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Only one application needs to be completed for all courses desired during the quarter.
Deadline:
09/04/2026
Format:
In-person
Term Offered:
Fall
Overview
This is a fourth course in statistics, covering advanced methods for building and evaluating regression models. The emphasis is on methods which cut across common families of regression models in biostatistics: cubic splines, missing data, causal inference, and model diagnostics and model comparisons. The statistics package Stata will be used throughout the course.
Course Details
The specific objectives of this course are to:
- understand cubic splines and their applications.
- understand the missing at random assumption and critique its application.
- implement multiple imputation for missing data.
- apply regression to formulate causal estimands.
- develop and critique prediction models.
Designing Clinical Research (EPI 202), Biostatistical Methods I (BIOSTAT 200), Biostatistical Methods II (BIOSTAT 208) and Biostatistical Methods III (BIOSTAT 209). Exceptions may be made with the consent of the course director, space permitting.
Large Group Discussion: A brief formal review of the lecture followed by a question and answer discussion.
Computer Laboratory: Course faculty are available to address questions on course assignments
Regression Methods in Biostatistics by Vittinghoff et al. Springer Publisher. 2nd Edition. 2012. An electronic copy of the book is available from the UCSF library: https://bit.ly/3vnPRmc (UCSF sign-in required)
Stata
The statistical software package Stata (Stata Corporation, College Station, TX) is used throughout the TICR Program and is required for this course; version 16 or higher is acceptable. A six-month student license for Stata/BE is the least expensive option that will be suitable to complete all course assignments. For students intending to enroll in courses over 1-2 years, an annual or perpetual license are better long-term options. If your research requires working with more variables, you also may wish to consider Stata/SE. We recommend that you have a personal copy of Stata and bring it on a laptop for all course sessions. Stata may be purchased at a discount for UCSF faculty/staff and official UCSF Students. You must use your ucsf.edu email address to receive the discount. If you do not purchase your own copy of Stata, UCSF faculty/staff/students may request access to Stata through the UCSF Research Analysis Environment
Books may be purchased either through the publisher or a variety of commercial venues (e.g., Amazon.com).
Grades will be based on 6 homework assignments.
Students not in full-year DEB Education Programs who satisfactorily pass all course requirements will, upon request, receive a Certificate of Course Completion.
Only UCSF students (defined as individuals enrolled in UCSF degree or certificate programs) will receive academic credit for courses. Official transcripts are available to UCSF students only. A Certificate of Course Completion will be available upon request to individuals who are not UCSF students and satisfactorily pass all course requirements.
For UC-Affiliated learners, the course fee is $2,100
For Non-UC-Affiliated learners, the course fee is $2,500
UC-Affiliation: Concurrent enrollment in a University of California-sponsored residency or post-doctoral fellowship program that is recognized by the Office of Graduate Medical Education; or a registered student in one of the professional schools or graduate programs at the University of California (in a program other than the TICR program); or individuals who hold full-time salaried University of California faculty, academic or staff positions. Please note: Individuals will be asked to provide proof of UC status.
The specific objectives of this course are to:
- understand cubic splines and their applications.
- understand the missing at random assumption and critique its application.
- implement multiple imputation for missing data.
- apply regression to formulate causal estimands.
- develop and critique prediction models.
Designing Clinical Research (EPI 202), Biostatistical Methods I (BIOSTAT 200), Biostatistical Methods II (BIOSTAT 208) and Biostatistical Methods III (BIOSTAT 209). Exceptions may be made with the consent of the course director, space permitting.
Large Group Discussion: A brief formal review of the lecture followed by a question and answer discussion.
Computer Laboratory: Course faculty are available to address questions on course assignments
Regression Methods in Biostatistics by Vittinghoff et al. Springer Publisher. 2nd Edition. 2012. An electronic copy of the book is available from the UCSF library: https://bit.ly/3vnPRmc (UCSF sign-in required)
Stata
The statistical software package Stata (Stata Corporation, College Station, TX) is used throughout the TICR Program and is required for this course; version 16 or higher is acceptable. A six-month student license for Stata/BE is the least expensive option that will be suitable to complete all course assignments. For students intending to enroll in courses over 1-2 years, an annual or perpetual license are better long-term options. If your research requires working with more variables, you also may wish to consider Stata/SE. We recommend that you have a personal copy of Stata and bring it on a laptop for all course sessions. Stata may be purchased at a discount for UCSF faculty/staff and official UCSF Students. You must use your ucsf.edu email address to receive the discount. If you do not purchase your own copy of Stata, UCSF faculty/staff/students may request access to Stata through the UCSF Research Analysis Environment
Books may be purchased either through the publisher or a variety of commercial venues (e.g., Amazon.com).
Grades will be based on 6 homework assignments.
Students not in full-year DEB Education Programs who satisfactorily pass all course requirements will, upon request, receive a Certificate of Course Completion.
Only UCSF students (defined as individuals enrolled in UCSF degree or certificate programs) will receive academic credit for courses. Official transcripts are available to UCSF students only. A Certificate of Course Completion will be available upon request to individuals who are not UCSF students and satisfactorily pass all course requirements.
For UC-Affiliated learners, the course fee is $2,100
For Non-UC-Affiliated learners, the course fee is $2,500
UC-Affiliation: Concurrent enrollment in a University of California-sponsored residency or post-doctoral fellowship program that is recognized by the Office of Graduate Medical Education; or a registered student in one of the professional schools or graduate programs at the University of California (in a program other than the TICR program); or individuals who hold full-time salaried University of California faculty, academic or staff positions. Please note: Individuals will be asked to provide proof of UC status.
Meet the Faculty
How to Enroll
Whether you're exploring the field, enhancing your skills, or working toward a larger academic goal, most individual courses are open to everyone. Current learners enrolled in DEB Education programs have priority in enrollment for this course. Any extra spaces are available to non-DEB Education learners (i.e., those from the Institute for Global Health Sciences, School of Nursing, external groups, etc).
You’ll find details on course fees, how to apply and pay, and the full course schedule on the Course Enrollment & Payment page. Be sure you understand the enrollment policies and payment process before completing the enrollment form.
And remember: you only need to submit one form for all the new courses you want to take.