Basics of Statistical Inference
BST 222
Subject & Catalog Number
Course Information
Description
This course will provide a basic, yet thorough introduction to the probability theory and mathematical statistics that underlie many of the commonly used techniques in public health research. Topics to be covered include probability distributions (normal, binomial, Poisson), means, variances and expected values, finite sampling distributions, parameter estimation (method of moments, maximum likelihood), confidence intervals, hypothesis testing (likelihood ratio, Wald and score tests). All theoretical material will be motivated with problems from epidemiology, biostatistics, environmental health and other public health areas. This course is aimed towards second year doctoral students in fields other than Biostatistics. Background in algebra and calculus required.
Course Prerequisites: BST210 or BST 220 or BST213 or PHS2000A&B
Course Note: Lab or section times to be announced at first meeting.
Class Notes
THIS CLASS HAS PRIORITY ENROLLMENT
Priority Wave Groups
Wave 1 | BIO SM60, BIO SM1, BIO SM2, HDS SM60, CBQG SM2
Wave 2 | DrPH, Nutritional EPI, Public Health Nutrition & Wave 1
Wave 3 | Open Enrollment
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Priority Wave Timing
Wave 1 | 8/14/2025 11:00 AM - 8/24/2025 11:59 PM
Wave 2 | 8/25/2025 12:00 AM - 8/27/2025 11:59 PM
Wave 3 | 8/28/2025 12:00 AM Enrollment Deadline (varies by session)
Any student who does not meet the Wave 1 or Wave 2 criteria can add themselves to the waitlist (if enrollment requirements are met) at any time during the enrollment period. At the beginning of each priority wave, students on the waitlist who meet the Wave’s criteria will be automatically enrolled into any remaining seats in the course (pending no time conflicts)
**Cross-Registrants and Non-Degree Students will be enrolled on a space available basis after the enrollment deadline for the course
Available for Harvard Cross Registration
