Biology
BIOL 342 Biostatistics (4)
Allows students with some previous statistics or data analysis background to gain experience in analyzing experimental designs, choosing the right statistical technique, analyzing real data sets, and reporting analyses using text and graphics. Builds on randomization tests as a basis for understanding statistical inference, exposing students to a theoretical basis for non-parametric statistical tests. Trains students to choose, apply and report a variety of techniques common in analysis of biological data, including t-tests, ANOVA, simple and multiple regression. Covers ordination as a technique in exploratory data analysis. Focuses on critique of experimental design as a path to choosing the right statistical use and correctly identifying the scope of inference, on graphical presentation of data, and on writing about experimental design and statistical results correctly for publication and for the public. The statistical software R will be used throughout the course to carry out data visualization and perform data analysis, focusing on datasets from biology and health sciences.