Biostatistics. Hm. Right.

This past week, I’ve been getting ready for my schoolwork to start  back up for the Spring semester. I’ve received the mandatory text book in the mail (thank you Amazon.com for providing cheaper options than the bookstore!) and gotten multiple emails from my professor.

 

Don't wanna go breakin' the (piggy)bank

As I’ve mentioned earlier, I’m in an online program through UNC-Chapel Hill and (slowly but surely) taking steps towards my MPH (that’s a master of public health, for those of you who aren’t down with the public health lingo). I started my coursework this past May with Health Policy Management and this past fall I completed two courses — Health Behavior Health Education and Environmental Health. So far I have been doing pretty well, and I am learning a great deal.

The class that I am about to start, however… I am not so sure about. In fact, I’m kind of scared. Come Monday, I dive headfirst into the wondrous world of Biostatistics.

Biostatics, you say? Let’s break this down…

Bio= biology.

Statistics = statistics. (Duh).

Hmph.

Plain and simple as that. Now, let’s see what background I have in these two subject matter areas…

-Biology: One college preparatory level class during my sophomore year….of high school.

-Statistics: Nada. Oh sorry, I forgot to use my “math” words. Let’s try again. Zero experience. Zip zero zilch. Get the picture?

Great.

Now, let’s review. What was it that I’m doing again? Taking a *graduate* course in biostatistics? Oh…oh yes, that’s right. This should go well.

Not.

According to my calculations, my basic and college level math skills present the following equation:

arithmatic + geometry + trig + calculus = *not* a pretty site for an online, graduate level course in biostatistics.

….And it’s no secret that math is not my strong point.

Ah, well, all I have to do is pass!  At least that’s what I keep telling the “achiever” within me. At least I’m good at focusing, right?

(I only kid, I really am going to try my hardest!)