your results.
Topics:
The course covers basic statistical methods
- Descriptive statistics
- Levels of variables
- Measures of tendency and variability (mean, median, variance, ...)
- Classical statistical graphics and when to apply them (histogram, boxplots, violn plots, ...)
- Random variables
- Distribution of different variables
- Characterisics of distribution
- Confidence intervals
- Hypothesis testing
- How to apply
- Classical statistical tests (t-test, Wilcoxon-test, ANOVA, ...)
- When to apply which test
- Multiple testing and corrections
- Linear regression
- Idea of linear regression
- How to apply and interpret linear models
- Limits of linear regression
The focus in all chapters is to understand when to apply which method, how to run them in R and how to interpret the output. Also, limitations and extensions of the methods are discussed.
This is no introductory programming course.
Methods:
Each day consists of blocks covering first the statistical theory behind the methods and their application in R, and then hands-on examples with best-practice solutions.
Learning Goals
1. Understand Descriptive Statistics
- Identify levels of variables and compute measures of central tendency and variability (e.g. mean, median, standard deviation).
- Create and interpret basic statistical graphs (e.g. histograms, boxplots).
2. Understand Random Variables and Distributions
- Describe characteristics of random variables and probability distributions.
- Calculate and interpret confidence intervals.
3. Perform Hypothesis Testing
- Choose appropriate statistical tests (e.g. t-test, ANOVA) for different scenarios.
- Learn about which test to apply where and their limitations.
- Interpret results of hypothesis testing.
4. Apply and Interpret Linear Regression
- Familiarize with the concept of linear regression.
- Interpret linear model outputs and recognize the limitations of linear regression.
5. Analyze and Interpret Statistical Results in R
- Use R to apply statistical methods, interpret outputs, and understand method limitations.
Prerequisites
Basic skills in programming with R (can be achieved in the course Introduction to R). This course does not require any previous knowledge of statistics.
Target Group
Researchers with little or no knowledge of statistics and people who want to refresh their statistical knowledge in a structured way.
Course Days & Times
March 13, 2025, 9 am - 5 pm
March 14, 2025, 9 am - 5 pm
March 20, 2025, 9 am - 5 pm
March 21, 2025, 9 am - 5 pm
NOTE: Registration will open February 13, 2025, 12 pm.
Attendance & Certificates
The course content is coordinated, so we strongly recommend that you do not miss any part of the course. To receive a certificate we expect full time and active participation.
Registration & Cancellation
This course is open to individuals affiliated with Helmholtz or a HIDA Partner only. You may register for the course allocating yourself to one of the following groups:
- All Helmholtz affiliations
- Helmholtz Information & Data Science School (HIDSS) affiliation
- HIDA Partner affiliation
Please note that after the first two weeks of the registration period the unbooked seats from categories 2 and 3 will be opened for all Helmholtz affiliations (category 1).
Your registration for this course is binding. If you need to leave/miss the course for a period of time, please let us know in advance via hida-courses@helmholtz.de.
If you have to cancel the course for any reason, please do so as soon as possible to allow time for others to take your seat. To cancel, please withdraw your registration on the course site or write an email to hida-courses@helmholtz.de.
Additional Information
There is no waiting list for this course! If someone withdraws from a course, their place is automatically reopened. We therefore advise you to keep an eye on the registration in case the course is fully booked and you would like to attend. Also, this course will be offered again in the future - you can check our HIDA course catalog for updates.
This course is free of charge.
