PhD course: Statistics I - Basic Statistics 4 ECTS
The objective of the course is to give an introduction to basic probability theory and statistical inference.
Start date: 22 February 2027
End date: 25 March 2027
Language: English
Last day of registration: 22 January 2027
Organiser: Department of forest resource management
Location: Umeå
This course combines lectures with hands-on computer exercises and covers the fundamental concepts and methods of statistical analysis. The main topics include descriptive statistics, basic probability theory, probability distributions, and statistical inference for means and proportions using both one- and two-sample approaches. The course also introduces nonparametric and resampling methods, the analysis of frequency data, and methods for determining appropriate sample sizes. Study pace is 55%.
On completion of the course, the student will be able to:
• use basic probability concepts and statistical principles
• formulate a problem in statistical terms
• describe common statistical methods including conditions and assumptions
• apply basic statistical methods in scientific research
• select an appropriate statistical method for a given problem
• carry out a basic statistical analysis
• interpret and evaluate results correctly and draw reasonable conclusions
• clearly and concisely communicate results and conclusions
• use statistical software for analysis
Programme
Scheduled activities:
Lectures: 16 h
Computer exercises: 4 h
Examination and course evaluation: 10 h
Self studies: 80 h
Totally: 110 h
Course literature:
- Ulf Olsson (2011). Statistics for Life Science 1. Lund: Studentlitteratur.
- David Diez, Mine Çetinkaya-Rundel, & Christopher D. Barr (2022). OpenIntro Statistics, 4th Ed. Freely available from https://www.openintro.org/book/os/.
- Supplementary material provided through Canvas.