Introductory Statistics for Health Care Professionals - PTHER 352

The Faculty of Rehabilitation Medicine offers an undergraduate introductory statistics course PTHER 352 Introductory Statistics for Health Care Professionals which is an introduction to statistical principles, research methods and critical appraisal of research reports with a focus on the healthcare environment. Prerequisites: none

PTHER 352 will be offered across the Spring/Summer 2024 terms, Fall 2024, and Winter 2025.

The Faculty of Rehabilitation Medicine offers an undergraduate introductory statistics course that qualifies as a pre-requisite for the MSc PT, MSc OT and MSc SLP programs. PTHER 352 Introductory Statistics for Health Care Professionals *3 (fi 6) is an introduction to statistical principles, research methods and critical appraisal of research reports with a focus on the healthcare environment. Prerequisites: none

Permission from the Faculty of Rehabilitation Medicine is not required to take PTHER 352. This course is open to all students registered at the University of Alberta. Students from outside the University of Alberta must apply to be registered as an open studies student to take the course.

Before Registering

Learning about statistics in an online format requires time, discipline and consistency. We ask that you reflect on whether the online format and study requirements are suited to your learning style or current life circumstances before registering for the course. Keep in mind the following:

  • Since online course are different, students need to figure out the appropriate amount of time to spend on course materials. The traditional view is that for every one hour of "in-class" time students need to spend between 1-3 hours on "out of class" work. If this were a face-to-face course students would meet face-to-face to 3 hours per week over 13 weeks. Add the minimum 1-3 hours of "out of class time" then students should be spending between 6-12 hours per week on this course.
  • The online course format requires a high degree of self-direction and discipline to complete the work without the structure and interaction of an in-person class.
  • We recommend you be able to set aside specific times each week to complete the work. Believing you can add this to or juggle around your other commitments is not advised. The course requires adequate time to study when you are not tired or distracted by other commitments.
Once you've registered, here are the instructions for accessing PTHER 352
  1. Go to the University of Alberta website and click on the eClass icon found in the upper right hand corner.
  2. When it opens it will ask for your CCID and password.
  3. Once the information is put in you should see a link that says PTHER 352.
  4. Click on this link and you will be directed to class files.

Course Format

PTHER 352 - Introductory Statistics for the Health Care Professions is delivered online using e‐class - the University of Alberta's online learning platform. All content is delivered asynchronously meaning there is no requirement to be online at a specific class date and time. Students can complete the learning activities in a place and time of their choosing. Content is accessible twenty four (24) hours-a-day from any location with an internet connection.

Each week includes a variety of learning activities including a self-study guide, online lectures, chapter readings, and a practice quiz. Students must complete each learning activity to progress in the course. Students are fully responsible for completing the learning activities and to regularly check the University of Alberta's e‐class website for updates or changes to online content.

Term Quizzes

All term quizzes will be completed online and will consist of MCQ and/or True/False questions. Quizzes will be open online for 24 hours. Details of the term quiz dates, duration and completion times will be posted on eClass.

Exam Locations and Proctors

Final exams will occur during the formal exam weeks scheduled by the University of Alberta at the end of each academic term and are not generally included in statements regarding course dates and timelines.

Students located in Edmonton are expected to complete the exams in a University of Alberta computer lab. Students outside of Edmonton must make arrangements for a suitable proctor at their own cost. Although this is an online course, students must be available to write the exam at the scheduled time. Students should not expect to write the exam at their own convenience. In accordance with University Policy, requests to accommodate exam times for personal reasons such as work, weddings, vacations or travel are not acceptable; however, slight time accommodations due to time zone changes may be permitted at the discretion of the instructor. Please read the Academic Regulations for Examinations for more information on the University of Alberta's policy.

Required Textbook

  • Medical Statistics: A textbook for the Health Sciences (4th Edition). Machin D, Campbell MJ, Walters SJ, Wiley (2007).
    ISBN-13: 978-0470025192 ISBN-10: 0470025190

    Available at: Amazon: amazon.ca or Wiley Canada.