Biostatistics PASS / LAS (Pre-Med) Revision Sheets
PASS UE4 (Biostatistics, probabilities, mathematics) is the most formal UE in the curriculum. It trains statistical reasoning applied to clinical trials, epidemiology and diagnostic method evaluation.
Biostatistics curriculum in PASS / LAS (Pre-Med)
The curriculum covers probabilities (conditional probabilities, Bayes' theorem), random variables (binomial, normal, Poisson distributions), descriptive statistics (mean, median, standard deviation), statistical tests (Student, Chi², ANOVA), confidence intervals, survival curves (Kaplan-Meier) and diagnostic test evaluation (sensitivity, specificity, predictive values).
How to study biostatistics in PASS / LAS (Pre-Med)?
3 simple steps for effective biostatistics revision.
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Tips to succeed in biostatistics PASS / LAS (Pre-Med)
Memorize sensitivity/specificity formulas AND understand contingency tables: this is tested every year
For Bayes, always draw a probability tree: it's more visual and reduces calculation errors
Identify the correct statistical test based on variables (qualitative/quantitative, independent/paired) before calculating
Re-do your faculty's biostatistics past papers: exercise types repeat almost identically year to year
FAQ — Biostatistics PASS / LAS (Pre-Med)
How do I calculate sensitivity and specificity of a diagnostic test?
From a contingency table (true-positives TP, false-positives FP, true-negatives TN, false-negatives FN): Sensitivity = TP / (TP + FN) — ability to detect the diseased. Specificity = TN / (TN + FP) — ability to rule out the non-diseased. Positive predictive value PPV = TP / (TP + FP) — probability of being diseased given a positive test. Negative predictive value NPV = TN / (TN + FN) — probability of being healthy given a negative test. Master these four formulas and their clinical applications.
Which statistical test compares two means in PASS?
To compare two means (continuous quantitative variable): if samples are independent and large (n > 30), use a two-tailed Student's t-test or Z-test. If samples are paired (before/after measurements in the same subjects), use paired Student's t-test. If data don't follow a normal distribution, use non-parametric equivalents: Mann-Whitney (independent) or Wilcoxon (paired).
Are biostatistics really crucial for PASS?
Yes, for two reasons: 1) UE4 has a non-trivial coefficient at the concours (often 3-4 points), 2) biostatistics underpin Critical Reading of Articles (LCA) later in medical studies. Mastering biostats in PASS saves time for the rest of your studies. Aim for 12/20 minimum on this UE — realistic with 3-4 hours of work per week.
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