Intro to Course

M. Drew LaMar
August 27, 2025

“Statistics are used much like a drunk uses a lamppost: for support, not illumination.”

- Andrew Lang

I will publish the slides prior to lecture/lab so you can annotate and take notes (more on this a little later…)

You have the option to attend class and lab via Zoom or in-person (but please try to attend in person if possible)
Zoom rooms for all lectures and labs on Blackboard
All lectures will be recorded

You never owe me personal information about your health (mental or physical), or anything else.
You are always welcome to talk to me about things that you’re going through. If I can’t help you, I will work hard to find someone who can.
If you need extra help, or you need to miss class, or you need more time with something, just ask. I’ll work with you. Promise!

Labs: Undergraduates must be enrolled
- 327L-01: M 1:00-1:50 (ISC 2280)
- 327L-02: W 1:00-1:50 (ISC 2280)
- 327L-03: R 1:00-1:50 (Washington Hall 307)

~~NO LABS THIS WEEK OR NEXT~~

~~Zoom room for office hours will be on Blackboard~~

Prerequisite: BIOL 220, BIOL 225 and MATH 111/131
Required text:
- “The Analysis of Biological Data” (3^rd edition), by Whitlock and Schluter

~~PDFs of first five chapters will be made available on Blackboard~~
~~3rd edition only please!!!~~

Uploaded on Blackboard each week and ~~due on Blackboard by Mondays at 11:59 pm~~
Grade will be a combination of the three C’s:
- Completion
- Correctness
- Clarity
Drop two lowest homework grades
Homework worth 40% of your grade

Two take-home midterms:
- Friday, September 26, 5:00 pm (start) – Monday, September 29, 11:59 pm (due)
- Monday, October 27, 2:00 pm (start) – Wednesday, October 29, 11:59 pm (due)
Each midterm worth 10% of your grade

Assigned most days for the following class period
Will be given online on Blackboard
Worth 10% of your grade
~~Reading Assignment #1~~ is already posted on Blackboard and due before class on Friday (Whitlock & Schluter, Chapter 1)