[afro-nets] Data Analysis Training Course - Closing Date 30 May 2006

["Tsitsi Mkombe" <mkombet@health.wits.ac.za>]

Data Analysis Training Course - Closing Date 30 May 2006
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14-18th August 2006
University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg

The University of the Witwatersrand?s Faculty of Health Sciences, is dedicated to build data management and analysis and scientific publishing capacity in South Africa and the Africa region.  The Faculty is inviting applications for enrollment in the next Data Analysis Training Course.   

The data analysis training course (DATC) is designed to equip academics, researchers and postgraduate students with skills on how to present and process data as a component of health sciences research; how to ensure that the data will be suitable for statistical analysis. Participants will be able to plan more completely the collection and processing of research data and to apply more appropriately sophisticated statistical tests in publishing their scientific work.

COURSE CONTENT:   
A selection of the following topics will be covered in the final programme depending on participants? needs and background:
* Review of selected data sets
* How to deal with problems in collected data
* Types of data ? continuous, ordered, categorical 
* Tabulation and means, standard deviation
* Populations and sampling
* Statements of probability
* Difference between means
* Difference of proportions 
* Tests for significance of differences
* Confounding and stratification
* Matched analysis 
* Percentages and paired alternatives
* Use of STATA and Epi-Info as statistical tools
* Statistical tests: exact probability test, rank sum tests, Mac Nemar test, correlation and simple regression
* Advanced data analysis i.e. ANOVA, logistic and multiple regression
* Data presentation & writing peer reviewed scientific papers
* Networking with other academics, researchers and postgraduate students

DATES:   The dates for the course are 14 to 18 August, 2006 

FEES: The course fees are R5000.00 per applicant.  Please note that this only covers tuition fees and does not include accommodation and transport to the course venue.

TEACHING METHODOLOGY: The Data Analysis Training Course (DATC) is planned for 16 participants with demonstrated previous experience in protocol design (expected to have done Research Methodology Training) and preferably have existing data sets that they intend to learn to analyse. Participants are required to bring own laptops to undertake assignments given. In addition, participants will have to prepare and send their data sets three weeks in advance of the course to facilitate acquisition of appropriate software and uploading into the DATC computers. This is a hands on training course that will be facilitated by experts with experience in data management and statistical analysis. Participants attending the course will acquire skills to analyse their data and present in tabular and/or graphical format as well as apply relevant statistical analysis for scientific publications. Participants are expected to take responsibility for their own learning by doing. There will be minimal didactic teaching.

EXPECTED OUTCOMES:  
* Each student will be expected to contribute effectively to class presentations, discussions and critical appraisals.
* Clean own dataset and apply appropriate statistical tests.
* Present a preliminary scientific article in plenary containing tabular and graphical data indicating the statistical tests used. 
* Students who complete all modules are eligible to receive a Certificate of Attendance of the University of the Witwatersrand.
* 
LIMITED FELLOWSHIPS: A limited number of Fellowships are available through the Belgian Technical Cooperation (BTC) to attend the course.  The research protocol needs to be in the field of HIV and AIDS, Tuberculosis or Malaria to qualify for a Belgian Technical Cooperation fellowship.

CLOSING DATES:   The closing date for applying for this course is May 30, 2006
Apply directly, preferably by fax or e-mail, with a short description of your proposal to:
Ms Tsitsi Mkombe
Tel: +27-11-717-2128
Fax: +27-11-717-2119
Email: mailto:mkombet@health.wits.ac.za

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APPLICATION FORM

University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg
Faculty of Health Sciences
      	
Application Form 

Please fill this form and return it with a one page motivation for wanting to participate in the course 

I would like to apply for a place in the Data Analysis Training Course 14 -18 August, 2006 

Title: Miss/Mrs./Mr./Dr/Prof      _____________________

Surname:		   
First Names: 			
Position:					
School/Department/Institution:							
Qualifications _________________________________________________________
Protocol Title   ________________________________________________________________
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Mailing Address: 		            			            		
Phone: _____________________________________
Fax: _______________________________________
Cell ________________________________________
Email: ____________________________________
How will you pay for the course?
Self-Funded:_____________________________
Name of Sponsor: ____________________________________
Requesting Sponsorship:  
Yes	?	No    ?

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--
Ms Tsitsi Mkombe
Tel: +27-11-717-2128
Fax: +27-11-717-2119
mailto:mkombet@health.wits.ac.za