Module Code - Title:

ER4708 - BIOMETRICS

Year Last Offered:

2023/4

Hours Per Week:

Lecture

2

Lab

2

Tutorial

0

Other

0

Private

6

Credits

6

Grading Type:

N

Prerequisite Modules:

Rationale and Purpose of the Module:

To provide a practical course in analysis of the type of data encountered in environmental science and health and safety.

Syllabus:

Practicals for this module consist of a weekly two hour session on computers where the students use the following packages: Microsoft Excel, SPSS for Windows and MVSP (Multivariate Statistical Package, W. Kovach). The students learn to input ecological data and transfer it between the various packages; carry out preliminary data analysis and descriptive statistics; move on to more advanced analyses. Finally, using MVSP, the students undertake simple multivariate procedures including dendrograms and correspondence analysis.

Learning Outcomes:

Cognitive (Knowledge, Understanding, Application, Analysis, Evaluation, Synthesis)

1. Identify the theory, concepts and methods pertaining to statistical hypothesis testing. 2. Differentiate between results that are statistically significant and results that are not statistically significant. 3. Compare and contrast parametric and nonparametric statistical techniques. 4. Recognise the problems associated with the statistical analysis of data. 5. Demonstrate the ability to interpret the results of descriptive and inferential statistical analysis. 6. Evaluate the appropriate use of data transformation procedures.

Affective (Attitudes and Values)

7. Appreciate the value of the importance of the statistical analysis of data as applied to the study of environmental science and health and safety.

Psychomotor (Physical Skills)

8. Use PC based statistical packages to perform simple analyses on data including descriptive and inferential statistical analysis. 9. Input data and transfer this data between PC based statistical packages.

How the Module will be Taught and what will be the Learning Experiences of the Students:

Students will be taught largely in a hands on practical mode in the computer room.

Research Findings Incorporated in to the Syllabus (If Relevant):

Application to Final year project data and findings

Prime Texts:

Hawkins, D. (2005) Biomeasurement: Understanding, Analysing and Communicating Data in the Biosciences , Oxford University Press

Manly, B. (2008) Statistics for Environmental Science and Management , Chapman & Hall CRC

Pallant, J. (2007) SPSS Survival Manual: a step by step guide to data analysis using SPSS for windows , Open University Press

Zar, J.H. (2009) Biostatistical analysis 5th ed. , Prentice-Hall

Other Relevant Texts:

() http://search.ebscohost.com/ ,

() http://www.ul.ie/~library/pdf/citeitright.pdf ,

() https://sulis.ul.ie/osp-portal ,

() http://www.sciencedirect.com/ ,

Programme(s) in which this Module is Offered:

Semester - Year to be First Offered:

Autumn - 09/10

Module Leader:

Audrey.OGrady@ul.ie