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| Syllabus | Lecture notes | Study questions | R | Exams | Grades |
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Purpose
The purpose of this course is to survey the basic principles and methods of multivariate data analysis for experimental and observational studies. We will emphasize (1) both exploratory and inferential statistics, and (2) problems and techniques of particular importance in ecology, systematics and behavior. The course will require a basic knowledge of algebra and univariate statistics (basic probability, parameters and statistics, statistical distributions, confidence intervals, hypothesis testing), although we will review some basic principles at the outset. All computer work will be done in the statistical language R, which we will learn as we proceed. No prior computer experience is necessary, but of course every little bit helps. A final project and research paper are required; these may consist of an analysis of data from your own research project.
NOTE: I am also offering a separate course in Quantitative Morphology (Morphometrics, Biol 6301-047) as a supplement to this course. Morphometrics requires this course as a corequisite or prerequisite.
Format
This is fundamentally a lecture course, based on the provisional outline but with short tangential subjects pursued at any time as the need arises. Practical experience will be derived on your part from a number of out-of-class assignments, including computer work. In addition, a final written report on a data-analysis project will be required.
Time and place : 10 MWF, Biology 106
Textbook
| Strauss home page | Strauss Matlab page |
| Biological Sciences | Texas Tech University |