Wias Course Data

WIAS Advanced Statistics Course: Design of Animal Experiments

Additional Information:

About the Course

The design and analysis of experiments, using plants, animals, or humans, are an important part of the scientific process. Proper design of an experiment, apart from its proper analysis, is important so as to convince a researcher that your results are valid and that your conclusions are meaningful. Were enough subjects (experimental units) tested, for example, so as to detect the desired difference, were enough replications used to be able to draw wide inferences, or were proper procedures used to randomize the treatments to the experimental units or, if you wish, the experimental units to the treatments?

We will start with a review of statistics: basic definitions, linear regression, and analysis of variance.  The course will then focus on the fundamental principles of design, e.g., the experimental unit, replication, and randomization, and on characteristics of several important designs, e.g., completely randomized and randomized block designs. We will consider fixed, random, and mixed models; the relative efficiency of designs; and the size of the sample to make a valid test. We will discuss methods to test treatment effects, e.g., planned contrasts and multiple comparisons, and how these methods might influence your design. We will also discuss use of blocking versus use of covariates in analysis of variance.

Active Learning Format

          To engage you in developing your skills in experimental design, the course is in the format of “active learning” -- a combination of an informative PowerPoint® lecture, followed by a practical group task. During the first two days, their will be exercises to practice the theory of designing experiments. The last day is devoted to specific “real-life” problems from you, the participants, who will present and discuss your designed experiments.

Learning Outcomes

By the end of this course, you should see improvement in your ability to:

• understand the principles and theory of designing experiments

• understand and use the terminology of experimental designs

• present and discuss the concept of an experimental design

• cooperate in a team environment

• work quickly

          It is not the intention of the course to teach the “statistical analysis” of the experimental design, which we believe, for the most part, simply follows from the design itself.  Emphasis will be on the design of the experiment, and not on its analysis.

The Target Audience

          The course is designed for those who are at the beginning of their scientific careers and those who have had some experience in designing experiments, but would like to refine their skills. We assume some knowledge of common statistical methods, such as linear regression and analysis of variance, but we will review them. Scientists from various disciplines are welcome to attend.

Course Materials

          A workbook (reader) will include notes from the PowerPoint® presentations and exercises.

Michael Grossman

Wiebe J. Koops

February 2008

Design of Animal Experiments

13-15 February 2008

Program¹

¹Times are approximate.

There is no fee for WIAS PhD students with an approved TSP; others have to pay a fee of  € 500