BIOL8741 Experimental Design and Statistics for Biology GE

Many investigations in aquaculture, biochemistry, botany, zoology, microbiology, molecular biology, genetics and ecology are quantitative, with observations and experiments consisting of numerical facts called data. As biological entities have to be counted and measured, some objective methods are necessary to aid the investigator in presenting and analysing research data. Before data can be analysed, they must be collected and often statistical considerations help in the design of experiments and hypotheses to be tested. Still too many biologists attempt the analysis of their data only to find out that too few data points were collected to enable reliable conclusions to be drawn. Alternatively, it may appear that some effort might have been put in collecting data that cannot be used in the analysis of the experiment. Hence, the knowledge of statistical principles and procedures is critical even before an experiment begins. This topic aims to introduce advanced concepts of sampling methods and statistical analysis that can be applied to any field of research in biology.

The educational aims of the topic are for the students to get an in depth understanding of the importance of collecting and analysing data when doing research in Biological Sciences.

1. Design experiments and sampling regime for a specific scientific project
2. Collect in depth data in the field or laboratory
3. Apply appropriate advanced statistical tests to analyse data
4. Analyse and graph data using Excel and SPSS
5. Communicate a scientific report using both written and oral communication skills