Thursday, November 30, 2006

Statistically yours

I have been on course for two weeks now. It has been another two compulsory PhD-programme courses, that are about to come to an end tomorrow. My last compulsory courses!

Last week it was a rather slow and quite boring course in Research Ethics. It was surprising how boring it was, when the topic is actually quite interesting per se. I felt terrible last week, and was only in class monday and tuesday that week, so I will have to boost my attendance on the course in march when the course is held next time. I just need to sit through two sessions of 3-4 h lectures, in order to pass the course.

This week has been a long week of lectures in Medical Statistics. It was much less boring than what I expected, I would almost say it has been interesting. I have definitely learnt a bit or two about statistics, know which tests to use when, why, and how they work. I feel quite proud. Small flashbacks of high school mathematics was provokingly enough thrown in my face; like y=kx+m, and the natural logarithm (ln). But I was able to handle the provocation of being presented with formulas, and terms of the days of yorn, and I really believe I'll pass this course. I have enough attendance - which is the only criteria for passing the courses.

But I am beat. Yesterday I had already been at course for all the hours I am supposed to work each week. I can tell you I can really feel it in my body. I am tired most of the time, but without being able to fall asleep. Tired because of the attention I need to pay, and a hard time falling asleep because of the stress 'being on a course' makes me feel. But I am alright actually. I am quite proud of myself for managing these 75-100% courses, it might cost my body a tad bit, but I have past one of the two courses at least!

You are supposed to have passed all these compulsory courses before being "allowed" to do your half-time control thing, which I have firmly scheduled for 9th of January at 4pm. I won't pass the ethics course until I have sat through two days in March on the lectures. But I won't let it hold me back doing my half-time control thingy.

Weird University rules are there to be challenged! Wish me luck! =)

And if you ever need advice on statistics, you know where to find me.

2 Comments:

At 14:16 , Blogger Arlen said...

I absolutely loathed statistics. But then again, I loathed math in general (never could figure out why I would need to learn algebra while in high school; still haven't used an algebraic equation in my life to this day). And as for geometry, they can PROVE THIS! (Sorry for the rant on your space). By the way, are you familiar with the television series "Friends"? And Jack Bauer will be back to save the world for a 6th time next month. Have a great weekend.

 
At 18:51 , Anonymous Anonymous said...

Peter, I agree, y=kx+m, the bastards. It wasn't all that bad with that linear stuff, but I hate the ln-thing. Mostly since I don't really have a good feel for it, eventhough I know it is something I have learnt once and should know. And to be honest, I think I do get it really, I am just reluctant, and skeptical. As usual.

Arlen, I definitely know Friends. I have ALL the episodes on DVD, which is more than what I can say for Bauer, I still haven't bought the second series. But it is on my christmas wish-list, so I hope someone else will get it for me!

A nice weekend to the both of you!

 

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