STA 3300 Experimental Design

STAFFING:

REQUISITES:

RATIONALE:

The proper design, implementation and analysis of results of experiments are of vital importance in many disciplines. The validity and reliability of research findings can be severely compromised if a poor design or experimental procedure is followed. This course introduces principles of good design in experiments and discusses appropriate methods of analysis of planned experiments. This course has relevance to all students planning or planning to be involved in experimental projects, especially students in the general science disciplines. Previous statistical knowledge to the level of STA2300 Data Analysis only is assumed.

SYNOPSIS:

This course covers principles of design such as randomisation, replication, factorial arrangement and blocking. Practical experience is gained in designing, carrying out, analysing and writing up the results of an experimental study. Methods of analysis are discussed and practiced, mainly on computer. The emphasis is on general principles of design and analysis rather than in describing the details of particular design layouts. Consideration is given to assumption checking, robustness, prior and posterior analysis, contrasts, confounding, covariates, error control and reduction, and interpretation of results.

OBJECTIVES:

On completion of this course students will be able to:

1. recognise the need for and implement procedures for randomisation;
2. recognise the importance of factorial arrangements and replication;
3. recognise the advantages and disadvantages of blocking;
4. analyse a data set in an appropriate fashion using a computer package;
5. interpret the results of an analysis in everyday terms;

TOPICS:

TEXT and MATERIALS required to be PURCHASED or accessed:

ALL textbooks and materials are available for purchase from USQ BOOKSHOP (unless otherwise stated). Orders may be placed via secure internet, free fax 1800642453, phone 07 46312742 (within Australia), or mail. Overseas students should fax +61 7 46311743, or phone +61 7 46312742. For costs, further details, and internet ordering, use the 'Textbook Search' facility at http://bookshop.usq.edu.au click 'Semester', then enter your 'Course Code' (no spaces).

REFERENCE MATERIALS:

STUDENT WORKLOAD REQUIREMENTS:

ASSESSMENT DETAILS:

NOTES:

1.

Examination dates will be available during the Semester. Please refer to Examination timetable when published.

IMPORTANT ASSESSMENT INFORMATION

1. Attendance requirements:
   There are no attendance requirements for this course. However, it is the students' responsibility to study all material provided to them or required to be accessed by them to maximise their chance of meeting the objectives of the course and to be informed of course-related activities and administration.
2. Requirements for students to complete each assessment item satisfactorily:
   To complete an assessment item satisfactorily, students must obtain at least 50% of the marks available for that assessment item.
3. Penalties for late submission of required work:
   If students submit assignments after the due date without prior approval then a penalty of 10% of the total marks gained by the student for the assignment will apply for each working day late.
4. Requirements for student to be awarded a passing grade in the course:
   To be assured of a passing grade, students must demonstrate, via the summative assessment items, that they have achieved the required minimum standards in relation to the objectives of the course by satisfactorily completing all summative assessment items (the examination and assignments).
5. Method used to combine assessment results to attain final grade:
   The final grades for students will be assigned on the basis of the weighted aggregate of the marks obtained for each of the summative assessment items in the course.
6. Examination information:
   In a Restricted Examination, candidates are allowed access to specific materials during the examination. The only materials that candidates may use in the restricted examination for this course are: writing materials (non-electronic and free from material which could give the student an unfair advantage in the examination); calculators which cannot hold textual information (students must indicate on their examination paper the make and model of any calculator(s) they use during the examination. With the Examiner's approval, candidates may take an appropriate non- electronic translation dictionary into the examination. This will be subject to perusal and, if it is found to contain annotations or markings that could give the candidate an unfair advantage, it may be removed from the candidate's possession until the appropriate disciplinary action is completed.
7. Examination period when Deferred/Supplementary examinations will be held:
   Any Deferred or Supplementary examinations for this course will be held during the examination period at the end of the semester of the next offering of this course.
8. University Regulations:
   Students should read USQ Regulations 5.1 Definitions, 5.6. Assessment, and 5.10 Academic Misconduct for further information and to avoid actions which might contravene University Regulations. These regulations can be found at the URL http://www.usq.edu.au/corporateservices/calendar/part5.htm or in the current USQ Handbook.

ASSESSMENT NOTES