sta1ls statistics for life sciences
STATISTICS FOR LIFE SCIENCES
STA1LS
2019
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. The strengths and limitations of statistical models to enable informed thinking about sustainability are explored. This subject is a possible pre-requisite for the second-year subjects in statistics.
SchoolSchool Engineering&Mathematical Sciences
Credit points15
Subject Co-ordinatorDavid Farchione
Available to Study Abroad StudentsYes
Subject year levelYear Level 1 - UG
Exchange StudentsYes
Subject particulars
Subject rules
PrerequisitesN/A
Co-requisitesN/A
Incompatible subjects STA1SS; STA1PSY; STA1IDA; STA1STM; STA1CTS; ECO1ISB
Equivalent subjectsN/A
Special conditionsN/A
Learning resources
Readings
| Resource Type | Title | Resource Requirement | Author and Year | Publisher |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Readings | Introductory statistics a problem solving approach, 2nd ed. | Recommended | Kokoska, S. (2015). | FREEMAN |
| Readings | Manual for SPSS and R with Examples from the Life Sciences | Prescribed | Farchione, D. (2018) | La Trobe |
Graduate capabilities & intended learning outcomes
01. Convert data into information by using appropriate numerical and graphical summaries.
- Activities:
- Lectures: In the lectures we introduce the basic statistical tools used in statistics and apply these tools to practical examples in the Life Sciences discipline. Practice Classes: Students work through practical examples by applying the concepts and techniques learnt in the lectures. Computer Labs: Students use the SPSS statistical computer package to work through practical examples.
- Related graduate capabilities and elements:
- Literacies and Communication Skills(Quantitative Literacy)
02. Calculate probabilities and other quantities from discrete and continuous probability distributions and by applying the basic rules of probability.
- Activities:
- Lectures: In the lectures we introduce the basic statistical tools used in statistics and apply these tools to practical examples in the Life Sciences discipline. Practice Classes: Students work through practical examples by applying the concepts and techniques learnt in the lectures. Computer Labs: Students use the SPSS statistical computer package to work through practical examples.
- Related graduate capabilities and elements:
- Literacies and Communication Skills(Quantitative Literacy)
03. Identify and apply appropriate statistical inference methods for decision making.
- Activities:
- Lectures: In the lectures we introduce the basic statistical tools used in statistics and apply these tools to practical examples in the Life Sciences discipline. Practice Classes: Students work through practical examples by applying the concepts and techniques learnt in the lectures. Computer Labs: Students use the SPSS statistical computer package to work through practical examples.
- Related graduate capabilities and elements:
- Literacies and Communication Skills(Quantitative Literacy)
04. Compute, display and interpret numerical and graphical summaries, probabilities and various statistical inference procedures using the SPSS statistical software package.
- Activities:
- Lectures: In the lectures we introduce the basic statistical tools used in statistics and apply these tools to practical examples in the Life Sciences discipline. Computer Labs: Students use the SPSS statistical computer package to work through practical examples.
- Related graduate capabilities and elements:
- Literacies and Communication Skills(Quantitative Literacy)
05. Apply basic numeracy skills for calculating various quantities in statistics.
- Activities:
- Lectures: In the lectures we introduce the basic statistical tools used in statistics and apply these tools to practical examples in the Life Sciences discipline. Practice Classes: Students work through practical examples by applying the concepts and techniques learnt in the lectures.
- Related graduate capabilities and elements:
- Literacies and Communication Skills(Quantitative Literacy)
Subject options
Select to view your study options…
Melbourne, 2019, Semester 2, Day
Overview
Online enrolmentYes
Maximum enrolment sizeN/A
Enrolment information
Subject Instance Co-ordinatorDavid Farchione
Class requirements
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.
LectureWeek: 31 - 43
One 2.0 hours lecture per week on weekdays during the day from week 31 to week 43 and delivered via face-to-face.
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.
Assessments
| Assessment element | Comments | % | ILO* |
|---|---|---|---|
| One 3-hour examination | 60 | 01, 02, 03, 04, 05 | |
| Five assignments (equivalent to 1200 words total) | Written solutions to problems | 30 | 01, 02, 03, 04 |
| Ten online quizzes (equivalent to 300 words total) | Short multiple choice quizzes (formative) focusing on numeracy | 10 | 05 |
Singapore (PSB), 2019, Term L3, Day
Overview
Online enrolmentYes
Maximum enrolment sizeN/A
Enrolment information
Subject Instance Co-ordinatorNoni Frankenberg
Class requirements
LectureWeek: 19 - 23
One 24.0 hours lecture per study period on weekdays during the day from week 19 to week 23 and delivered via face-to-face.
PracticalWeek: 19 - 23
One 12.0 hours practical per study period on weekdays during the day from week 19 to week 23 and delivered via face-to-face.
Computer LaboratoryWeek: 19 - 23
One 12.0 hours computer laboratory per study period on weekdays during the day from week 19 to week 23 and delivered via face-to-face.
Assessments
| Assessment element | Comments | % | ILO* |
|---|---|---|---|
| One 3-hour examination | 60 | 01, 02, 03, 04, 05 | |
| Five assignments (equivalent to 1200 words total) | Written solutions to problems | 30 | 01, 02, 03, 04 |
| Ten online quizzes (equivalent to 300 words total) | Short multiple choice quizzes (formative) focusing on numeracy | 10 | 05 |
Singapore (PSB), 2019, Term L3, Night
Overview
Online enrolmentYes
Maximum enrolment sizeN/A
Enrolment information
Subject Instance Co-ordinatorNoni Frankenberg
Class requirements
LectureWeek: 19 - 23
One 24.0 hours lecture per study period on weekdays at night from week 19 to week 23 and delivered via face-to-face.
PracticalWeek: 19 - 23
One 12.0 hours practical per study period on weekdays at night from week 19 to week 23 and delivered via face-to-face.
Computer LaboratoryWeek: 19 - 23
One 12.0 hours computer laboratory per study period on weekdays at night from week 19 to week 23 and delivered via face-to-face.
Assessments
| Assessment element | Comments | % | ILO* |
|---|---|---|---|
| One 3-hour examination | 60 | 01, 02, 03, 04, 05 | |
| Five assignments (equivalent to 1200 words total) | Written solutions to problems | 30 | 01, 02, 03, 04 |
| Ten online quizzes (equivalent to 300 words total) | Short multiple choice quizzes (formative) focusing on numeracy | 10 | 05 |