Introduction to Statistics and Experimental Design

This course develops skills for designing experiments and analyzing data using standard statistical methods. Work will include the use of some common computer packages, mainly Excel and Minitab. We will use a standard textbook and also design and carry out data collection in class, with some data collected and analyzed by students on their own. We will also discuss examples of published research and relevant aspects of the philosophy of science. The emphasis in this course will be on problem solving and interpretation, and being able to choose and use common statistical methods and tests for data analysis -- actually using statistics.