Biometry

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2010:

Basic understanding of statistical inference, obtained by completion of appropriate undergraduate or postgraduate subjects, or completion of preparatory multimedia material and reading.

It is University policy to take all reasonable steps to minimise the impact of disability upon academic study and reasonable steps will be made to enhance a student's participation in the University's programs. Students who feel their disability may impact upon their participation are encouraged to discuss this with the subject coordinator and the Disability Liaison Unit.

Biological knowledge is increased by an iterative process of developing ideas, collecting data to assess those ideas, analysing and interpreting those data, and communicating the conclusions. Those conclusions are used to develop new research ideas, improve human health, and to make decisions about environmental management. For this process to be successful, we must collect the right data, enough data, and we must analyse and interpret those data correctly. Biologists must also be able to interpret colleagues’ analyses and interpretation critically.

This subject provides recommendations on appropriate was of collecting data, introduces the most common statistical tools applied to biological (including biomedical and environmental) data, and discusses ways of interpreting and presenting the results of analyses. Topics covered include strategies for efficient and effective estimation, the design of routine monitoring and assessment programs, and experimental design. It will also cover the most common statistical methods used for biological data, including general linear models, logistic and log-linear models, and multivariate techniques, and emphasis will be placed on interpretation and reporting of data analyses.

The objectives of this subject are to provide students with:

• familiarity with the kinds of data generated by biological and environmental research programs;

• the skills to design efficient sampling programs and experiments in biological science ;

• an awareness of biological issues that may cause statistical complications;

• an understanding of the statistical models that are applied to different kinds of biological data;

• be able to present and interpret results of analyses.

Two reports, of similar weighting and totalling less than 3,000 words, one due early in the assessment period and the other toward the end of the assessment period (30%); a 2-hour examination at the end of the assessment period (70%).

Quinn, G.P. & M.J. Keough (2002) Experimental design and data analysis for biologists. Cambridge University Press

McCarthy, M.A. (2007) Bayesian methods for ecology. Cambridge University Press

This subject is not available as a breadth subject.

At the completion of this subject, students should gain skills in:

• handling, managing and interpreting quantitative data;

• communicating quantitative results to a general audience;

• developing the ability to exercise critical judgement;

• rigorous and independent thinking;

• time management and self-management.

Students undertaking this subject will be expected to regularly access a computer with statistical software.