me myself and I lecture 1- variation

Question 1

why is biology seen as a quantitative subject?

Answer 1

Use class data to understand why and how we use certain statistical analyses.

Life sciences covers a wide range of topics involving living things. Often we are interested in looking at diversity in biology – how do things differ from one another, or in different environments, or in different conditions. The biological world is extremely diverse.

In this image here we can see variation between different species – plants, animals, fungi, microorganisms. These species inhabit diverse ecosystems and all interact with one another in diverse and complex ways.

Question 2

how is there variation within species?

Answer 2

This course is all about diversity and how we can quantify diversity and ultimately how we can understand what drives that diversity. This diversity can be between species or within species.

Humans vary tremendously in range of morphological features – for example skin colour, eye colour, height – and in behaviour e.g. musical ability, sporting ability. How can we understand this diversity?

Question 3

what do we get by understanding data?

Answer 3

we can establish causes and make predictions

Question 4

how do we quantify biological data?

Answer 4

Biological research relies on accurate and precise measurements of various biological parameters e.g., length, mass, concentration, time, and genetic sequence.
Researchers often manipulate variables and control experimental conditions to understand cause-and-effect relationships. Rigorous quantification is required to ensure reliable, reproducible results.
Mathematical models and statistical analyses play a vital role in understanding genetic data and deciphering complex genetic mechanisms.

Question 5

how do we use the data?

Answer 5

Research question
Hypothesis
Experimental design
Data collection
Data visualization & analysis
Present results

Question 6

what units do we use?

Answer 6

We need to work in SI units to avoid confusion/misinterpretation.

SI unit for length is the metre.

Provide your height in cm (to the nearest cm is fine).

BUT - only enter the number in Mentimeter, no units required.

Question 7

what is R-studio?

Answer 7

-R is a software environment for statistical computing and graphics
-it is open source and free
-it runs on a wide variety of UNIX platforms, Windows and MacOS
-it can do the simple stuff and it can do the hard stuff