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Analysis of Biological Data (MAST20031)
Undergraduate level 2Points: 12.5Dual-Delivery (Parkville)
Please refer to the return to campus page for more information on these delivery modes and students who can enrol in each mode based on their location.
About this subject
- Overview
- Eligibility and requirements
- Assessment
- Dates and times
- Further information
- Timetable(opens in new window)
Contact information
Semester 1
Overview
Availability | Semester 1 - Dual-Delivery |
---|---|
Fees | Look up fees |
A capacity to interpret data is fundamental to making informed decisions in everyday life. The design of experiments, analysis, and interpretation of biological data also lie at the very heart of the scientific enterprise. You cannot be a scientist without an understanding of data and design. This subject introduces you to fundamental concepts in data science for biology, with emphasis on modern statistical methods. Drawing on real biological problems and datasets, as well as drawing on data collected by the class, the lectures cover foundational concepts in experimental design and statistical modelling. The subject emphasises hands-on problem solving. As well as a solid grounding in statistical methodology, you will also develop practical skills, developing your capacity to design experiments, collect data, and analyse those data using the R statistical environment.
Intended learning outcomes
Students completing this subject should be able to:
- Evaluate importance of careful design and analysis in scientific enterprise;
- Design biological experiments in a variety of contexts such as laboratory cell studies, greenhouse experiments, and ecological field studies, build statistical models, and sample real biological populations;
- Formulate an approach to problems entailing the collection and analysis of biological data;
- Recognise and manipulate common data types and models in biology;
- Desribe fundamental statistical concepts including exploratory data analysis; basic principles of statistical inference; linear models, likelihood-based methods and re-sampling techniques
Generic skills
The subject builds upon generic skills developed in first year level subjects, including the ability to critically assess and assimilate new knowledge. Students will also learn how to:
- solve practical data analysis problems faced by biologists
- design experiments and critically evaluate observations
- evaluate and interpret real data
Last updated: 3 November 2022
Eligibility and requirements
Prerequisites
One of
Code | Name | Teaching period | Credit Points |
---|---|---|---|
BIOL10001 | Biology of Australian Flora & Fauna | Semester 2 (Dual-Delivery - Parkville) |
12.5 |
BIOL10006 | Systems Biology | Semester 1 (On Campus - Dookie) |
12.5 |
BIOL10008 | Introductory Biology: Life's Machinery |
Summer Term (Online)
Semester 1 (Online)
|
12.5 |
BIOL10009 | Biology: Life's Machinery | Semester 1 (Online) |
12.5 |
BIOL10010 | Introductory Biology: Life's Complexity | Semester 2 (Dual-Delivery - Parkville) |
12.5 |
BIOL10011 | Biology: Life's Complexity | Semester 2 (Dual-Delivery - Parkville) |
12.5 |
BIOL10003 - Genes and Environment
BIOL10004 - Biology of Cells and Organisms
BIOL10005 - Genetics and the Evolution of Life
OR
Selection of the Environmental specialisation (formal) in the MC-ENG Master of Engineering
Corequisites
None
Non-allowed subjects
None
Recommended background knowledge
25 points of first year Biology subjects
Inherent requirements (core participation requirements)
The University of Melbourne is committed to providing students with reasonable adjustments to assessment and participation under the Disability Standards for Education (2005), and the Assessment and Results Policy (MPF1326). Students are expected to meet the core participation requirements for their course. These can be viewed under Entry and Participation Requirements for the course outlines in the Handbook.
Further details on how to seek academic adjustments can be found on the Student Equity and Disability Support website: http://services.unimelb.edu.au/student-equity/home
Last updated: 3 November 2022
Assessment
Description | Timing | Percentage |
---|---|---|
6 online tests, held fortnightly
| Throughout the semester | 15% |
3 x 400 word assignments, due at regular intervals throughout semester*
| Throughout the semester | 25% |
An exam
| During the examination period | 55% |
Weekly online review quizzes (of which only 10 need to be completed)
| Throughout the semester | 5% |
Additional details
*Due to extenuating factors related to COVID-19, assessment due dates for this subject in Semester 1, 2021 may differ with Handbook publication. Please check your subject LMS page at the start of semester for confirmed assessment timings.
Last updated: 3 November 2022
Dates & times
- Semester 1
Principal coordinator Paul Fijn Coordinator Ben Phillips Mode of delivery Dual-Delivery (Parkville) Contact hours 2 x one hour online lectures per week, 1 x one hour interactive lecture per week, 1 x one hour tutorial per week, 1 x one hour computer laboratory class per week. Total time commitment 170 hours Teaching period 1 March 2021 to 30 May 2021 Last self-enrol date 12 March 2021 Census date 31 March 2021 Last date to withdraw without fail 7 May 2021 Assessment period ends 25 June 2021 Semester 1 contact information
Time commitment details
170 hours
Last updated: 3 November 2022
Further information
- Texts
Prescribed texts
Whitlock and Schluter, The Analysis of Biological Data.
- Related Handbook entries
This subject contributes to the following:
Type Name Major Marine Biology Informal specialisation Elective subjects for B-BMED Informal specialisation Science Discipline subjects - new generation B-SCI - Available through the Community Access Program
About the Community Access Program (CAP)
This subject is available through the Community Access Program (also called Single Subject Studies) which allows you to enrol in single subjects offered by the University of Melbourne, without the commitment required to complete a whole degree.
Entry requirements including prerequisites may apply. Please refer to the CAP applications page for further information.
Last updated: 3 November 2022