Unit information: Experimental Design in 2014/15

Unit name	Experimental Design
Unit code	MATH35120
Credit points	10
Level of study	H/6
Teaching block(s)	Teaching Block 2D (weeks 19 - 24)
Unit director	Dr. Didelez
Open unit status	Not open
Pre-requisites	MATH 35110 Linear Models
Co-requisites	None
School/department	School of Mathematics
Faculty	Faculty of Science

Description including Unit Aims

Unit aims

To gain an understanding of the key features of experimental design from theory, through construction, to application.

General Description of the Unit

The design of an experiment is crucial in determining what questions can be answered from statistical analysis of data from that experiment. Experimental design originated in an agricultural context but is now important in very many application areas. We will discuss general aspects of experimental design including theoretical considerations and the construction of appropriate designs in various contexts. Practical examples will be given from a wide range of areas, including agriculture, biology, medical research and industrial quality control.

Relation to Other Units

The concepts introduced in unit MATH 35111 (Linear Models) underly much of this course. As with units Generalized Linear Models, Multivariate Analysis and Time Series Analysis, this course is concerned with developing statistical methodology for a particular class of problems.

Further information is available on the School of Mathematics website: http://www.maths.bris.ac.uk/study/undergrad/

Intended Learning Outcomes

Learning Objectives

By the end of the unit the student should have a good working understanding of:

• the importance of good experimental design
• the theory and construction of a range of widely used study designs
• criteria to use in selection of appropriate designs in a wide range of application areas
• relevance of design to subsequent data analysis

Transferable Skills

Ability to sort and prioritise information from different sources for specific purposes. Self assessment by working through examples sheets and using solutions provided.

Teaching Information

Lectures (including both theory and illustrative applications), supported by exercise.

Assessment Information

100% Examination

Reading and References

Any of the following texts will cover all or most of the course contents; the first is the most basic, the second and third more detailed but from differing perspectives.

• Clarke, G.M. and Kempson, R.E. (1997) Introduction to the design and analysis of experiments, Wiley.

• Mead, R. (1988) Design of experiments: statistical principles for practical applications, CUP.

• Cox, D.R. and Reid, N. (2000) The theory of the design of experiments, CRC.

The following texts also contain much useful information on specific aspects of the subject:

• Logothetis, N & Wynn, H. P. (1989). Quality through design: experimental design, off-line quality control and Taguchi's contribution, OUP.

• Cochran, W. & Cox, G. (1957) Experimental design, Wiley.