ABG-30806 Modern Statistics for the Life Sciences

Course

Credits 6.00

Teaching methodContact hours
Lectures38
Practical extensively supervised60
Self-study
Course coordinator(s)prof. dr. ir. H Bovenhuis
Lecturer(s)dr. ir. CA Maliepaard
prof. dr. ir. H Bovenhuis
dr. B Engel
dr. G Gort
dr. M Malosetti
Examiner(s)prof. dr. ir. JAM van Arendonk

Language of instruction:

English

Assumed knowledge on:

It is assumed that all students who take this course have a basic understanding of statistics and genetics. It is strongly recommended to take the courses MAT-11806 Introduction to Statistics and MAT-20306 Advanced Statistics before taking part in the present course.

Contents:

In this course students will learn about a number of statistical models and associated methods for statistical inference. Applications of models and methods in quantitative genetics and epidemiology will be discussed. For this purpose we will make use of plenary lectures, intensive computer practicals and working on two cases, i.e. analyze two data sets and write a small report on the analysis. This course consists of 6 modules where each module takes one week. The first three modules are general in nature and introduce the student to the Analysis of Variance, Regression analysis, the Likelihood concept, Mixed models, Generalized Linear Models and Bayesian statistics. The second three modules are dedicated to the application of the statistical methods to: the estimation of genetic parameters, QTL mapping and epidemiology.

Learning outcomes:

At the end of this course:
- the student is expected to have an overview of the different statistical methods and models that are being used in the life sciences;
- the student is expected to have an understanding of the differences between these methods and models and is able to decide in which situations the different models can be applied;
- it is intended that the students are capable of motivating an acceptable statistical analysis and providing a convincing interpretation of the results of the analysis;
- the student is expected to have learned how specific knowledge about epidemiology or genetics can be used to give an interpretation to estimates obtained from specific statistical analyses.

Activities:

Theory will be introduced during plenary lectures. The theory will be illustrated during the computer practicals where data sets will be analysed. For the analysis use will be made of SAS, GENSTAT and other more specific programs.

Examination:

The examination consists of two written reports and an oral examination. The contribution of each of these elements to the final mark is as follows: report 1 25%; report 2 25%; oral examination 50%
For the oral examination a minimum score of 5 is required.

Literature:

A study guide and lecture notes will be provided. Further, lecturers will put their presentations on the EDU web site.

ProgrammePhaseSpecializationPeriod
Restricted Optional for: MASAnimal SciencesMScA: Animal Breeding and Genetics5AF
MPSPlant SciencesMScD: Plant Breeding and Genetic Resources5AF