Swedish name: Analys av fältdata
This syllabus is valid: 2024-11-11 and until further notice
Course code: 5BI269
Credit points: 15
Education level: Second cycle
Main Field of Study and progress level:
Biology: Second cycle, has only first-cycle course/s as entry requirements
Earth Science/Physical Geography: Second cycle, has only first-cycle course/s as entry requirements
Grading scale: Pass with distinction, Pass, Fail
Responsible department: Department of Ecology and Environmental Science
Established by: Faculty Board of Science and Technology, 2023-01-20
Revised by: Faculty Board of Science and Technology, 2024-11-06
The course will review the analytic methods applied in field studies . The course aims to achieve basic knowledge and training in the design and planning of field experiments, the capability to handle statistical analysis, and the graphical presentation of field data with modern statistical software. The course includes project work, in which students will analyze and write a report based on a real dataset.
The course is divided into the following modules:
Module 1: Theory, 10 ECTS
This module is divided into three sections:
Section 1: Introduction, 2 ECTS
This section introduces the software used throughout the course and covers the basics of designing and planning field experiments, parameter estimation, hypothesis testing, and graphical presentation.
Section 2: Analysis, Interpretation, and Presentation of Field Data, 7 ECTS
This section addresses how the design, analysis, and interpretation of a study are influenced by the type of data used. It covers the design, analysis, and presentation of experiments, discussing the selection of parameters concerning statistical analysis and the ecological interpretations that can be drawn. The construction of methods based on variance analysis, such as regression analysis, ANOVA, ANCOVA, variance component analysis, and contrasts, are covered. Basic concepts and applications of Generalized Linear Models and Contingency Tables are also included. The use of various types of analyses in scientific articles is critically examined. In computer lab sessions, discussions will cover how to present analyses in scientific articles and how to translate analysis results into relevant interpretations.
Section 3: Planning and Analysis of Monitoring Programs, 1 credit
This section introduces the planning and analysis of monitoring programs, where students independently design or evaluate monitoring programs through computer-based exercises.
Module 2: Applied Project, 5 ECTS
This module involves an independent analysis of a dataset, allowing students the option to work with their data. In this project, several methods covered earlier in the course will be applied. The dataset should be analyzed with a focus on parameter estimation and statistical significance, and the results should be presented in a report. This module also includes guidelines on presenting data analyses in articles and reports.
After this course, a student is expected to be able to:
FSR 1 Plan field experiments and monitoring programs
FSR 2 Analyse and interpret field data with common statistical methods
FSR 3 Present statistical analyses in scientific publications
FSR 4 Use modern statistical software
FSR 5 Critically examine the statistical methods used in scientific publications
120 ECTS including 60 ECTS in Biology of which 30 ECTS in Ecology or 60 ECTS Earth science/physical geography or Environmental science and 30 ECTS in ecology, or equivalent knowledge.
Proficiency in English equivalent to Swedish upper secondary course English B/6.
Where the language of instruction is Swedish, applicants must prove proficiency in Swedish to the level required for basic eligibility for higher studies.
The course includes lectures, computer exercises, seminars, and a project that is presented both in writing and orally.
The first module is assessed through a written exam. The second module, the applied assignment, is assessed through an oral presentation and a written report. Grades for individual components and the overall course are Fail (U), Pass (G), or Pass with Distinction (VG). Students who fail have the right to retake the exam. Students who have passed an exam cannot retake it to achieve a higher grade. A student who has attempted two exams for a course or part of a course without a passing grade has the right to request a different examiner, unless specific reasons argue against it (HF 6 chap. 22 §). Requests for a new examiner should be directed to the Head of the Department of Ecology, Environment, and Earth Sciences.
Module 1: Theory, 10 ECTS
This module is assessed through the following exams:
Individual written exam
Individual take-home written exam
Oral examination through active participation in seminars
The take-home written exam is graded with Pass with Distinction (VG), Pass (G), or Fail (U). The seminars and written exam are graded only with Pass (G) or Fail (U).
The module grade is determined once all exams have been completed. The module is graded as Pass with Distinction (VG), Pass (G), or Fail (U). To achieve a Pass (G) grade, all exams must be graded at least Pass (G). For a Pass with Distinction (VG), the take-home exam must be graded as Pass with Distinction (VG). If any exam receives a Fail (U) grade, the module grade will be recorded as Fail (U), provided the student has completed all assessments in the module.
Module 2: Applied Assignment, 5 ECTS
This module is assessed through the following exams:
Group written assignment
Individual written assignment
All written assignments are graded with Pass with Distinction (VG), Pass (G), or Fail (U).
The module grade is determined once all exams have been completed. The module is graded as Pass with Distinction (VG), Pass (G), or Fail (U). To achieve a Pass (G) grade, all exams must be graded at least Pass (G). For a Pass with Distinction (VG), all written assignments must be graded Pass with Distinction (VG). If any exam receives a Fail (U) grade, the module grade will be recorded as Fail (U), provided the student has completed all assessments in the module.
General Examination Regulations for Course Grades
The final course grade is determined once all exams are completed, and all components are approved. For an overall grade of Pass (G) in the course, all components must be graded Pass (G). For an overall grade of Pass with Distinction (VG), all modules must be graded Pass with Distinction (VG).
Examiners may decide to deviate from the modes of assessment in the course syllabus. Individual adaption of modes of assessment must give due consideration to the student's needs. The adaption of modes of assessment must remain within the framework of the intended learning outcomes in the course syllabus. Students who require an adapted examination must submit a request to the department holding the course no later than 10 days before the examination. The examiner decides on the adaption of the examination, after which the student will be notified.
Credit Transfer
Students have the right to request that previous education or equivalent knowledge and skills acquired in professional practice be credited towards equivalent education at Umeå University. Applications for credit transfer are submitted to the Student Centre/Examinations Office. More information on credit transfer is available on the Umeå University student website and in the Higher Education Ordinance (6 chap.). A denial of a credit transfer application can be appealed (Higher Education Ordinance 12 chap.) to the Higher Education Appeals Board, regardless of whether the entire or part of the application is denied.
In the event that the syllabus ceases to apply or undergoes major changes, students are guaranteed at least three examinations (including the regular examination opportunity) according to the regulations in the syllabus that the student was originally registered on for a period of a maximum of two years from the time that the previous syllabus ceased to apply or that the course ended.
The literature list is not available through the web. Please contact the faculty.