Introductory description

Modern biological sciences generate increasing quantities of quantitative data - from measurements of gene expression for many thousands of genes simultaneously to data on the predicted impacts of climate change.

This module provides an introduction to the quantitative skills that all biological scientists need to understand to be able to make the most of any quantitative data that they generate - in particular introducing statistical methods for the summary and analysis of experimental data (such as might be generated in lab classes throughout your degree) and the basic principles for modelling biological populations and infectious disease.

The module is taught entirely through computer-based practical workshops, using Microsoft Excel for calculations, some data handling and exploring biological rates and systems, and SPSS Statistics, to apply a range of statistical techniques to analyse data.

Module web page

Module aims

Outline syllabus

This is an indicative module outline only to give an indication of the sort of topics that may be covered. Actual sessions held may differ.

Summarising biological data - types of data, graphical summaries, summary statistics.
Probabilities and common statistical distributions for biological data - simple ideas of probability; normal, Poisson and binomial distributions.
Estimates and Confidence Intervals - summarising real data using sample statistics and distributional assumptions.
Testing for differences - principles of hypothesis testing, t-tests and non-parametric alternatives for comparing population means.
Tests for count data - chi-squared tests for association and goodness of fit with applications to distributions, genetics, medical studies.
Familiarisation with statistical software.
Normality in biological data and testing for normality. Non-parametric alternatives for testing for differences between two samples.
Analysing Designed Experiments - analysis of variance and interpretation of results, with applications in plant, animal and medical science
Simple Linear Relationships - simple ideas of linear regression models, plots, fitted lines and summary statistics
Biological Data Analysis - applications of statistical summary approaches, hypothesis testing and regression modelling in a range of biological sciences, including epidemiology, medical science, ecology, and environmental science.
Descriptive and predictive modelling

Learning outcomes

By the end of the module, students should be able to:

• By the end of this module students will have a clear appreciation of the value of statistical approaches to the analysis and interpretation of biological data. They should also understand the basic principles of modelling biological populations, be aware of how to summarise and analyse the different types of data they will generate, have an understanding of how and when to apply a number of standard statistical tests, and understand how to use spreadsheets and dedicated statistical software to manipulate data and explore biological relationships.

Indicative reading list

DYTHAM, C. 2011. Choosing and using statistics: a biologist's guide, John Wiley & Sons.

Subject specific skills

Students will:
Understand and scrutinise statistical results in journal articles
Handle data
Learn to conduct basic statistical analyses
Understand how biological relationships can be described by equations

Transferable skills

1. Critical appraisal of source material
2. Self directed learning
3. Adult learning