Quantitative Methods

Code:

MV116

Acronym:

MQ

Keywords
Classification	Keyword
OFICIAL	Basic Sciences

Instance: 2015/2016 - 1S

Active?	Yes
Responsible unit:	Population Studies
Course/CS Responsible:	Integrated Masters Degree in Veterinary Medicine

Cycles of Study/Courses

Acronym	No. of Students	Study Plan	Curricular Years	Credits UCN	Credits ECTS	Contact hours	Total Time
MIMV	71	Plan 2007 to 2017	1	-	6	90	162

Teaching language

Portuguese

Objectives

The aim of this course is to familiarize first year students with basic mathematical/statistical concepts and techniques essential for formulating and understanding models in biology.

Learning outcomes and competences

Students should acquire skills to understand statistical principles and practical application of mathematical/statistical models in biology. Skills in this case are of various orders, but basically it is intended that the student understand the usefulness of mathematical models for interpreting biological phenomena, as well as be able to realize, when you want to do a statistical study, what type of data to be collected, what type of analysis should be done in an attempt to obtain the desired results, i.e. the answer to research issues. The reality is that it is just that the student understand what role mathematics and statistics play in the life Sciences. We do not intend to graduate the students as mathematicians or statisticians, but only someone who knows how to relate with mathematicians and statisticians.

Working method

Presencial

Program

Mandatory literature

Eason G.; Mathematics and statistics for the bio-sciences. ISBN: 13-560541-5
Altman DG; Pratical Statistics for Medical Research, Chapman and Hall, 1991
Brown D.; Models in biology. ISBN: 0-471-93322-8
Dawson-Saunders Beth; Basic and clinical biostatistics. ISBN: 0-8385-0541-4
Busenberg S. ed.; Differential equations models in biology, epidemiology and ecology. ISBN: 3-540-54283-3

Complementary Bibliography

Fleiss Joseph L.; Statistical methods for rates and proportions. ISBN: 0-471-26370-2

Teaching methods and learning activities

The topics covered are introduced in the theoretical lectures, through an example of application in the biological sciences. In practical lessons students use SPSS software to solve complex exercises. Emphasis is given to teaching the need of understanding and using methods of formulating models, rather than the mechanical use of the techniques.

Software

SPSS versão 22.0

Evaluation Type

Distributed evaluation with final exam

Assessment Components

Designation	Weight (%)
Teste	60,00
Trabalho laboratorial	40,00
Total:	100,00

Eligibility for exams

The evaluation will have two components:

Theoretical (T): In the practical lessons or by final examination.

Practical (P): In the last week of lessons (1st time students) or by final examination (for the remaining students).

Calculation formula of final grade

0.40xP + 0.60xT

The student must have at least 7 (out of 20) in each part.