Training Courses
Listed below are some 'off-the-shelf' courses, most of which have been refined over years of delivery to hundreds of participants. Except where stated, little or no prior knowledge is assumed and I specialise in helping those who have been traumatised by their previous exposure to statistics.
The courses below range in length between one and three full days, but can, if required, be broken down into half-day blocks, and can be delivered on-site or on-line. All courses are 'hands-on' and include exercises using appropriate software, as well as opportunities for questions and discussion. Courses on other topics are available and training can always be tailored to your needs, so don't hesitate to get in touch to discuss your requirements.
Statistical Methods
Introductory
Intermediate/Advanced
Software
Office Applications
Statistical Software
Statistical Methods Courses
Essential Statistical Concepts and Methods
Duration: 2 Days
Description
This course is an ideal introduction for those new to statistics or wishing to brush up on their understanding of key statistical concepts and some of the most widely-used statistical methods. No prior knowledge of statistics, mathematics or software is assumed, but this course works well alongside an introduction to Statistica, R or jamovi for those who also need help getting started with a statistical package.
Course Outline
- Basic Statistical Concepts
- Types of Data
- Describing Continuous Data
- Statistical Distributions & Common Statistical Assumptions
- Parameter Estimation & Confidence Intervals
- Hypothesis Testing & Significance
- Statistical Errors, Power & Sample Size
- Core Statistical Methods
- Student’s t test
- One-way Analysis of Variance
- Correlation & Regression
- Non-parametric Methods
- Methods for Categorical Data
Graphical Data Analysis
Duration: 1 Day
Description
This course provides participants with the knowledge and skills necessary to make the most of the excellent graphics capabilities of modern statistical software for exploratory analysis and data presentation. The course includes an overview of the range of graph types available, considering which are most appropriate for different data types and analytical scenarios. The course will typically use either Statistica or a combination of jamovi and Excel and works well alongside an introduction to one of these packages, but can be adapted to make use of the software available within your organisation.
Course Outline
- Introduction to Exploratory Data Analysis
- Principles of graphical data presentation
- Basic Descriptive Graphs
- Histograms
- Line (Trend) Plots
- Scatter Plots
- Bar Plots
- Pie Charts
- Group Comparison Charts
- Categorised & Overlaid Plots
- Box & Whisker Plots
- Mean & Range Plots
- Variability Plots
- Graphs for Multivariate Data
- 3D Scatter, Surface & Contour Plots
- Matrix Plots
- Parallel Coordinate Plots
- Icon Plots
Analysis of Variance, Regression and Linear Models
Duration: 2 Days
Description
This two-day course is designed to provide a thorough understanding of simple and advanced ANOVA and regression methods, including the use of General Linear Models for more complex modelling scenarios. A knowledge of basic statistical concepts (such as those introduced here) is a pre-requisite for this course and participants will need access to and basic familiarity with appropriate advanced statistical software (e.g. Statistica, SPSS, Stata, R, jamovi).
Course Outline
- Analysis of Variance Methods
- One-way ANOVA
- Two-way & Higher-order Models
- Understanding Interaction Effects
- Analysis of Covariance
- Simple Linear Regression
- Interpreting Regression Coefficients
- Standard Errors, Significance Testing & Interval Estimation
- Assessing the Regression Model
- Multiple Regression Analysis
- Dealing with Multicollinearity
- Model-building and Model Comparison
- Stepwise & Best-subsets Methods
- Prediction from Regression Models
- General Linear Models
- Including Categorical Predictors
- Including Interaction Terms
- Overview of Generalised Linear Models for Non-Normal Variables
Introduction to Experimental Design (DOE) for Industry
Duration: 2 Days
Description
This course provides an introduction to the terms, concepts and methods used for the design and analysis of industrial experiments, and includes a group practical exercise that involves running an engineering experiment to collect data for subsequent analysis. For a more in-depth treatment of appropriate methods of analysis, this course can be combined with elements of the ANOVA, Regression and Linear Models course.
Course Outline
- Key Design Concepts & Principles
- Core Design Types
- Factorial Designs
- Fractional Factorial Designs
- Practical - The Great Paper Engineering Experiment
- Overviews of Other Design Types
- Latin Square Designs
- Response Surface Designs
- Mixture Designs
- Introduction to Methods of Analysis
- Graphical Methods
- Multiple & Polynomial Regression
- Analysis of Variance
Statistical Process Control and Improvement
Duration: 1 Day
Description
This one-day course provides an introduction to the most important methods used for process control and improvement in manufacturing and service industries. It makes use of the impressive capabilities of the Quality Control Charts and Process Analysis modules available in Statistica and a basic familiarity with this package is helpful. If required, the course can be adapted for use with other software (e.g. Minitab).
Course Outline
- SPC Fundamentals
- Process Capability Analysis
- Understanding Capability and Performance Indices
- Capability Calculations
- Capability Histograms
- Testing for and using Non-Normal Distributions
- Gauge Repeatability & Reproducibility
- Designing GR&R Studies
- Variance Components Analysis
- ANOVA and REML Approaches for Random Effects Models
- Methods for Destructive Testing
- Quality Control Charts
- Shewhart Charts for Stable Processes
- Defining Control Limits
- Within- and Between-Sample Variability
- Short-run Charts
- Attribute Control Charts
- Real-time Control Charts
Stability Analysis for Shelf Life Calculation
Duration: 1 Day
Description
This course is designed to provide a thorough understanding of the statistical and graphical methods most commonly used for the analysis of data from stability studies and the estimation of shelf life (or retest period) for pharmaceutical, food and other products. No previous knowledge of the statistical methods is assumed but participants may benefit from attending the ANOVA, Regression and Linear Models course. Any software capable of fitting multiple regression or general linear models can be used.
Course Outline
- Overview of Statistical Requirements in ICH Guidelines
- Methods for Single Factor, Single Batch Studies
- Introduction to Linear Regression
- Using Linearising Transformations
- Estimation of Shelf Life using Confidence/Prediction Limits
- Methods for Multiple-Batch Studies
- Introduction to General Linear Models
- Testing for Poolability of Batches
Introduction to Multivariate and Machine Learning Methods
Duration: 2 Days
Description
This course introduces the key concepts and methods for both multivariate exploratory analysis and predictive modelling (machine learning) in high-dimensional data sets. Typically, either R or Statistica will be used to demonstrate the methods and for exercises, but the course can be adapted to make use of other software available within your organisation.
Course Outline
- Introduction to Key Concepts
- Exploratory vs Predictive Methods
- Feature Selection Techniques
- Model Comparison, Assessment and Validation
- Ensemble Models
- Cluster Analysis
- Hierarchical/Tree Clustering
- K-means Clustering
- Linear Regression-based Methods
- Multiple Regression
- Logistic Regression
- Discriminant Function Analysis
- Principal Components Analysis
- Tree-based (recursive partitioning) methods
- Classification & Regression Trees
- CHAID Models
- Boosted Trees & Random Forests
- Neural Networks
Software Courses
Microsoft Excel for Data Management and Analysis
Duration: 2 Days
Description
This course provides a comprehensive introduction to Microsoft Excel, including expert tips and tricks, with a particular emphasis on data management, exploration and analysis tasks. The course is suitable for both new and existing Excel users and will equip participants with the knowledge and confidence to make the best use of this ubiquitous software. Customised versions of the course can also be provided, focussing on those aspects of the software of most interest to users within your organisation.
Course Outline
- Getting Started with Excel
- Spreadsheet Basics
- Using Simple Formulae
- Relative & Absolute Cell References
- Keyboard Navigation and Shortcuts
- General Productivity Tips
- Exploring Data
- Sorting
- Filtering
- Table Formatting
- Using Excel Graphics
- PivotTables and PivotCharts
- Conditional Formatting
- Further Formulae and Functions
- Text Manipulation Functions
- Date & Time Functions
- Statistical Summary Functions
- Logical & Lookup Functions
- Using Named Areas
- Protecting Formulae
- Using the Data Analysis Toolpak
Introduction to Visual Basic for Applications (VBA)
Duration: 3 Days
Description
This course is designed for those who wish to enhance their use of Microsoft Office packages such as Word, Excel and PowerPoint, by exploiting the powerful capabilities of the built-in Visual Basic programming language. The final day of the course includes the opportunity to start work on a project of your own choosing, under the supervision of the course tutor. No prior programming experience is assumed.
Course Variants
For experienced programmers who are already familiar with core programming concepts and VB syntax, a two-day version of the course can be provided, omitting the introductory section. If required, the course can also be focussed on a specific Office package or particular application types.
Course Outline
- Introduction to Visual Basic
- Programming Basics
- Algebraic and Logical Operators
- Built-in Text and Numeric Functions
- Program Flow - Conditions and Loops
- Arrays
- User-defined Subroutines & Functions
- Developing Applications in Microsoft Office
- VBA Development Environment
- Object Browser & Debugging Tools
- Working with Recorded Macros
- Application-specific Objects
- Example Applications in Word, Excel and Powerpoint
Introduction to Statistica
Duration: 1 Day
Description
Statistica is one of the most powerful and comprehensive statistics packages available on the market and this course is designed to provide a quick start for new users. The course covers the core components of the software, as well as introducing time-saving and best practice approaches that will enable participants to make the most of the powerful data management and graphics capabilities of the software. It provides an ideal foundation for users requiring a methodological course utilising Statistica.
Course Outline
- Overview and Interface Conventions
- Output Management - Using Workbooks
- Using Workspaces
- Data Management
- Spreadsheet Structure
- Variable Specification
- Using Text Labels and Formulae
- Case Selection & Management
- Data Visualisation
- Overview of Graph Types
- Graph Dialog Conventions
- Editing and Customising Graphs
- Exploratory Graphical Tools
Introduction to Statistica Visual Basic (SVB)
Duration: 3 Days
Description
This course introduces participants to programming for automation and customisation using Statistica Visual Basic (SVB) and assumes no prior programming knowledge or experience. The final day of the course includes the opportunity to start work on a programming project of your own choosing, under the supervision of the course tutor.
Course Variants
For experienced programmers who are already familiar with core programming concepts and VB syntax, a two-day version of the course can be provided, omitting the introductory section. Additional topics can be included for those interested in programming within Statistica Enterprise configurations or custom workspace nodes.
Course Outline
- Introduction to Visual Basic
- Programming Basics
- Algebraic and Logical Operators
- Built-in Text and Numeric Functions
- Program Flow - Conditions and Loops
- Arrays
- User-defined Subroutines & Functions
- Developing Applications in Statistica Visual Basic
- SVB Development Environment
- Object Browser & Debugging Tools
- Working with Recorded Macros
- Creating Custom Dialogs
- Working with Statistica objects
- Spreadsheets
- Graphs
- Workbooks & Reports
Introduction to R and R Studio
Duration: 2 Days
Description
R, the free, open source, statistical software, has become one of the most widely-used statistical packages, but first-time users can struggle with the very steep initial learning curve. This course introduces participants to the use of the R language for data handling, statistical analysis and graphics, using the R Studio development environment.
Course Variants
For experienced users of other statistical software wishing to convert to R, an intensive one-day version of this course can be provided. For those with a limited background in statistics or who need more detail on the statistical methods covered, this course can be integrated with the Essential Statistical Concepts and Methods course and delivered over 3 or 4 days.
Course Outline
- Getting Started
- Installing and accessing R and R Studio
- R libraries and packages
- Getting help
- Creating and importing datasets
- Basic R language usage
- List arrays and data frames
- Algebraic and logical operators
- Simple mathematical and statistical functions
- Analysing data
- Summary statistics and tabulation
- Simple statistical analyses – t tests, one-way ANOVA, linear regression
- Creating and manipulating simple graphs – scatterplots, box and whisker plots, line plots, bar plots, histograms and more
- Introduction to R programming
- Conditional statements
- Loops
- User-defined functions
Introduction to jamovi
Duration: 1 Day
Description
jamovi is a modern, open-source (free) statistics package, based on R, with an exceptionally intuitive user interface, hitting a 'sweet spot' between ease of use and analytical power. It provides access to all of the most widely-used statistical techniques, with appropriate accompanying graphics, but without the overwhelming complexity of some other advanced packages, and this course will get you off to a flying start. If required, the course can be integrated with aspects of the Essential Statistical Concepts and Methods course and delivered over 2 or 3 days.
Course Outline
- Downloading and installing jamovi
- Creating and importing datasets
- Interface options and settings
- Managing output
- Basic statistics and graphics
- Installing additional modules for advanced methods
- Running R scripts
