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Biometry (BIOL90002)

Graduate courseworkPoints: 12.5On Campus (Parkville)

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Overview

Availability
July
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Biological knowledge is increased by an iterative process of developing ideas, collecting data to assess those ideas, analysing and interpreting those data, and communicating the conclusions. Those conclusions are used to develop new research ideas, improve human health, and to make decisions about environmental management. For this process to be successful, we must collect the right data, enough data, and we must analyse and interpret those data correctly. Biologists must also be able to interpret colleagues’ analyses and interpretation critically.

This subject provides recommendations on appropriate was of collecting data, introduces the most common statistical tools applied to biological (including biomedical and environmental) data, and discusses ways of interpreting and presenting the results of analyses. Topics covered include strategies for efficient and effective estimation, the design of routine monitoring and assessment programs, and experimental design. It will also cover the most common statistical methods used for biological data, including general linear models, logistic and log-linear models, and multivariate techniques, and emphasis will be placed on interpretation and reporting of data analyses.

Intended learning outcomes

At the completion of this subject, students should be able to:

  • demonstrate an understanding of the data generated by biological and environmental research programs;
  • design efficient sampling programs and experiments in biological science;
  • identify biological issues that may cause statistical complications;
  • apply statistical models to different kinds of biological data; and
  • present and interpret results of analyses.

Generic skills

At the completion of this subject, students should gain skills in:

  • handling, managing and interpreting quantitative data;
  • communicating quantitative results to a general audience;
  • developing the ability to exercise critical judgement;
  • rigorous and independent thinking; and
  • time management and self-management.

 

Last updated: 7 March 2023

Eligibility and requirements

Prerequisites

None

Corequisites

None

Non-allowed subjects

None

Recommended background knowledge

Basic understanding of statistical inference, obtained by completion of appropriate undergraduate or postgraduate subjects, or completion of preparatory multimedia material and reading.



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: 7 March 2023

Assessment

DescriptionTimingPercentage

A written report, up to 1500 words

  • 1500 words
1 Weeks after the end of teaching15%

A written report, up to 1500 words

  • 1500 words
3 Weeks after the end of teaching15%

A 2 hr written examination - open book

  • 2 hours
End of the assessment period70%

Last updated: 7 March 2023

Dates & times

  • July
    Principal coordinatorAllyson O'Brien
    CoordinatorEmile van Lieshout
    Mode of deliveryOn Campus (Parkville)
    Contact hours48 hours over eight days, comprising twenty-four 1-hour lectures and eight 3-hour tutorials.
    Total time commitment170 hours
    Teaching period12 July 2023 to 20 July 2023
    Last self-enrol date13 July 2023
    Census date21 July 2023
    Last date to withdraw without fail 4 August 2023
    Assessment period ends20 August 2023

    July contact information

    allyson.obrien@unimelb.edu.au

    evl@unimelb.edu.au

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).
    - Completion rate. Students who started their course from 2022 and are in a CSP or receiving a HELP Loan (eg FEE-HELP) must meet the completion rate to continue to receive Commonwealth Support for that course.

Subjects withdrawn after the census date (including up to the ‘last day to withdraw without fail’) count toward the Student Learning Entitlement, and as a fail toward the completion rate, unless there are approved ‘special circumstances’.

Last updated: 7 March 2023

Further information

Last updated: 7 March 2023