Biostatistics is the development and application of statistical methods to problems in biology, medicine, public health and other life sciences. It is an enabling competency for evidence-based practice and to conduct rigorous quantitative research.

Our goals are to:

  1. Increase the quality and productivity of research in the FMHS
  2. Increase knowledge and application of modern biostatistical techniques among students and staff through didactic lessons, seminars and workshops
  3. Conduct biostatistical methodological research to address unique challenges that may arise
  4. Provide statistical consulting and grant preparation assistance services
     

We are guided by the following core values:

  • Ethics and Integrity:  in our conduct and in the manner in which we engage our colleagues, being respectful of diverse perspectives, and cultures
  • Accountability and responsiveness:  to students, faculty and other researchers
  • Excellence: striving for and adhering to the highest standards of scholarship, critical thinking, innovation, innovation, professionalism leadership.
     

The following biostatistical and data management services are available:

Contribute methodological services to individual research projects from protocol development to project finalization in the following areas:
  1. Specify the research questions/hypothesis in more specific statistical terms
  2. Identify and define outcome measures and measurement instruments (validated or not)
  3. Identify appropriate study design for the research question
  4. Review formalization of procedures – study population, sample selection, inclusion/exclusion criteria, randomization procedures, blinding/masking procedures etc.
  5. Advise on statistical analysis strategies and alternatives
  6. Perform sample size calculations
  7. Advise on design of data collection instruments
  8. Interpretation and presentation of statistical results
  9. Reviewing statistical sections of grant proposals or scientific papers
     
Increasing biostatistical knowledge and building research capacity through
  1. Teaching undergraduate programs in the FMHS
  2. Teaching postgraduate programs in the FMHS
  3. Developing and establish a master's degree in Biostatistics
  4. Supervising and mentoring postgraduate degree students
  5. Short courses and seminars which will be accredited for continuing professional development points
     

To request to see a consultant Click here

The Biostatistics Clinic is an informal space where researchers from Stellenbosch University Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences (students and staff members) can ask a biostatistician any question/s regarding their research (e.g. methods, sample size, analysis, interpretation). The Clinic works on a first come first serve basis, where researchers have a maximum of 30 minutes online session to discuss any topic related to their research. Sometimes these first rapid meeting(s) would require further follow up in more in-depth consultations, which can also be arranged.

Typical requests include aspects of understanding how to calculate sample size for studies, advice on study design issues, design of a data collection tool or questionnaire, basic or more complex statistical methods and interpretation. We discuss not just technical issues, but often scientific topics too. Researchers are advised to come early in their research project planning, not just when they have finished collecting data!

The Biostatistics Clinic runs from 15:00-17:00 every first Wednesday of the month. Follow the link and instructions below to join. Follow us on Twitter (@SUBiostatsUnit​) for details.

​Some feedback from researchers regarding the clinics:
 

“Having one-on-one discussion with a Biostatistician was really helpful, allowing an opportunity to address several issues related to my protocol sufficiently."

“Several consultants were available to answer questions, to make continuity in future possible."

“The flexibility of the sessions allows for easy access between the given times."

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