BIO 2310 - FUNDAMENTAL BIOSTATISTICS

credits: 3.0
This course will be offered only online and is designed to cover the fundamental concepts used in the application of statistics to biological problems. The course will briefly cover hypothesis creation, data collection, distributions, probability, and statistical inference. Students will interpret statistical results, identify which tests are appropriate for specific datasets, and develop a basic proficiency with the statistics program R. Objectives: A) Describe important concepts and assumptions in parametric and non-parametric statistical analysis; B) Use statistical analysis to test biologically relevant hypotheses; C) Format data appropriately for statistical analysis using spreadsheet software and the computer program R.; D) Use appropriate statistical tests depending on the type of biological data used and hypothesis tested; E) Present coherent conclusions from the results of biostatistical analysis. Method of Instruction: This course will be taught online. Students will view videos of pre-recorded classroom lectures and supplemental videos of the instructor, interpret statistical analysis in the published literature, complete student projects, and demonstrate mastery of the basic concepts of biostatistics in problem sets and exams. Will use a method of mastery testing where students will take topic exams and assignments multiple times to demonstrate the mastery of essential concepts in the class. One on one (or small groups) zoom time will be available each week for working one on one with the statistical package and will also provide time for general questions and help with the content. All exams and quizzes will require the use of a lockdown browser and the course software (Canvas). Method of Evaluation: Exams 70%, student projects and lecture problem sets 30% (A >94% A- 93-90 B+ 89-87 B 86-84 B- 83-80 etc… F <60%).