STA2216 · Data analysis for science

Overview

This unit is designed to develop an understanding of some of the most widely used methods of statistical data analysis, from the viewpoint of the user, with an emphasis on planned experiments. You will become familiar with at least one standard statistical package. Topics covered include: parametric and nonparametric procedures to compare two independent and matched samples; review of simple linear regression; multiple linear regression - analysis of residuals, choice of explanatory variables; model selection and validation; nonlinear relationships; introduction to logistic regression; basic principles of experimental design; one-way and two-way analysis of variance models; planned and multiple comparison techniques; power and sample size considerations in design; usage of some available statistical packages including Minitab and/or SPSS, data preparation, interpretation of output.

Areas of study: Tropical environmental biology

Offerings

Assessment

The Handbook lists an examination for this unit.

Assessment details may change. Please refer to the assessment information in Moodle closer to the start of the teaching period.

Requisites

The Handbook lists no prerequisite, corequisite or prohibition for this unit.

Learning outcomes

1. Recognise the requirements for design of an effective experiment and the nature of data arising from these situations;
2. Demonstrate an understanding of some of the important parametric and non-parametric methods of statistical data analysis, including analysis of variance, multiple linear regression and logistic regression;
3. Identify and apply an appropriate statistical technique for analysing a given design/ data set;
4. Formulate a model relating a response variable to a number of given independent variables;
5. Use a statistical package for applying statistical techniques covered in the unit.

Workload

• Three 1-hour lectures; • One 1-hour workshop (tutorial) and • Eight hours of independent study per week

Student experience, not official rules. Nothing here changes what the Handbook says.