Unit information: Quantitative Methods in Biology in 2015/16

Unit name	Quantitative Methods in Biology
Unit code	BIOL20001
Credit points	10
Level of study	I/5
Teaching block(s)	Teaching Block 1A (weeks 1 - 6)
Unit director	Dr. Barker
Open unit status	Not open
Pre-requisites	None. This unit is normally only available to students taking degree programmes in Biological Sciences
Co-requisites	None
School/department	School of Biological Sciences
Faculty	Faculty of Life Sciences

Description including Unit Aims

Aim

Asking the right questions in the right way and being able to analyse the results of experiments are both very important skills in biology. The aim of this unit is to teach these skills.

Description

The unit will provide students with a basic understanding of experimental design and statistical analysis. The former will address issues such as sample size, replication and blocking. The latter will include t-tests, correlation, regression, analyses of variance and non-parametric methods. Lectures will be interspersed with numerous worked examples using data from real biological systems. Practical classes will involve the use of the computer software package SPSS to visualize data and to carry out simple statistical analyses.

Intended Learning Outcomes

You will be able to design appropriate experimental or observational studies, to decide which of a range of statistical tests to apply, and to use computer software packages to carry out simple statistical analysis (t-tests, correlation, regression, univariate ANOVA, basic non-parametric methods).

Teaching Information

• 3 x 1 hour weekly lectures in weeks 2 – 5 with regular mini-tests within lecture time

• 1 x 3 hour weekly lab practical in weeks 2 – 4 including worked examples of SPSS

• Self-directed learning week (week 6). Students are expected to spend this time on directed reading and working independently on their assessed practical assignment.

Assessment Information

Attendance at practicals and completion of specified practical reports is mandatory.

Marked practical exercises (40%); end of Session exam (60%).

Reading and References

Dytham, Calvin. Choosing and Using Statistics: a Biologist’s Guide. Second Edition. £22.99