Summer Boot Camp: Introduction to Basic Statistical Analysis Methods for Biological and Biomedical Researchers

The Rutgers Artificial Intelligence and Data Science (RAD) Collaboratory in partnership with the Rutgers Office of Statistical Consulting invite you to apply for the “Introduction to Basic Statistical Analysis for Biomedical Researchers” course. The RAD Collaboratory is a New Brunswick Chancellor Signature Initiative overseen by the Office of the Vice Provost for Research (OVPR) that fosters collaborative data science and artificial intelligence/machine learning research, student programming, and community engagement in partnership with related initiatives across Rutgers.

This one-credit summer Boot Camp course is designed specifically for researchers in the biological and biomedical sciences who are looking for a time-efficient, practical introduction to core statistical methods commonly used in analyzing biological and biomedical data. The Boot Camp will focus on real-world problems that researchers frequently encounter — such as comparing treatment groups, analyzing associations, interpreting p-values and confidence intervals, and handling non-normally distributed data. Topics to be covered will include essential tools like t-tests, chi-squared tests, non-parametric alternatives (e.g., Wilcoxon rank-sum and Kruskal-Wallis tests), basic regression models, and power analysis, all of which will be demonstrated through hands-on exercises using relevant biodata. The Boot Camp is ideal for those who may have had some prior exposure to statistics but want/need clearer guidance on applying the right methods to the right problems in their research. Participants will gain a deeper understanding of statistical analysis, allowing them to avoid common errors and make more informed decisions when interpreting biodata, facilitating higher-quality, more-reproducible research and increased opportunities for publication in prestigious journals.

Registration is limited. Application process details below.

Dates: June 2-6, 2025

Location: Rutgers University, Proteomics Building, Busch Campus

The Experience:

• Over the period of 5 full days, students will gain a foundational understanding of essential statistical analysis methods.  The format is 90 – 100 minutes lecture, plus 60 – 75 minutes for computer lab/software use each day.  Students need to bring their own laptops

Who Should Participate:

• Graduate students, advanced undergraduates, postdoctoral trainees, and other scientists interested in learning or relearning statistical analysis.

Applications/Acceptance:

• Send an email to iqb-bootcamp@rcsb.org by Monday, April 28th that includes:
  • a brief statement (up to 100 words) outlining your research interests and how you anticipate using statistical analysis in future research
  • resume
  • an unofficial transcript

Accepted participants will be notified starting Monday, May 5th and no later than Monday, May 12th. Participants will be provided a Special Permission Number for registration purposes.

Registration:

• Accepted students must register at nbregistrar.rutgers.edu for the IQB Summer Boot Camp.

For more information, visit https://iqb.rutgers.edu/bootcamp-2025