By the end of the course, delegates will be able to:

• discuss the role of statistical methods in randomised trials
• describe the various types of data and how they are summarised using appropriate displays, tabulations and summaries
• explain sampling variation and the role of statistical methods in quantifying variation, setting confidence limits, and testing hypotheses
• select and use appropriate statistical methods in the analysis of simple datasets
• interpret output from statistical analyses
• identify the information required to perform a basic sample size calculation and be able to perform simple sample size calculations
• explain the concepts of correlation, linear regression and logistic regression
• recognise different types of outcomes and be able to select and perform appropriate statistical analysis for the type of outcome and study design

During the 3 days of the course, the following topics are covered: 

• Introduction to quantitative research and types of data 
• Summarising and displaying data 
• Sampling and standard errors  
• Hypothesis testing and p-values  
• Confidence intervals  
• Comparing two means 
• Comparing two proportions 
• Introduction to correlation, linear regression and logistic regression 
• Sample size estimation 
• Application of statistical methods for analyses of clinical trials data and interpretation of results from the applied statistical methods 
• The majority of examples used in this course are based on randomised controlled trials, but the concepts can be readily applied to other study designs. 

 
No previous statistical knowledge will be assumed.  The course is designed for anyone who requires an understanding of basic concepts of statistical analyses. The training is intended to introduce non-statisticians working in clinical research to statistical methods for the design and analysis of clinical trials and to help them interpret published research and undertake their own research studies. 

All sessions on the course will be led by experienced medical statisticians from Nottingham Clinical Trials Unit.

Early Bird rate: If you book on or before 17th May 2024, you will be entitled to the Early Bird rate cost as follows:
£312 for 3 days – University of Nottingham, School of Medicine student or staff member  
£351 for 3 days – University of Nottingham student or staff member (NOT School of Medicine)  
£351 for 3 days – NHS employee
£195 for 3 days - Person residing in a low and middle income country, as defined by DAC list, at the time of registration.  
£390 for 3 days – anyone who does not fall into any of the categories above  

Standard rate: Any bookings made after 17th May 2024 will be charged as follows:  
£408 for 3 days – University of Nottingham, School of Medicine student or staff member  
£459 for 3 days – University of Nottingham student or staff member (NOT School of Medicine)  
£459 for 3 days – NHS employee 
£255 for 3 days - Person residing in a low and middle income country, as defined by DAC list, at the time of registration.  
£510 for 3 days – anyone who does not fall into any of the categories above  

Light refreshments will be provided in the morning before the course begins and for morning and afternoon breaks.  Lunch will also be provided.

In line with the University of Nottingham's commitment to sustainability, we are no longer routinely printing our course materials (e.g. slides, handouts).  Instead, you will be provided with a link at least 7 days before the course start date where all materials can be accessed.  We appreciate that everyone has different learning styles and people like to record their own notes in different ways, e.g. notebook, tablet device, laptop, on the slides.  If you would prefer to receive paper copies, in a lever arch file, of all course materials at the start of the course, please let us know at least 3 weeks before the course start date and we will be happy to provide these for you.

Please visit the booking page when registrations are open.  Upon registration you will receive an automated response confirming your place. The course administrator will be in touch via email a few weeks before the course start date, detailing the course programme and further details eg how to find the venue etc.  Please direct any queries to ctu@nottingham.ac.uk

If you are no longer able to attend

You can postpone your place to the next available course.  Please note this may be up to 12 months in the future.

If you do not want to postpone your place, you should cancel at your earliest convenience.  If you cancel more than 14 calendar days before the start of the course, you are eligible for a full refund for course fees.  Refunds after this time are not possible.

Course cancellations

In the unlikely event that the a course has to be cancelled, we will make a decision 4 weeks before the start of the course.  In this instance you will be contacted by email.  Participants will be offered transfer of their course fees to the next available course, which could be up to 12 months in the future, or a full refund.  Our liability is limited to course fees only - we will not refund any travel or accommodation expenses incurred.  We recommend participants have adequate cover to reclaim any travel or accommodation expenses. 

For further information please email ctu@nottingham.ac.uk or 0115 8231600