Biostatistics from Scratch

Biostatistics from Scratch is an accessible, student-friendly introduction to the key statistical techniques used within the biological and environmental sciences. Written by a biologist for biologists, this user-friendly book enables the reader to understand the subjects of experimental design and data analysis on the grounds of common sense whilst still maintaining scientific rigour. The importance of accessibility to the students is illustrated by the use of easy-to-understand chapter titles, such as “Comparing This and That” (for analyses comparing two samples) and “Comparing This, That and the Other” (for analyses comparing three or more samples).

Carefully structured throughout, the book enables the reader to select appropriate statistical tests which is one of the key statistical skills a biologist needs to develop in order to identify the most appropriate analytical test for a particular data set, yet no current textbook tests that skill. Throughout the proposed book, chapters are included in which the readers can practice their ability to identify the most appropriate tests (from the previous chapters) for data sets gleaned from research studies. Selection will be facilitated by the use of simple-to-use, decision-making keys which develop throughout the text.

Students are clearly shown how best to present the results of their analysis, while the related subject material gives the students scope for advanced interpretation of the results. Problem sets also provide the student with the opportunity to regularly consolidate their training, a vital element in a self-tuition manual.