Intro to Course

M. Drew LaMar
September 1, 2021

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

- Andrew Lang

Introduction to Biostatistics, Fall 2021

Slides available

https://rpubs.com/mdlama/fall2021-lecture01

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
  • Zoom rooms for all lectures and labs on Blackboard
  • All lectures will be recorded

This is decidedly NOT fine


There is (still) a freaking pandemic!

This is decidedly NOT fine

  • 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!

In-person etiquette

  • When there is an indoor mask mandate, please always wear your mask in lecture and lab.
    • Unfortunately this means no food or drink in class please.
  • To minimize interactions inside classroom, let's convene outside after class if you would like to talk to me.

Remote life

Remote life

Everything is on Blackboard


blackboard.wm.edu

Enrollment Info

  • Labs: Undergraduates must be enrolled
    • 327L-01: W 1:00-1:50 (Boswell 38)
    • 327L-02: R 1:00-1:50 (Small 235)
    • 327L-03: M 1:00-1:50 (Boswell 38)

NO LABS THIS WEEK

Overview: General Info

  • Instructor
  • Office hours: M 11-12, R 2-3

ALL OFFICE HOURS WILL BE REMOTE
ZOOM ROOM FOR OFFICE HOURS ON BLACKBOARD

Overview: General Info

  • Prerequisite: BIOL 220, BIOL 225 and MATH 111/131
  • Required text:
    • “The Analysis of Biological Data” (2nd edition), by Whitlock and Schluter

PDFs of first five chapters on Blackboard
2nd edition only please!!!

Overview: Homework

  • 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 35% of your grade

Overview: Lab

  • Learning skills in Data Science
  • Software: R
  • Labs (usually) due beginning of lab period 1 week after assignment
  • You are allowed two missed lab assignments
  • Grade is by completion only
  • Labs worth 10% of your grade

Overview: Midterms

  • Three take-home midterms:
    • Friday, October 1
    • Friday, October 22
    • Friday, November 12
  • Each midterm worth 10% of your grade
  • Final exam grade will replace lowest midterm grade (if higher)

Overview: Reading Quizzes

  • Assigned most days for the following class period
  • Will be given online on Blackboard
  • Worth 5% of your grade
  • Reading Assignment #1 is already posted on Blackboard and due before class on Friday (Whitlock & Schluter, Chapter 1)

Overview: Projects

  • Worth 10% of your grade
  • More details later…

Overview: Grading Summary

Category Percentage
Homework 35%
Midterms 30%
Labs 10%
Final 10%
Project 10%
Quizzes 5%

This is Water

Arranged, and designed by John Manoogian III (jm3). Categories and descriptions originally by Buster Benson.