Dr. James Mwangi Kanyoni
 Definition:
 Biostatistics is the application of statistical methods to
biological, medical, and health sciences.
 It involves designing studies, collecting and
analyzing data, and interpreting results in various
fields, including genetics, epidemiology, medicine, and
nutrition.
 Why Biostatistics is Essential in Postgraduate
Research:
1. Helps postgraduate students analyze and interpret
study data.
2. Enables critical evaluation of published research.
3. Forms an integral part of postgraduate training in
medical and allied sciences.
4. Despite its importance, many students tend to
avoid biostatistics due to apprehension or lack of
motivation.
 Biostatistics as an Art and Science
 What is Statistics?
 Statistics involves both data (numerical information) and methods (analytical techniques).
 It does not prove or disprove facts but provides tools for data interpretation.
 Biostatistics as a Discipline:
 A specialized field dealing with numerical data from living organisms (humans, animals, plants).
 Applied in various scientific and medical research areas.
 Without proper scientific application, statistical data lacks significance.
 Applications in Research:
 Used for population studies, clinical trials, epidemiological research, and genetic studies.
 Helps in measuring trends, assessing risks, and making data-driven decisions in healthcare.
1. Descriptive Statistics
 Organizes and summarizes data for easy interpretation.
 Includes:
 Measures of central tendency: Mean, median, mode.
 Measures of dispersion: Range, standard deviation, variance.
2. Inferential Statistics
 Uses sample data to make generalizations about a larger population.
 Includes:
 Hypothesis testing (t-tests, ANOVA, chi-square tests).
 Confidence intervals and probability models.