STAT 219: Statistics for Biology (GE)
Prerequisites: Any MATH class, or a passing score on a placement test approved by the Department of Mathematics and Statistics
Credit Hours: (3)
An introduction to statistical methods taught by embedding statistical language and
methods into a biological context. Topics will include descriptive statistics (univariate
and bivariate graphs; measures of central tendency, dispersion, and position); probability
distributions; estimation; hypothesis testing; correlation; regression.
Note(s): General Education and Scientific and Quantitative Reasoning designated course. Students
may not receive credit for both STAT 219 and STAT 200.
Detailed Description of Content of Course
1. Data collection: random sampling, observational studies, experimental designs
2. Descriptive statistics and data analysis
a. Graphical methods of displaying data
b. Measures of center: mean, median, mode, weighted mean
c. Measures of dispersion: range, standard deviation, variance, interquartile range
3. Probability Distributions
a. Discrete distributions: Binomial & Poisson
b. Continuous distribution: Normal
4. Statistical Inference
a. Point and Confidence Interval estimation:
i. One sample estimation of the mean and proportion
ii. Two sample estimation of the difference of means and the difference of proportions
b. Hypothesis Testing:
i. One sample tests of the mean and proportion;
ii. Two sample tests of the difference of means and the difference of proportions
c. Test of Independence
d. Simple Linear Correlation and Regression
e. Nonparametric Tests
Detailed Description of Conduct of Course
The students will be required to use technology including graphing calculators and a statistical package such as Excel, Minitab, SPSS, or JMP. Science-based topics will be used in examples wherever possible and appropriate.
Goals and Objectives of the Course
To develop the skills and techniques for students to be able to analyze data using
standard statistical methods.
Students will be able to use the tools of mathematics and quantitative reasoning to
conceptualize and solve problems.
Students will be able to:
1) interpret relationships among numeric, symbolic, and graphical information
as applied to the real world
2) solve problems using numeric, symbolic, and graphical information
Assessment Measures
Graded tasks may include tests, quizzes, homework exercises, computer assignments, projects, class participation and attendance.
Other Course Information
None
Review and Approval
June 4, 2012
March 01, 2021