STATISTICS FOR LIFE SCIENCES
STA1LS
2015
Credit points: 15
Subject outline
This subject provides an introduction to applied statistics, and strengthens basic numeracy skills. It introduces students to the basic applied statistical methods used in the biological sciences, medical sciences, agricultural sciences, nutrition, and health sciences. The three main areas of study are descriptive statistics, probability, and statistical inference and the use of a statistical computing package is an integral part of this subject. This subject is a possible pre-requisite for the second-year subjects in statistics.
School: School Engineering&Mathematical Sciences
Credit points: 15
Subject Co-ordinator: David Farchione
Available to Study Abroad Students: Yes
Subject year level: Year Level 1 - UG
Exchange Students: Yes
Subject particulars
Subject rules
Prerequisites: N/A
Co-requisites: N/A
Incompatible subjects: STA1SS; STA1PSY; STA1STM; STA1CTS; BUS1BAN; ECO1ISB
Equivalent subjects: N/A
Special conditions: N/A
Learning resources
Readings
| Resource Type | Title | Resource Requirement | Author and Year | Publisher |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Readings | FSTE First Year Survival Guide (second edition) | Recommended | Faculty of Science, Technology and Engineering | LA TROBE UNIVERSITY 2012 |
| Readings | Introductory statistics a problem solving approach | Recommended | Kokoska, S 2011 | FREEMAN |
| Readings | Manual for SPSS and R with Examples from the Life Sciences | Prescribed | Farchione, D. (2015). | LA TROBE UNIVERSITY 2015 |
Graduate capabilities & intended learning outcomes
01. Convert data into information by using appropriate numerical and graphical summaries.
- Activities:
- Assignment 1; Final Exam Each assignment consists of 2 short answer questions and 5 multiple-choice questions. The first short answer question involves using the SPSS statistical computer package (computer lab type question) and the second involves applied statistical problem solving (practice class type question) with written conclusions. All written conclusions are allocated marks. The final exam will contain questions similar to those that are in the computer labs, practice classes, assignments and online quizzes.
02. Calculate probabilities and other quantities from discrete and continuous probability distributions and by applying the basic rules of probability.
- Activities:
- Assignments 2 and 3; Final Exam Each assignment consists of 2 short answer questions and 5 multiple-choice questions. The first short answer question involves using the SPSS or R statistical computer packages (computer lab type question) and the second involves applied statistical problem solving (practice class type question) with written conclusions. All written conclusions are allocated marks. The final exam will contain questions similar to those that are in the computer labs, practice classes, assignments and online quizzes.
03. Identify and apply appropriate statistical inference methods for decision making.
- Activities:
- Assignments 4 and 5; Final Exam Each assignment consists of 2 short answer questions and 5 multiple-choice questions. The first short answer question involves using the SPSS statistical computer package (computer lab type question) and the second involves applied statistical problem solving (practice class type question) with written conclusions. All written conclusions are allocated marks. The final exam will contain questions similar to those that are in the computer labs, practice classes, assignments and online quizzes.
04. Compute, display and interpret numerical and graphical summaries, probabilities and various statistical inference procedures using the SPSS and R statistical software packages.
- Activities:
- Assignments 1-5; Final Exam Each assignment consists of 2 short answer questions and 5 multiple-choice questions. The first short answer question involves using the SPSS or R statistical computer packages (computer lab type question) and the second involves applied statistical problem solving (practice class type question). The final exam will contain questions similar to those that are in the computer labs, practice classes, assignments and online quizzes.
05. Apply basic numeracy skills for calculating various quantities in statistics.
- Activities:
- Online Quizzes 1-10; Final Exam Online quizzes are based on the material covered in the lectures. The final exam will contain questions similar to those that are in the computer labs, practice classes, assignments and online quizzes.
Melbourne, 2015, Semester 2, Day
Overview
Online enrolment: Yes
Maximum enrolment size: N/A
Enrolment information:
Subject Instance Co-ordinator: David Farchione
Class requirements
PracticalWeek: 31 - 43
One 1.0 hours practical per week on weekdays during the day from week 31 to week 43 and delivered via face-to-face.
"Or Type: Directed Learning Activity Or Delivery Method: On-Line"
LectureWeek: 31 - 43
Three 1.0 hours lecture per week on weekdays during the day from week 31 to week 43 and delivered via face-to-face.
"Or Delivery Method: On-Line"
Computer LaboratoryWeek: 31 - 43
One 1.0 hours computer laboratory per week on weekdays during the day from week 31 to week 43 and delivered via face-to-face.
"Or Delivery Method: On-Line"
Assessments
| Assessment element | Comments | % | ILO* |
|---|---|---|---|
| one 3-hour examination | 60 | 01, 02, 03, 04, 05 | |
| five assignments (1200 word equivalent) | 30 | 01, 02, 03, 04 | |
| ten online quizzes | 10 | 05 |
Singapore, 2015, Semester 2, Blended
Overview
Online enrolment: Yes
Maximum enrolment size: N/A
Enrolment information:
Subject Instance Co-ordinator: David Farchione
Class requirements
LectureWeek: 31 - 43
One 36.0 hours lecture per study period on weekdays during the day from week 31 to week 43 and delivered via face-to-face.
"36-hours of Blended Lectures or Interactive Online Activities per teaching period delivered via face-to-face or online."
PracticalWeek: 31 - 43
One 20.0 hours practical per study period on weekdays during the day from week 31 to week 43 and delivered via face-to-face.
"20-hours of Computer-Based Practical Class per teaching period delivered face-to-face or as directed online learning."
Assessments
| Assessment element | Comments | % | ILO* |
|---|---|---|---|
| one 3-hour examination | 60 | 01, 02, 03, 04, 05 | |
| five assignments (1200 word equivalent) | 30 | 01, 02, 03, 04 | |
| ten online quizzes | 10 | 05 |