BIOSTATISTICS Spring 2013	"Chance favors the prepared mind." - Louis Pasteur

Instructor: Dr. Alan Hale (SC134, 610-606-4666 x3510, abhale@cedarcrest.edu); office hours: open door policy, though official office hours are posted on the fall or spring weekly schedule, whichever is appropriate - http://www2.cedarcrest.edu/academic/bio/hale/index.htm  (see links for "Weekly Schedule")

Course Description [BIO 248]: An introduction to parametric and nonparametric statistical methods commonly used to analyze biological data. Students will learn and apply these methods in order to support their current or future research in ecological, molecular, chemical, or health-related fields.

Course Web Site: In case you are looking at a hard copy of the syllabus, it can also be found at http://www2.cedarcrest.edu/academic/bio/hale/biostat.html. Visit the site to replace a lost copy or to check out some interesting web resources that are related to the course material.

Bulletin Board: The bulletin board outside the MacLab (SC132) will be used for this course. At times I will post data sets, answer keys, interesting web sites and news articles; take a break once in a while to check them out.

Goals: The primary goals of this course relate to expanding your horizons in terms of critical thinking and quantitative analyses of data. Working in the sciences without a functional understanding of statistics is like trying to race in a regatta without knowing how to trim the sails. In both cases your chances of success are greatly diminished.

Learning Outcomes/Assessment: Upon successfully completing Biostatistics you should:

• Know how to effectively analyze the data you have collected for your current research, if in fact you are involved in research at this time.
  Assessment: 4 examinations, class assignments, optional oral presentation
• Know how to use statistical software to effectively analyze data.
  Assessment: 4 examinations, class assignments, homework
• Have shed the intimidation that is so commonly present when the topic of statistics arises.
  Assessment: 4 examinations, class assignments, optional oral presentation
• Be able to design a research plan, particularly in terms of choosing statistical tests that effectively address your research questions.
  Assessment: 4 examinations, class assignments, optional oral presentation
• Be able to listen to scientific presentations and many forms of media in the real world and know whether the data were analyzed correctly.
  Assessment: questions at seminars, 4 examinations, book presentation, oral presentations with associated questions/comments
• Be prepared to understand biostatistics more fully as you become involved in future research programs.
  Assessment: 4 examinations, class assignments, homework, optional oral presentation

Companion Web Site: The author of your textbook has set up a companion web site to provide a diversity of resources.  You'll notice by reading the text that he is quite the family man.  If you would like to match described behavior with faces, take a look at the companion web site.  Photos of his wife, his children, and himself are provided.

Examinations 1, 2 and 3: These will be in-class, written examinations. The amount of time available to complete the examinations will not exceed 75 minutes.  The better you understand the material prior to your arrival, the less time you'll need to complete it.  Do not plan to learn material during the exam because you will run out of time; your textbook is there for quick reference, not for extensive guidance.  You may use a calculator, laptop, and the primary textbook (Donnelly) to complete each examination. If you do not have a laptop computer, you will have access to either the classroom computer or computers in a computer lab (e.g., MB20 and 22) if you choose to use one. Use of a laptop (or desktop computer) must be restricted to the statistical tools available through Excel, though for the final exam you will have the option to access the course website for useful links (e.g., Scheffe Test, important tables).. The internet (including email), text files, and non-Excel programs (except for what was noted above) must not be used during examinations; an exam grade of zero will be given to individuals who violate this rule. Although the focus of an exam will be on material covered since the previous exam, keep in mind that in statistics new material builds upon concepts learned previously, and therefore consider each exam as being comprehensive.

Homework: We live in a society where people expect things to be easy: get rich quick strategies; the ultimate diet pill; learn a language faster than ever before; perfect abs in nothing flat. Maybe someday there will be options similar to those in Matrix, but currently if you want to find success, the name of the game is hard work. Developing an intuitive grasp of statistics requires a good bit of your time and thought. Some of this time and thought should be devoted to explaining concepts and solving statistical problems, two important components of this homework assignment. At the end of each chapter in the Donnelly text there are "Your Turn" questions/problems (Q/P). Each student should complete within a bound composition notebook every Q/P in the textbook. Use the first page for a table of contents, which will allow quick access to different chapters.  If Excel or another program that performs statistical analyses is used to do some of the analyses, the important parts of the output should be taped neatly into the respective Q/P section of your notebook. Do not tape folded paper into your notebook, instead cut from the output that which is important and which fits on the page of your notebook. Tape all edges. After completing the Q/P of a given chapter, you should sign and date the last page used for the chapter's Q/P answers. It is recommended that students complete each Q/P before looking at the correct answer at the back of the textbook. Corrections to the original answers should be noted, this is a sign of learning. Answers in the composition book should be in one's own words, not as written in the textbook.

Assignments: Class time is typically used for lecture, however at times we use it for data collection and analyses.  To carry the latter to completion, group or individual assignments are commonly due within one week.  Each assignment is submitted via email as a single Word file with charts and data incorporated into the same file.  Student names should be placed at the top of each assignment; do not use headers or footers for this purpose because Dr. Hale will be combining all assignments into one file, adding comments, and emailing the composite file to all students enrolled in the course.  Students and groups are encouraged to follow the prescribed format of the assignment.

How to Lie with Statistics Presentation:  The book, How to Lie with Statistics, was written in 1954.  Although cell phones, laptops and iPods did not exist back then, it will become obvious as you read this book that human behavior has changed very little since then.  People continue to stretch the truth to convey their intended message.  Begin to read this book at the beginning of the semester and watch for contemporary examples that illustrate how you can lie with statistics.  At some point, groups of approximately four students will be formed and each group will select two chapters to focus on. First come, first served.  Near the end of the semester each group will present (10-12 minutes) their two chapters to the class.  Presentations should include an overview of the primary message within each chapter and several examples found in the media these days.  The latter will involve watching a lot of TV, listening to the radio, surfing the web, catching the latest show on your iPhone or iPad, or reading your favorite newpaper or magazine.  Be sure your examples closely match the chapter content.  A word for the wise: procrastination does not mesh well with this project.  Begin early in the semester.

Final Examination: The final exam will be given during the final exam period and will cover all aspects of the biostatistics course, including readings, lectures, and oral presentations. As with Exams 1, 2 and 3, a calculator, laptop, and primary textbook are allowed. Unlike Exams 1, 2 and 3, you will have access to the course website during the final exam; you will need important tables and online programs.

Research Seminars: Students are encouraged to attend research seminars within the department, or beyond. During the talks, focus on how the speaker has used statistics to form conclusions. Do not hesitate to ask the speaker questions about his/her statistical analyses.

Grading Scale
Students with percent averages in the categories shown below will receive the respective letter grades.

Final Grade Total Percent	A 92.50-100%	A- 89.5-92.49%	B+ 86.5-89.49%	B 82.5-86.49%	B- 79.5-82.49%
C+ 76.5-79.49%	C 72.5-76.49%	C- 69.5-72.49%	D+ 66.5-69.49%	D 59.5-66.49%	F less than 59.5%

Attendance: Statistics can be challenging, so take advantage of the opportunity to have someone help you understand the subject.    

Computer Use Policy and Honor Code: The Biology Department supports the CCC Computer Use Policy and the Honor Code as described in the Customs Book.