00914 - Statistics

Learning outcomes

Students will  acquire basic knowledge of statistics, in particular as regards its biological applications; students will be able to understand simple statistical tests.  

Course contents

Introduction

Statistics: definition and purpose.

Descriptive statistics:

qualitative and quantitative variables
arithmetic mean
deviance, variance, standard deviation
frequency distributions and graphics

Inference:

probability (outlines); definition of Random variable

confidence intervals of the mean

definition and use of statistical tests, null hypothesis and p-value

Chi-square test

Readings/Bibliography

Whitlock e Schluter -  Analisi Statistica dei Dati Biologici. Zanichelli.

Andrea Petrucci - Compendio di statistica. Maggioli editore.

Text drawn-up by the teacher, available as .pdf

Materials at the following link: http://campus.cib.unibo.it and https://iol.unibo.it/

Teaching methods

Class lessons and simple problem solving

Assessment methods

The evaluation of students consists of a preliminary written test followed by an oral examination

·        Written test

o      Written test is aimed to verify the comprehension of simple questions and the knowledge of the basic notions required for the admission to the oral examination.

o      The test is individual and consists of an odd number (usually 7) of questions; the student will pass the test if correct answers are more than 50%. The time for the written test should be approximately 30-45 minutes.

o      During the test, students can use pocket-calculators, personal notes and books. Computers, phones and other similar tools are not allowed.

·        Oral examination:

o      Students will enter oral examination after passing the written test.

o      Oral examination will be aimed to assess the student achievement of course objectives, with special emphasis on understanding and communication skills.

o      It will consist of at least one question ranging on the covered topics in order to evaluate the capacity of synthesis and independent judgment of the student.

Final evaluation:

The test is passed if the student, during the oral examination, shows sufficient understanding and knowledge of the topics of the course, also by discussing the answers to the questions of the written test. The final evaluation will take into account 30% of the concepts acquired, 20% of the expressive skills and 60% of the acquisition and understanding of the concepts and connections between the various parts of the course.

Teaching tools

Blackboard, computer, slides, clickers.

Links to further information

http://corsi.unibo.it/magistralecu/medicinaveterinaria/Pagine/sillabi.aspx

Office hours

See the website of Laura Stancampiano