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397 – Modernizing the Statistical Collaboration Course

Teaching Statistical Collaboration Classes in Sequence

at Vanderbilt University

The same as its literal meaning, the phrase "statistical collaboration" implies two key components of a successful relationship: statistics and collaboration. Many statis-tics/biostatistics graduate programs offer statistical collaboration courses to prepare students with work ready statistical skills. However, an important component is often missing in the curriculum of statistical collaboration courses, i.e. effective interaction and communication skills. The biostatistics graduate program at Vanderbilt University offers a year-long signature course "Statistical Collaboration in Health Sciences" to the 2nd year graduate students focusing both components in sequence. The first course places a heavy emphasis on communication, teamwork, and interdisciplinary collaboration. Students role-play with real investigators and confront real-life problems such as opaque scientific direction, poor scientific formulation, lack of time, and ill-formulated data. The importance of understanding the underlying science behind collaborations is emphasized. In the second course of the sequence, students are exposed to a variety of statistical and methodological problems that can arise in collaborative arrangements. The course's goal is to sharpen students' skills in applying their statistical knowledge in real world settings, while exposing them to the application of advanced statistical techniques in routine health science applications. Teaching statistical collaboration classes in such a sequence prepares students with both "hard" and "soft" skills for a successful career.