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- UAB Specialisation Course
- Code: 4718/4
- 4th edition
- Modality: Online
- Credits: 3 ECTS
- Start date: 17/03/2026
- Finish date: 26/04/2026
- Places: 60
- Orientation: Research
- Price: 240 €
- Teaching language: Spanish
- Location: Virtual
The course presents the study of diagnostic tests and prognostic factors to be applied in clinical settings. In diagnostic tests, the definition of reproducibility and validity is explained, and how to calculate unbiased indicators of these two parameters using appropriate designs. The most common problems to avoid (selection bias, information bias, and errors in clinical-probabilistic reasoning) are also emphasized.
The second part is dedicated to studies to determine the prognostic factors that influence the course of the natural history of the disease. The characteristics that the designs applied to their study must meet are detailed, again making special mention of the biases to avoid. Emphasis is placed on distinguishing between the objectives of explaining or predicting, as this has important repercussions on the study design, the choice of variables to analyze, and the strategy to be used in statistical analysis. This second part concludes with the explanation of screening studies.
1. Measurement and Diagnosis
2. Assessment of Reproducibility with Categorical Variables
3. Assessment of Reproducibility with Continuous Variables
UD 2: Validity of a Diagnostic Test
1. Study of Validity
2. Designs to Assess Validity
UD 3: Study of Prognostic Factors
1. Design of a Prognostic Factors Study
2. Analysis and Assessment of the Study
UD 4: Screening
1. Concept, Design, Evaluation, and Biases of Screening
Appendix A: Notation Used in Contingency Tables
Appendix B: Terminology
Appendix C: Glossary
The second part is dedicated to studies to determine the prognostic factors that influence the course of the natural history of the disease. The characteristics that the designs applied to their study must meet are detailed, again making special mention of the biases to avoid. Emphasis is placed on distinguishing between the objectives of explaining or predicting, as this has important repercussions on the study design, the choice of variables to analyze, and the strategy to be used in statistical analysis. This second part concludes with the explanation of screening studies.
Contents
UD 1: Study of Reproducibility1. Measurement and Diagnosis
2. Assessment of Reproducibility with Categorical Variables
3. Assessment of Reproducibility with Continuous Variables
UD 2: Validity of a Diagnostic Test
1. Study of Validity
2. Designs to Assess Validity
UD 3: Study of Prognostic Factors
1. Design of a Prognostic Factors Study
2. Analysis and Assessment of the Study
UD 4: Screening
1. Concept, Design, Evaluation, and Biases of Screening
Appendix A: Notation Used in Contingency Tables
Appendix B: Terminology
Appendix C: Glossary
Career opportunities
The course allows students to certify methodological competence to join Centers and Groups of applied research in the healthcare field.Scholarships and financial aid
Chek all the information on the possibilities for grants and scholarships in the page for UAB financial aids, grants and calls.
Coordinating centres
Departamento de Psicobiología y Metodología de las Ciencias de la Salud
Contact
Conchi Serrano Bermúdez
Phone: 935811632