BSM2710 - DATA MANAGEMENT AND HANDLING

Module Identifier

BSM2710

Module Title

DATA MANAGEMENT AND HANDLING

Academic Year

2006/2007

Co-ordinator

Dr Michael K Winson

Semester

Semester 1

Other staff

Dr David R C Causton

Course delivery

Lecture

15 Hours. lectures

Other

6 Hours. (3 x 2 hours workshops)

Assessment

Assessment Type	Assessment Length/Details	Proportion
Semester Assessment	Open book assessment	70%
Semester Assessment	Data analysis exercise	30%
Supplementary Assessment	Open book assessment	100%

Learning outcomes

On successful completion of this module students should be able to:

Demonstrate an understanding of the logic behind the selection of analysis methods for data sets.
Assimilate and evaluate data for subsequent interpretation and analysis.
Devise testable hypotheses, define focused aims and objectives.
Demonstrate proficiency in applying statistical and research methodologies.
Conduct research searches using library, Information Technology and database sources.
Collect, store, analyse and interpret data.
Utilise appropriate bioinformatics resources for gathering and analysing information.

Aims

This module addresses the important issue of dealing with scientific information in the form of data. It aims to introduce biologists to the concepts and terminology of statistical science which will enable students to have meaningful dialogue with professional statisticians in considering experimental design and data analysis. Introductions to data management, bioinformatics and Intellectual Property (IP) issues will be provided in the form of workshops. Students will be provided with an overview of good practice, limitations of data and use of appropriate statistical analysis to gain information from data which allows hypothesis testing and valid conclusions to be drawn. The module covers different types of data and standard, mainly parametric, statistical approaches. The teaching of this section of the module is based firmly around appropriate worked examples. The aim of the workshops is to provide practical experience in the use of bioinformatics, data archiving and non-parametric statistical analysis, including use of computer software packages, and to focus on IP issues in data acquisition and management.

Content

The lectures cover the following topics:

Descriptive Statistics - Samples & Populations
Inferential Statistics - Hypothesis Testing & the setting of Confidence Intervals
General principles of the design of experiments and surveys
The analysis of variance: one-way, two-way and two factor
Regression, including multiple regression
An introduction to non-parametric statistical methods
Analysis of variance and regression will be instructed via Excel.

Workshops cover the following topics:

Information access and bioinformatics
Intellectual Property and licensing issues
Data acquisition and archiving

Module Skills

Problem_solving	Problem solving skills will be developed through using statistical approaches
Research skills	Research skills will be developed through gaining an understanding of data analysis, management and handling
Communication	Communication skills will be developed to enable meaningful dialogue with professional statisticians
Improving own Learning and Performance	Independent learning skills will be gained through management of data and time for the purpose of assessment
Information Technology	Information technology skills will be developed through use of the internet and specific software for analysis of environmental data
Personal Development and Career planning	Personal development and career planning skills will be aided through gaining training experience using subject specific computer software related to environmental management

Reading Lists

Books
** General Text
Dytham, Calvin. (2003 (2005 prin) Choosing and using statistics :a biologist's guide 1405102438
Hawkins, Dawn. (2005.) Biomeasurement :Dawn Hawkins. Oxford University Press 0199265151
Jones, Allan (Dec. 1999) Practical Skills in Environmental Science Prentice Hall 058232873X
Quinn, G. P. (2002.) Experimental design and data analysis for biologists Cambridge University Press 0521811287
** Recommended Text
Holmes, D., Moody, P. & Dine, D (2006) Research Methods in the Biosciences Oxford University Press 0199276927

Notes

This module is at CQFW Level 7