Course - Quantitative Analyses in Ecology and Evolution - BI3051
Quantitative Analyses in Ecology and Evolution
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About the course
Course content
The course presents classical methods of statistical analyses for biological data, focusing on the relationships between the biological questions, the study design, and the statistical models used to analyse the data. Emphasis is also placed on the interpretation and presentation of statistical analyses. The course comprises lectures, exercises, discussions of the scientific literature and an obligatory assignment.
The different statistical models presented in the course are: linear models, generalized linear models (with Poisson, Binomial and negative binomial distribution), and mixed effect models. Analyses are performed with R.
Learning outcome
After completing the course, the student should be able to:
- Understand and use statistical models to perform quantitative analyses in biology.
- Understand how to apply specific statistical models to different experimental designs in biology.
- Use the statistical software R to perform data analyses and present the results.
- Interpret results from statistical analyses.
- Critically evaluate statistical analyses presented in the literature.
- Design experiments in biology and perform the statistical analyses of the data.
Learning methods and activities
Lectures (ca. 30 hours), exercises (ca. 30 hours). During the exercises, students analyse data from experiments in biology and interpret and present the results of these analyses. Lecture also include discussions of statistical analyses presented in the scientific literature. Examples are primarily based on studies in ecology and evolution, but data from other fields in biology are also used. For the obligatory semester assignment, groups of students analyse data and present orally the research question, the method used, the results, and their interpretation.
Compulsory assignments
- Term paper with oral presentation
Further on evaluation
Assessment for the course is a written exam (100%).
The written exam can be changed to an oral exam in the semester when the course is not taught.
The mandatory activity consists of group work with an oral presentation of the work. The work must be approved to take the final exam. Once the mandatory activity is approved it remains valid even in case of failure at the final exam.
Recommended previous knowledge
Statistics and Biology corresponding to ST0103 or ST1201 and BI2017
Course materials
Lecture notes and primary literature provided and discussed during the course
Credit reductions
| Course code | Reduction | From |
|---|---|---|
| BI8051 | 7.5 sp | Autumn 2025 |
Subject areas
- Ethology
- Biodiversity
- Biology
- Ecology
Contact information
Examination
Examination
Ordinary examination - Autumn 2025
School exam
The specified room can be changed and the final location will be ready no later than 3 days before the exam. You can find your room location on Studentweb.