Analysis of Biological Data (MAST20031)
Undergraduate level 2Points: 12.5On Campus (Parkville)
Overview
| Availability | Semester 1 |
|---|---|
| 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: 14 December 2024
Eligibility and requirements
Prerequisites
One of
| Code | Name | Teaching period | Credit Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| BIOL10001 | Biology of Australian Flora & Fauna | Semester 2 (On Campus - Parkville) |
12.5 |
| BIOL10006 | Systems Biology | Semester 1 (On Campus - Dookie) |
12.5 |
| BIOL10008 | Foundational Biology: Life's Machinery |
Semester 1 (On Campus - Parkville)
Summer Term (On Campus - Parkville)
|
12.5 |
| BIOL10009 | Biology: Life's Machinery | Not available in 2024 |
12.5 |
| BIOL10010 | Foundational Biology: Life's Complexity | Semester 2 (On Campus - Parkville) |
12.5 |
| BIOL10011 | Biology: Life's Complexity | Not available in 2024 |
12.5 |
| BIOL10002 | Biomolecules and Cells | Semester 1 (On Campus - Parkville) |
12.5 |
| BIOM10002 | Exploring Biomedicine | Semester 2 (On Campus - Parkville) |
12.5 |
BIOL10003 - Genes and Environment
BIOL10004 - Biology of Cells and Organisms
BIOL10005 - Genetics and the Evolution of Life
OR
Selection of the MC-ENVENG Master of Environmental Engineering, 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: 14 December 2024
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: 14 December 2024
Dates & times
- Semester 1
Principal coordinator Paul Fijn Coordinator Tara Jalali Mode of delivery On Campus (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 26 February 2024 to 26 May 2024 Last self-enrol date 8 March 2024 Census date 3 April 2024 Last date to withdraw without fail 3 May 2024 Assessment period ends 21 June 2024 Semester 1 contact information
What do these dates mean
Visit this webpage to find out about these key dates, including how they impact on:
- Your tuition fees, academic transcript and statements.
- And for Commonwealth Supported students, your:
- Student Learning Entitlement. This applies to all students enrolled in a Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP).
Subjects withdrawn after the census date (including up to the ‘last day to withdraw without fail’) count toward the Student Learning Entitlement.
Last updated: 14 December 2024
Further information
- Texts
- Related Handbook entries
This subject contributes to the following:
Type Name Informal specialisation Science Discipline subjects - new generation B-SCI Major Marine Biology - 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.
Please note Single Subject Studies via Community Access Program is not available to student visa holders or applicants
Entry requirements including prerequisites may apply. Please refer to the CAP applications page for further information.
Last updated: 14 December 2024