Session 1: Basic Statistical Calculations

Master descriptive statistics through hands-on Excel practice with real pharmaceutical datasets

Duration
Self-paced (2-3 hours)
Difficulty
Beginner to Intermediate
Required Tools
Microsoft Excel
Prerequisites
Module 2 Completion

Before Starting This Session

Ensure you have completed the prerequisite module and have the necessary tools ready. This practical session builds directly on concepts from Module 2: Descriptive Statistics Playground.

If any prerequisites are missing, please complete them first to ensure optimal learning experience.

Prerequisites Checklist

Module 2: Descriptive Statistics
Completed with score ≥ 70%
Microsoft Excel Installed
Version 2016 or newer recommended
Sample Datasets Downloaded
Available in this session's data folder

Learning Objectives

By the end of this practical session, you will confidently apply statistical calculations to pharmaceutical data using Excel, with step-by-step reasoning for every process.

1

Excel Statistical Functions Mastery

Learn and apply key Excel functions including AVERAGE(), MEDIAN(), MODE(), STDEV.S(), STDEV.P(), and FREQUENCY() with pharmaceutical datasets.

2

Descriptive Statistics Calculations

Calculate central tendency measures, dispersion indicators, and create frequency distributions using real tablet manufacturing data.

3

USP Compliance Analysis

Apply weight variation analysis per USP standards and interpret coefficient of variation (CV%) requirements for pharmaceutical products.

4

Data Visualization Skills

Create professional histograms, box plots, and trend charts that effectively communicate statistical findings to regulatory bodies.

5

Step-by-Step Problem Solving

Develop systematic approaches to statistical analysis with clear reasoning and interpretation of results in pharmaceutical contexts.

6

Quality Control Applications

Implement statistical process control concepts and understand specification limits in pharmaceutical manufacturing environments.

Session Components

This hands-on session is divided into focused components, each building upon the previous to create a comprehensive statistical analysis skillset.

Excel Statistical Functions Tutorial

Comprehensive guide to Excel's statistical functions with pharmaceutical examples and step-by-step instructions.

  • Essential statistical functions reference
  • Pharmaceutical data formatting standards
  • Common error troubleshooting
  • Data validation techniques
  • Professional charting methods
Start Excel Tutorial
Worksheet 1: Descriptive Statistics

Guided practice with tablet weight variation data, including USP compliance calculations and interpretation.

  • Real pharmaceutical manufacturing data
  • Step-by-step calculation guidance
  • USP weight variation analysis
  • CV% compliance checking
  • Interactive problem-solving
Begin Worksheet
Practice Datasets & Templates

Download Excel templates and real pharmaceutical datasets for hands-on practice and analysis.

  • Tablet weight variation dataset (n=50)
  • Content uniformity test results
  • Dissolution profile data
  • Pre-formatted Excel templates
  • Formula reference sheets
Download Datasets
Solutions & Answer Keys

Complete solutions with detailed explanations, common mistakes to avoid, and interpretation guidelines.

  • Step-by-step solution walkthrough
  • Common error identification
  • Alternative calculation methods
  • Interpretation best practices
  • Self-assessment rubrics
View Solutions

Quick Reference Guide

Essential Excel Functions

  • =AVERAGE(range) Arithmetic mean
  • =MEDIAN(range) Middle value
  • =MODE.SNGL(range) Most frequent value
  • =STDEV.S(range) Sample standard deviation
  • =VAR.S(range) Sample variance

    • Key Statistical Formulas

    Sample Standard Deviation:
    s = √[Σ(x - x̄)² / (n-1)]
    Coefficient of Variation:
    CV% = (s / x̄) × 100
    Standard Error of Mean:
    SEM = s / √n

    USP Specifications

  • Weight Variation ± 5% for tablets > 324 mg
  • Content Uniformity AV ≤ 15.0
  • Dissolution Q + 5% at specified time
  • Assay Limits 90.0% - 110.0% of label claim

    • When to Use Each Measure

    Mean: Normal distributions, no extreme outliers
    Median: Skewed data, presence of outliers
    Mode: Categorical data, identifying most common values
    Standard Deviation: Measure of spread in same units
    CV%: Comparing variability across different scales
    Range: Quick assessment of data spread