Fundamental Statistics for Clinicians

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Fundamental Statistics for Clinicians

Goals The Fundamental Statistics for Clinicians course prepares clinicians to apply core statistical concepts in the context of clinical research. 

Participants will learn to explain key statistical principles, distinguish between common study designs and justify their selection based on specific research objectives, and construct research questions that are amenable to statistical testing. They will develop the ability to outline and critically review the key components of a statistical analysis plan and study protocol. In addition, learners will assess when advanced trial designs - such as adaptive, factorial, or cluster-randomized trials - are warranted and appraise their implications for study implementation, data interpretation, and ethical oversight. 

Learning objectives

By the end of this course, learners will be able to

  • Describe and apply core statistical concepts relevant to clinical research, including data types, distributions, and key measures of central tendency and variability.

  • Critically evaluate and select appropriate study designs (e.g., observational vs. interventional, randomized vs. non-randomized) based on research objectives and methodological rigor.

  • Formulate clear, testable clinical research questions that align with statistical principles and are amenable to quantitative analysis.

  • Develop and interpret the key components of a statistical analysis plan, including hypotheses, sample size justification, statistical methods, and outcome measures.

  • Assess when advanced trial designs (e.g., adaptive, cluster-randomized, or Bayesian designs) may be required, and describe their implications for trial conduct, data interpretation, and ethical considerations.

Target Group
Designed for clinical researchers who need to interpret and apply statistical concepts in clinical research and evidence-based practice. Non-clinicians who are interested by this course are also welcome.
Language Course will be held in English.
Course Dates

The course consists of 4 afternoons spread over several months. Participants need to participate on all 4 course dates.

  • Day 1: TUE, Nov 25, 2025
  • Day 2: TUE, Jan 20, 2026
  • Day 3: TUE, Feb 24, 2026
  • Day 4: TUE, Mar 17, 2026
Fees Fees determined by affiliation.

  • GHS PhD: 700 CHF
  • Inselspital, UniBe, DLF, & UPD: 1000 CHF
  • Others: 2000 CHF

Cancellation fee: 250 CHF

Registration

Register

Prerequisites
Before enrollment, course participants must provide a certificate of participation for Clinical Investigator I: Basic GCP & clinical research training