Introduction to Biometry
Instructor: Dr. J. Kelly McCoyOffice: S100A, phone 942-2189 x246
E-mail: kelly.mccoy@angelo.edu
Course Description: An introduction to the application of statistics to biological research. This course will include an introduction to probability, sampling theory, and hypothesis testing. Emphasis will be on common statistical techniques for biological research.
Prerequisites: There are no formal prerequisites although a thorough understanding of college algebra will be necessary.
Text: Sokal, R.R. and F.J. Rolf. 1995. Introduction to Biostatistics, 2nd Ed. Freeman and Co., New York, NY.
Note: Lectures are prepared assuming that you have already done the readings. Please read the assigned materials before you come to class.
Course Format: This course will include a lecture portion and a laboratory portion. The lab portion of the course will be held in the Biology Department computer lab and will emphasize the use of statistical software for the analysis of common statistical problems.
Attendance: Attendance is expected in this course. You are responsible for all material presented in lecture and in the reading assignments. Although attendance will not be directly graded, failure to attend class will substantially reduce the probability of attaining a good grade.
Academic Dishonesty: Any form of cheating or plagiarism in this course will result in a zero on the assignment or exam for all involved. Allowing others access to your work potentially involves you in cheating. If you have any question about what constitutes plagiarism or cheating please contact the instructor. Working with others to produce identical (or very similar) work is plagiarism regardless of intent. Using the printed or unprinted work of others in writing without citation is plagiarism. Further information regarding academic dishonesty and university policy may be found on pages 31-32 of the Student handbook.
Special Accommodations: If any member of the class feels that he/she has a disability and needs special accommodations please contact the Office of Student Life, Room 100 Hardeman Administration-Communications/Journalism Building, 942-2191 (voice) or 942-2126 (TDD).
Exams and Grading: Performance in this course will be based on exam scores and quiz scores. We will have four (4) exams including a comprehensive final exam. There will be eight (8) "pop" quizzes in this course. I will drop the lowest two quiz scores before figuring your final grades. For the computer laboratory there will be assignments (8) during the semester that will be completed during lab. The lowest two grades on these assignments will be dropped. Point values are listed below:
Exams - 3 exams at 125 points each = 375 points
Final exam = 225 points
Quizzes - 6 at 25 points each = 150 points
Lab Assignments - 6 at 25 points each = 150 points
Total = 900 points
Make-up Exams: Although I expect every effort to be made to take exams as scheduled, I recognize that occasionally circumstances beyond one's control result in the inability to attend class when an exam is given. For these circumstances, make-up exams may be scheduled. To schedule a make-up exam you must see me at the next class attended. Except in extreme circumstances make-up exams must be taken within two weeks of the scheduled exam time. There will be no make-ups allowed for quizzes.
Final Grades: The final grades for this course will be based on the percentage of the total points possible accumulated for all assignments through the semester. Final grades will be assigned on the following basis: A = 90-100%; B = 80-89%; C = 70-79%; D = 60-69%; F = 59% or less. This grading scale will not be raised, but may be lowered at the instructor's discretion.
Corrections on Exam Scores: If errors are made in scoring exams, notify the instructor within one week of the day the exam was returned.
Other Comments:
You will need a calculator for all quizzes and exams. Bring a calculator to every class meeting.
Memorization of statistical formulas is not a major goal of this course. For exams you will be allowed to use a formula sheet. You may have one 8.5 x 11 sheet of paper to write any statistical formulas you may need for the exam.
Example Class Schedule:
This schedule is tentative and subject to change.
Week 1 - Introduction, Data - Chapters 1, 2
Week 2 - Descriptive Statistics - Chapter 3
Week 3,4 - Probability - Chapter 4
Week 5 - Normal Probability Distribution - Chapter 5
Week 6 - Estimation and Hypothesis Testing I - Chapter 6.1-6.5
Exam 1
Week 7 - Estimation and Hypothesis Testing II - Chapter 6.6-6.10
Week 8,9 - Analysis of Variance - Chapter 7
Week 10 - Single Classification ANOVA - Chapter 8
Week 11 - Two-Way ANOVA, Assumptions - Chapters 9, 10
Exam 2
Week 12 - Regression - Chapter 11
Week 13 - Regression continued - Chapter 11
Week 14 - Correlation - Chapter 12
Exam 3
Week 15 - Analysis of Frequencies - Chapter 13
Final Exam