ACMP107 Mathematics and Statistics in Medicine I (3 Credits)

Course Instructor(s)
• Name: Dr. Emmanuel Sinayobye
• Office Hours: 8:30AM- 9:30AM
• Tel: 0244524499
• Email: emmanuel.sinayobye@acm.edu.gh

• Name: Dr. Anani Lotsi

• Office Hours: Thursday 10AM: 11:45AM
• Tel: 0505694550
• Email: anani.lotsi@acm.edu.gh

Introduction/Subject or Course Overview

This course is an introductory part of a two-semester course that focuses on giving students
with the basic knowledge of mathematics and statistics required for the study of medicine. It is
designed for first year students to acquire skill needed for creating, communicating, connecting
and applying quantitative tools/tecniques in medicine. This course is based in the Mathematics
Unit, one of the many Preclinical Units or Disciplines of Accra College of Medicine. The Unit
provides a rich and well-staffed environment for First Year Medical students, with excellent
teaching and energetic lecturing staff comprising top health science researchers with
established strengths in Mathematics and Statistics.

This syllabus is a helpful compilation of information on the course structure, organization and
procedures as well as a pointer to university services and facilities and can be referred to
throughout the course.

Course Objective/Goals:

The course deals with applications of Mathematics and Statistics to medicine and the health
sciences, including epidemiology, public health, forensic medicine, and clinical research.
This course aims to give students an understanding of the main ideas of Statistics and
Mathematics and then useful skills for working with data. Students are expected to leave this
course with the ability to communicate information contained in data in a form of tables and
or graphs and have the ability to use statistical tools such as SPSS, to help them draw
conclusions from data.

It is also to equip the students with necessary mathematical skills required to practice medicine
and to also use concepts to model and solve real-world problems.
Learning Outcomes

• Sound understanding of the materials taught in ACMP 107 is expected.

• It not only provides a way of organizing information on a wider and more formal
basis than relying on the exchange of anecdotes and personal experience, but also
takes into account the intrinsic variation inherent in most biological processes
• Advance student’s ability to communicate information contained in data in a form of
tables and or graphs and have the ability to use statistical tool, SPSS, to help in drawing
conclusions from data.
• Develop the skill of Planning and conducting a medical research
• Develop understanding of mathematical concepts and structures, their development and
the relationships between them;
• Develop the skills of recognizing essential aspects of concrete, real-world problems,
formulating these problems into relevant and solvable mathematical problems and
mathematical modeling in their practice of medicine.

Course Contents:
Mathematics: Algebra and Trigonometry.
Algebra and Trigonometry: Equations and inequalities, Indices, Logarithms. Functions and
graphs of functions, Trigonometric Functions, Exponential and logarithmic functions,
Binomial Theorem (Permutation and Combination).
Statistics: Introduction to statistics and Probability.
Statistics: Nature of Statistics: Definition of Statistics, Importance, and branches of statistics;
Simple definitions: Population, Sample, Statistic, Parameter, Precision, Accuracy, Variable etc.
Data description: Types of data, and Classification of data; Data Collection methods and
Sampling Techniques; Summary Statistics (Features of Data): mean, standard deviation,
standard error of mean etc; Data presentation tools: Tables (Frequency distribution tables) and
Graphical types such as histograms, scatter plots, bar graphs, Box plots, stem and
leaf. Probability: Sample spaces, events, properties of probability, conditional probability and
independent events.

Teaching Methods: Information on the mode of course delivery (lectures, labs, team based
learning, problem based learning, tutorials etc.), including field trips, presentations, etc.

• Problem-based learning
• Assignments and Interim Assessment every two weeks.
• One Teacher-led tutorial Section
• One Student-led tutorial Section
• One project work to be done in Groups of three
• Group work when studying the statistical package.

Plagiarism policy: Plagiarism in any form is unacceptable and shall be treated as a serious
offence. Appropriate sanctions, as stipulated in the ACM Plagiarism Policy, will be applied
when students are found to have violated the Plagiarism policy. The policy is available at
http://www.acm.edu.gh . ALL students are expected to familiarize themselves with the contents
of the Policy.

Student Assessment

Quizzes/Interim Assessment 25%

Mid-Semester Test 10%
Presentation and Class Participation 05%
End-Semester Exam 60%

Assessment methods – MCQs, Short answer questions (SAQs), fill in the gap (FIG), Reports,
and matching questions

Reading List /Required Text (As Applicable)

1. Bostock, L., & Chandler, S. (2014). Core maths book for A level. (3rd ed.). Oxford: Oxford
University Press.
2. Heinbockel, J. H. (2012). Introduction to calculus volume I. Retrieved from
http://www.math.odu.edu/~jhh/Volume-2.PDF
3. Miller, J., O'Neil, M., & Hyde, N. (2007). Basic college mathematics, Boston: McGraw
Hill.
4. Bird, J. (2006). Higher Engineering Mathematics, 5th Edition, Elsevier Ltd, UK.
5. Ofosu, J.B. and Hesse, C.A. (2009). Elementary Statistical Method, 2nd edition, EPP
publishing, Ghana.
6. Donnelly, R.A. Jr. (2007). The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Statistics, Penguin Group
publisher, USA, pp. 112-387
7. Dekking, F. M., Kraaikamp, C., Lopuhaä, H. P., & Meester, L. E. (2007). A modern
introduction to probability and statistics: Understanding why and how. London: Springer-
Verlag. (E textbook).
8. Nsowah-Nuamah N.N.N. (2005). A handbook of descriptive statistics for social and
biological sciences, ACADEC Press, Accra
9. Degu, R. and Tessema, F. (2005). Biostatistics- Lecture notes for Health Science Students,
Ethiopia Public Health Training Initiative, University of Gondar, Ethiopia, pp. 12-32
10. Robbins, H. & van Ryzin, J. (1975). Introduction to statistics. Chicago, IL: Science
Research Associates.
11. Myra. L. Samuels. Jeffrey A. Witmer. Andrew A. Shaffner. (2016). Statistics for Life
Sciences Fifth edition

Other Information
Students are required to skim through the lecture slides and textbook sections with the use of
the course outline before class to familiarize themselves with the material and its organization.
The lecture will build on your understanding of difficult concepts. Next, in-class activities will
enhance your understanding and assist you with your homework assignments. Then, you are to
study carefully the lecture slides and textbook sections after.

Attending lectures will help students understand the materials but class participation is the
utmost, hence all students are required to participate fully in the lectures by asking and
answering questions during lecture hours. Students are required to do independent work as
well as in groups. Mathematics becomes easier with constant practice and teamwork, so
students are expected to sit in pairs.

A semester project will be undertaking by students in groups to review the application of

Mathematics and Statistics in Medicine of which the report will be taken in word document
and subsequently present at a day seminar.

There will be practical sections to help students with Statistical Package (SPSS)

The use of mobile phones and other electronic gadgets are not entertained in this course unless
instructed by facilitators.

Course Delivery Schedule (This should be produced by ICRC; examples are inserted)

Week Date Lecture Lecture Topic Discipline/Fac Comments

# ilitator (include any
Sept. extra
2017 information
specific to
lectures within a
week.)

1 1 Introduction to Statistical Statistics / Dr. -Introduction to

Packages (SPSS and R) Lotsi the course by all
Slides prepared and to be facilitators
delivered in class -Practical
2 Indices and Logarithms Mathematics / section for the
Dr. E. SPSS and R
Text Book: Bostock, L., & Sinayobye package.(Studen
Chandler, S. (2014). Core ts are expected
maths book for A level. (3rd to come to class
ed.). Oxford: Oxford with Laptop)
University Press. -Assignment

(PAGES 25-39)

2 3 Nature of Statistics Statistics / Dr. -Lecturers

Lotsi -
• Definition of Statistics Assignment/Tuto
and its importance in rials
Medicine
 • Definition of Statistical
Terms
• Scales of Measurement

(Ref: The Complete Idiot guide

pages 1-14, 21-22) OR

(Ref. Statistics for Life Sciences Fifth

edition pages 10-26)

4 Indices and Logarithms Mathematics /

Text Book: Bostock, L., & Dr. E.
Chandler, S. (2014). Core Sinayobye
maths book for A level. (3rd
ed.). Oxford: Oxford
University Press.

(PAGES 25-39)
3 5 Data Description Statistics / Dr. -Interim
Lotsi Assessment 1
• Definition of Data - Lecture
• Types of Data
• Classification of Data

(Ref: The Complete Idiot guide

pages 15-18) OR
(Ref. Statistics for Life Sciences Fifth
edition pages 110-153)

6 Functions of single variables Mathematics /

and graph of functions Dr. E.
Sinayobye
Text Book: Bostock, L., &
Chandler, S. (2014). Core
maths book for A level. (3rd
ed.). Oxford: Oxford
University Press.

(PAGES 180- 209)

4 7 Methods of Data Collection Statistics / Dr. -Lecture
Lotsi -Assignment
• Observation
• Experiment
• Survey
o Interview
o Questionnaire

(Ref: The Complete Idiot guide

pages. 19-21) OR
 (Ref. Statistics for Life Sciences Fifth
edition pages 37-39)

8 Inequalities and its application Mathematics /

in medicine Dr. E.
Text Book: Bostock, L., & Sinayobye
Chandler, S. (2014). Core
maths book for A level. (3rd
ed.). Oxford: Oxford
University Press.

(PAGES 209-221)

5 9 Sampling Statistics Statistics / Dr. -Lecture

• Simple Random Lotsi -Assignment
Sampling
• Systematic Sampling
• Cluster Sampling
• Stratified Sampling

(Ref: The Complete Idiot guide

pages 15-28) OR
(Ref. Statistics for Life Sciences Fifth
edition pages 110-153)

10 Solving of simultaneous Mathematics /

inequalities and its application Dr. E.
in Medicine Sinayobye

Text Book: Bostock, L., &

Chandler, S. (2014). Core
maths book for A level. (3rd
ed.). Oxford: Oxford
University Press.

(PAGES 209-221)
6 11 Summary Statistics I- Statistics / Dr. -Interim
Measure of Central Tendencies Lotsi Assessment 2
• Mean -Lecture
• Median -Practical
• Mode section for the
SPSS
(Ref: The Complete Idiot guide package.(Studen
pages 48-55) OR ts are expected
(Ref. Statistics for Life Sciences Fifth to come to class
edition pages 50-54) with Laptop)

12 Solving of simultaneous Mathematics /

 inequalities and its application Dr. E.
in Medicine Sinayobye

Text Book: Bostock, L., &

Chandler, S. (2014). Core
maths book for A level. (3rd
ed.). Oxford: Oxford
University Press.

(PAGES 209-221)
7 13 Tutorial Section Statistics / Dr. Facilitator
Lotsi LedTutorials
14 Tutorial Section Mathematics /
Dr. E.
Sinayobye
8 15 Mid-Semester Examination Statistics / Dr. - An hour Mid-
Lotsi Semester
16 Mid-Semester Examination Mathematics / Examination
Dr. E. - Group
Sinayobye Discussion of
Mid-semester
Examination
Questions

9 17 Summary Statistics II- Statistics / Dr. -Lecture

• Measure of Dispersion Lotsi -Practical
• Measure of Relative section for the
Standing SPSS
(Ref: The Complete Idiot guide package.(Studen
pages 61-74) OR ts are expected
(Ref. Statistics for Life Sciences Fifth to come to class
edition pages 69-79) with Laptop)
-Assignment
18 Solving of simultaneous Mathematics /
inequalities and its application Dr. E.
in Medicine Sinayobye

Text Book: Bostock, L., &

Chandler, S. (2014). Core
maths book for A level. (3rd
ed.). Oxford: Oxford
University Press.

(PAGES 209-221)
10 19 Data Presentation Tools I- Statistics / Dr. -Interim
Tables Lotsi Assessment 3
• Statistical Tables -Lecture
 • Frequency Distribution
Tables
(Ref: The Complete Idiot guide
pages 30-34) OR
(Ref. Statistics for Life Sciences Fifth
edition pages 37-42)

20 Binomial Theorem Mathematics /

Dr. E.
• Combination
Sinayobye
• Permutations

Text Book: Bostock, L., &

Chandler, S. (2014). Core
maths book for A level. (3rd
ed.). Oxford: Oxford
University Press.

(PAGES 642-662)

11 21 Data Presentation Tools II- Statistics / Dr. -Lecture

Graphical Presentations Lotsi -Practical
• Histogram section for the
• Scatter Plots SPSS
package.(Studen
• Bar Graph
ts are expected
• Box plot to come to class
• Stem and Leaf with Laptop)
-Assignment
(Ref: The Complete Idiot guide
pages 34-43) OR
(Ref. Statistics for Life Sciences Fifth
edition pages 39-55)

22 Exponential and logarithmic Mathematics /

functions Dr. E.
Sinayobye
Text Book: Bostock, L., &
Chandler, S. (2014). Core
maths book for A level. (3rd
ed.). Oxford: Oxford
University Press.

(PAGES 332-346)

12 23 Probability I Statistics / Dr. -Lecture

Probability Theory Lotsi -Assignment
 (Ref: The Complete Idiot guide
pages 79-89) OR
(Ref. Statistics for Life Sciences Fifth
edition pages 93-104)

24 Exponential and logarithmic Mathematics /

functions Dr. E.
Sinayobye
Text Book: Bostock, L., &
Chandler, S. (2014). Core
maths book for A level. (3rd
ed.). Oxford: Oxford
University Press.

(PAGES 332-346)

13 25 Probability II Statistics / Dr. -Interim

• Independent Events Lotsi Assessment 4
• Conditional Probability -Lecture

(Ref: The Complete Idiot guide

pp. 94-101) OR
(Ref. Statistics for Life Sciences Fifth
edition pages 93-104)

26 Exponential and logarithmic Mathematics /

functions Dr. E.
Sinayobye
Text Book: Bostock, L., &
Chandler, S. (2014). Core
maths book for A level. (3rd
ed.). Oxford: Oxford
University Press.

(PAGES 332-346)

14 27 Tutorial Section Statistics / Dr. -Student Led

Lotsi Tutorials
28 Tutorial Section Mathematics / -Assignment
Dr. E.
Sinayobye
15 29 Semester Project Presentation Statistics / Dr. -Presentation of
Lotsi Semester Project
30 Exponential and logarithmic Mathematics / in Groups
functions Dr. E. -Lecture
Sinayobye
Text Book: Bostock, L., &
 Chandler, S. (2014). Core
maths book for A level. (3rd
ed.). Oxford: Oxford
University Press.

(PAGES 332-346)

16 31 Revision Dr. A. Lotsi Facilitator Led

32 Revision Dr. E.
Sinayobye
17 Revision Student Led
18 Examination

Possible Quizzes
1. For each of the following settings
(i) Identify the variable(s) in the study, (ii) for each variable tell the type of variable (e.g.,
categorical and ordinal, discrete, etc.), (iii) identify the observational unit (the thing sampled),
and (iv) determine the sample size.
(a) A paleontologist measured the width (in mm) of the last upper molar in 36 specimens of
the extinct mammal Acropithecus rigidus.
(b) The birthweight, date of birth, and the mother’s race were recorded for each of 65 babies.
(c) A biologist measured the body mass (g) and sex of each of 123 blue jays

2. The table below shows serum cK. Creatine phosphokinase (CK) is an enzyme related
to muscle and brain function. As part of a study to determine the natural variation in CK
concentration, blood was drawn from 36 male volunteers. Their serum concentrations of
(measured in U/l) are given in table below

121 82 100 95 145 64 84 57 139 119 104 110 62 83 67 25 123 70

151 68 58 201 101 163 60 78 94 113 118 203 93 92 110 48 95 42

Required
(a) Construct a frequency distribution table using first lower class boundary, 20 and a
class interval of 20
(b) Construct the histogram corresponding to the table derived in (a)
(c) Compute the three measures of central tendency
(d) Comment on the shape of the distribution
 3. List four sources of non-sampling errors

4. Here are the data from Exercise 2.3.10 on the number of virus-resistant bacteria in
each of 10 aliquots:
14 15 13 21 15 14 26 16 20 13

(a) Determine the median and the quartiles.

(b) Determine the interquartile range.
(c) How large would an observation in this data set have to be in order to be an
outlier?

5. Listed in increasing order are the serum creatine phosphokinase (CK) levels (U/l) of
36 healthy men:
25 62 82 95 110 139 42 64 83 95 113 145
48 67 84 100 118 151 57 68 92 101 119 163
58 70 93 104 121 201 60 78 94 110 123 203
The sample mean CK level is 98.3 U/l and the SD is 40.4 U/l.
What percentage of the observations are within (b) 2 SDs of the mean?