Course  Description:

The purpose of this course is to survey the statistical principles of research design for experimental and observational studies, emphasizing (1) the role of statistics in scientific studies, (2) how to determine which statistical test to use, (3) the underlying assumptions associated with statistical tests, (4) how to interpret results from a statistical analysis, and (5) how to properly conduct a scientific investigation.  Although the course requires no previous knowledge of statistics, it does require a basic knowledge of algebra. 

 

Student Learning Outcomes:

I.  Knowledge Outcomes

a.  Explain the role of statistics in scientific investigations.

b.  Describe assumptions underlying particular statistical methods.

c.  Describe which statistical test to use depending on questions asked or hypothesis tested.

II.  Skill Outcomes

a.  Formulate statistical hypotheses from biological questions.

b.  Properly analyze univariate and multivariate data sets depending on questions asked or hypothesis tested

c.  Critically interpret results and relate them back to biological hypothesis.

 

Class Schedule:
T: 6:00 – 9:0 in room 110 of the Science building

Required Course Materials:

Triola, M. M. and M. F. Triola  2005. Biostatistics for the Biological and Health Sciences.  Addison-Wesley, 699 pps.

 

Attendance:

Attendance in this course is required and will be taken on a daily basis.  Although attendance does not directly factor into course grades, there is strong evidence that suggests class attendance is positively correlated with overall performance in the course. 

 

Grade Determination:

The final course grade will be based on a combination of homework assignments (30%) and lecture exams (70%).  No grades will be dropped, and no curves will be given. Course grades will be assigned as follows: A = 90 – 100; B = 80 – 89; C = 70 – 79; D = 60 – 69; F = 0 – 59.

 

Homework:

A significant portion of this course will be devoted to homework assignments.  Homework assignments will come from various handouts.  Students may discuss the problems with each other, but I expect each student to complete each problem on their own.  The purpose of the homework assignments is to familiarize students with basic statistical problems before formal examination.  The assignments must be done by hand with intermediate results well documented, unless specified otherwise.  The assignments will be due at the beginning of class the following week.  For the problem sets assigned the week before an exam, students may turn in their homework that Friday at noon so they can have the graded version for use on the exam.  Students will be allowed to make-up homework assignments only in the event of a serious illness, legitimate emergency, death of immediate family members, or Tarleton State University sponsored activity; in each case, proper documentation must be provided.

 

Exams:

Two exams will be given throughout the semester, the dates of which are given in the lecture schedule.  Each exam will consist of an in-class portion and a take-home portion.  The in-class exam will be closed book and will consist of short answer and essay questions designed to test your understanding of basic statistical concepts.  The take-home portion of the exam will require extensive calculations, but students will be allowed to use their textbooks, notes, a calculator, or statistical programs.  Students will be allowed to make-up an exam only in the event of a serious illness, legitimate emergency, death of immediate family members, or Tarleton State University sponsored activity; in each case, proper documentation must be provided.

 

Academic Honesty:

Cheating, plagiarism (submitting another person’s materials or ideas as one’s own), or doing work for another person who will receive academic credit are all-impermissible. This includes the use of unauthorized books, notebooks, or other sources in order to secure of give help during an examination, the unauthorized copying of examinations, assignments, reports, or term papers, or the presentation of unacknowledged material as if it were the student’s own work. Disciplinary action may be taken beyond the academic discipline administered by the faculty member who teaches the course in which the cheating took place.

Disability Services: 
It is the policy of Tarleton State University to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act and other applicable laws. If you are a student with a disability seeking accommodations for this course, please contact Trina Geye, Director of Student Disability Services, at 254.968.9400 or geye@tarleton.edu. Student Disability Services is located in Math 201. More information can be found at www.tarleton.edu/sds or in the University Catalog.