Statistical methods in biology KZ-JO-06-01-000013

Lectures: Aim of statistical analyses in biological sciences. Statistical population and a sample. A mean; measuring variability. Confidence limits for a mean. Hypothesis testing using binomial and normal distribution. Basic parametrical and non-parametric tests. Analysis of regression and correlation. One-way analysis of variance. Presentation of statistical results.

Computer Laboratories: Performing statistical analysis using software; the results interpretation. Measures of central tendency, dispersion and variability; t Student tests; normality test; basic non-parametric tests; analysing frequencies (the chi-square goodness of fit test); Kruskal–Wallis test and a posteriori test; Pearson correlation, Spearman correlation; simple linear regression; introduction to analysis of variance. Graphical presentation of results.

Supplementary literature

Ferguson G.A., Takane Y. 1999. Analiza statystyczna w psychologii i pedagogice. Warszawa, Wydawnictwo Naukowe PWN. Fowler J., Cohen L., Jarvis P. 1997. Practical statistics for field biology. Chichester–New York, John Wiley & Sons. Łomnicki A. 2014. Wprowadzenie do statystki dla przyrodników. Warszawa, Wydawnictwo Naukowe PWN. Meissner W. 2014. Przewodnik do ćwiczeń z przedmiotu Metody statystyczne w biologii. Gdańsk, Wydawnictwo Uniwersytetu Gdańskiego. Quinn G.P., Keough M.J. 2002. Experimental design and data analysis for biologists. Cambridge University Press. Sokal R.R., Rohlf F.J. 1995. Biometry. New York, Freeman and Company. Zar J.H. 1999. Biostatistical analysis. New Jersey, Prentice-Hall Inc.

Course coordinators

Sławomir Mitrus

Learning outcomes

Knowledge
Student:
– knows the most important statistical methods used in biology and plans to properly use them during research,
– performs statistical methods for analysing biological data,
– can describe advanced statistical methods used in biology, and understands the limitations of each the method.

Skills
Student:
– applies statistical methods to describe biological phenomena and to analyse empirical data,
– is able to use adequate statistical techniques,
– evaluates results using critical thinking skills and statistical knowledge,
– can adequately present results of statistical analyses.

Social competencies
Student:
– is confidents of scientific methodology,
– understands the need for applying rigorous scientific methodology to research and caution when interpreting the results.

Assessment criteria

Lectures: obtaining at least 40% of the total score available for the exam [written exam (exam consisting of a mixture of single-choice, multiple choice, and open questions; theoretical questions, interpretation of results of statistical analyses, short problems to solve, etc.); "open book exam" – participants can use own notes and books during the exam].

Computer laboratories: participation and active performance during the computer laboratories, accepted protocols from individual work, obtaining at least 50% of the total score available for the final test [practical test: practical test, using computer: analyses data set using computer software, interpretation of results; "open book exam" – participants can use own notes and books during the test].

Additional information

Additional information (registration calendar, class conductors, localization and schedules of classes), might be available in the USOSweb system:

Description of KZ-JO-06-01-000013 in USOSweb