Statistics and Data Science for Biologists, 7.5 credits

Contents

Modern technologies generate large and complex datasets. To extract information, statistical and computational methods are required. Many techniques are freely accessible via R. The course consists of two modules: a theory module and a laboratory module.

Theory module (6 credits)
• Statistical hypotheses and basic experimental design
• Descriptive statistics, point estimation and data summarisation
• Parametric and non‑parametric methods for confidence intervals and hypothesis testing (t‑test, Wilcoxon, Mann–Whitney, ANOVA, Kruskal–Wallis, chi‑square tests, proportion tests, bootstrap)
• Type I and Type II errors, power, p‑values and statistical significance
• Correlation and regression analysis including model evaluation (R²)

Laboratory module (1.5 credits)
• Introduction to R and practical application of theory‑module methods

Expected learning outcomes

Knowledge and understanding:

1. Explain relationships between hypotheses, point estimators, confidence intervals and statistical tests.
   2. Describe the foundations of the statistical tests covered.
   3. Explain how sample size, effect size, variation, Type I and Type II errors, power and p‑values relate.
   4. Explain principles of correlation analysis and multiple linear regression.

Skills and abilities:

5. Analyse data using descriptive statistics in R.
   6. Estimate population parameters in R.
   7. Construct and interpret confidence intervals for means, proportions and their differences.
   8. Perform statistical tests in R and evaluate hypotheses.
   9. Perform correlation analysis (parametric and non‑parametric).
   10. Perform multiple linear regression and interpret models.

Judgement and approach:

11. Assess the applicability and limitations of statistical methods and select appropriate approaches.

Required Knowledge

General entry requirements and Biology 2/level 2, Chemistry 1/level 1, Mathematics 3c Mathematics Further level 1c or Mathematics D

Form of instruction

Teaching mainly consists of lectures and supervised computer labs. Literature is specified in Ladok.

Examination modes

The theory module is assessed through a written individual examination. The lab module is assessed through written lab reports and oral presentations. The written examination assesses learning outcomes within Knowledge and understanding, as well as parts of Skills and abilities. The laboratory reports and oral presentations assess learning outcomes within Skills and abilities, as well as Judgement and approach.

For the written examination, one of the following grades is awarded: Fail (U), Pass (G), Pass with Distinction (VG). Laboratory reports and oral presentations are graded as either Fail (U) or Pass (G).

The overall course grade is one of the following: U (Fail), G (Pass) or VG (Pass with Distinction).
To receive the grade G for the course, the student must achieve a passing result (G) on all examinations. To receive the grade VG, all examinations must be passed and the written individual examination must be awarded the grade Pass with Distinction (VG).

Students who do not pass the regular examination are entitled to a re‑sit examination. The first re‑sit must be offered no later than two months after the regular exam, but not earlier than ten working days after the results have been announced. For exams held in May or June, the first re‑sit may be offered within three months. At least one additional re‑sit (make‑up exam) must be offered within one year.

A student who has passed an examination may not take a new examination in order to obtain a higher grade. A student who has taken an examination twice without obtaining a passing result is entitled to request that another examiner be appointed, unless special reasons speak against it (Higher Education Ordinance, Chapter 6, Section 22). The request should be addressed to the Head of Department at the Department of Plant Physiology.

Examiners may decide to deviate from the modes of assessment in the course syllabus. Individual adaption of modes of assessment must give due consideration to the student’s needs. The adaption of modes of assessment must remain within the framework of the intended learning outcomes in the course syllabus. Students who require an adapted examination must submit a request to the department holding the course no later than 10 days before the examination. The examiner decides on the adaption of the examination, after which the student will be notified.

Transitional provisions

In the event that the syllabus ceases to apply or undergoes major changes, students are guaranteed at least three examinations (including the regular examination opportunity) according to the regulations in the syllabus that the student was originally registered on for a period of a maximum of two years from the time that the previous syllabus ceased to apply or that the course ended.