Applied Data Analysis
| Module title | Applied Data Analysis |
|---|---|
| Module code | LESM005 |
| Academic year | 2021/2 |
| Credits | 15 |
| Module staff | Professor Dave Hodgson (Convenor) |
| Duration: Term | 1 | 2 | 3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Duration: Weeks | 3 |
| Number students taking module (anticipated) | 30 |
|---|
Module description
Biological, ecological and environmental data are complicated. Experiments, surveys and databases provide opportunities to test hypotheses through deduction or inference. The inexperienced data analyst is faced with choices of how to handle data; how to match data collected on different scales of space or time; how to describe hypotheses as statistical models; how to test for significance or credibility; how to measure goodness of fit. Modern analysts are also faced with choices of statistical philosophy and algorithms for analysis. This module uses a series of lectures, practical work and discussion sessions to guide you through modern statistical philosophies and methods. The main software platform for the module is ‘R’, which is powerful, flexible and free. By the end of the module you will understand how to handle and analyse data, interpret results of statistical models and provide graphical summaries. A core concept of the module will be the simulation of data that matches the assumptions of statistical models. However, throughout the module you will use real datasets related to cutting edge research in ecology, evolutionary biology and environmental science.
Module aims - intentions of the module
Data analysis is an integral part of all quantitative research. This module provides key transferable skills in data handling, statistical modelling and programming. More generally, it will promote quantitative and logical thinking alongside computing skills.
A variety of data analysis approaches and techniques will be taught using a mixture of lectures and computer exercises, using the ‘R’ programming language and software environment. Using a combination of real and simulated data, the module will emphasise the possibilities and limitations of the various statistical approaches, without losing sight of their real-world application, and the importance of careful experimental design, survey and data collection.
Applied Data Analysis will provide information on the use of classical hypothetico-deductive tests of significance; permutation tests; information-theoretic approaches and Bayesian algorithms for data analysis. You will also learn about online, open platforms for the sharing of data and algorithms for analysis.
Skills in data analysis are in high demand in the biological and environmental sectors, ranking as #1 employment skills on LinkedIn and valued by the UK research councils as essential skills for employment in research.
The content of this module is inspired directly by research at the cutting edge of ecology, evolutionary biology and environmental sciences. Content will evolve as the modern field of applied data analysis evolves, and you will be involved in discussions of data analyses used in recent scientific papers.
Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)
ILO: Module-specific skills
On successfully completing the module you will be able to...
- 1. Discuss, with a scientific vocabulary, the philosophy of statistical analysis in research
- 2. Debate the relative merits of different analyses to test relevant hypotheses
- 3. Analyse and interpret the results of analyses
- 4. Criticise, and adapt, statistical models to cope with atypical error structures and non-independence
ILO: Discipline-specific skills
On successfully completing the module you will be able to...
- 5. Communicate knowledge and understanding in ecology, evolution and environmental sciences
- 6. Describe and critically evaluate aspects of research and communication with reference to reviews and research articles
- 7. With limited guidance, deploy established techniques of analysis and enquiry in scientific endeavour
ILO: Personal and key skills
On successfully completing the module you will be able to...
- 8. Communicate ideas effectively and professionally by written, oral and visual means
- 9. Study autonomously and undertake projects with minimum guidance
- 10. Select and properly manage information drawn from books, journals, and the internet
- 11. Interact effectively in a group
Syllabus plan
Topic 1: Linear regression, ten ways. An introduction to the variety of methods for understanding patterns in data.
Topic 2: Simulating data that satisfy assumptions of structure and distribution. Analysing these data to clarify the concepts of significance, goodness of fit and statistical power.
Topic 3: General linear modelling and mixed effects modelling with Normal error structures.
Topic 4: Challenging assumptions of Normality.
Topic 5: Challenging assumptions of independence of data.
Statistics clinics and research seminars will take place throughout the module.
Learning activities and teaching methods (given in hours of study time)
| Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities | Guided independent study | Placement / study abroad |
|---|---|---|
| 30 | 120 | 0 |
Details of learning activities and teaching methods
| Category | Hours of study time | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Scheduled Learning and Teaching | 10 | Lectures on statistical and quantitative methods |
| Scheduled Learning and Teaching | 5 | Help and review sessions |
| Scheduled Learning and Teaching | 15 | Computer practical sessions |
| Guided independent study | 120 | Additional research and reading, and preparation for module assessments |
Formative assessment
| Form of assessment | Size of the assessment (eg length / duration) | ILOs assessed | Feedback method |
|---|---|---|---|
| Short-answer questions during lectures and practical sessions | Ongoing throughout the module | All | Oral |
Summative assessment (% of credit)
| Coursework | Written exams | Practical exams |
|---|---|---|
| 60 | 40 | 0 |
Details of summative assessment
| Form of assessment | % of credit | Size of the assessment (eg length / duration) | ILOs assessed | Feedback method |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Statistical modelling problem sheets | 60 | Question sheets submitted end of week 1 | 1-11 | Written |
| Test | 40 | 2 hours | 1-7 | Online |
Details of re-assessment (where required by referral or deferral)
| Original form of assessment | Form of re-assessment | ILOs re-assessed | Timescale for re-assessment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Statistical modelling problem sheets | Statistical modelling problem sheets | 1-11 | August assessment period |
| Test | Test | 1-7 | August assessment period |
Re-assessment notes
Deferral – if you miss an assessment for certificated reasons judged acceptable by the Mitigation Committee, you will normally be either deferred in the assessment or an extension may be granted. The mark given for a re-assessment taken as a result of deferral will not be capped and will be treated as it would be if it were your first attempt at the assessment.
Referral – if you have failed the module overall (i.e. a final overall module mark of less than 50%) you will be required to redo the original assessment as necessary. The mark given for a re-assessment taken as a result of referral will be capped at 50%.
Indicative learning resources - Basic reading
- Beckerman, Childs, Petchey (2017) Getting started with R. Oxford.
Indicative learning resources - Web based and electronic resources
- ELE page: https://vle.exeter.ac.uk/course/view.php?id=9218
- CRAN and R support webpages
Indicative learning resources - Other resources
- Class contributions to web forum (peer support).
| Credit value | 15 |
|---|---|
| Module ECTS | 7.5 |
| Module pre-requisites | None |
| Module co-requisites | None |
| NQF level (module) | 7 |
| Available as distance learning? | No |
| Origin date | 02/03/2018 |
| Last revision date | 21/08/2020 |
