751-0441-00L  Scientific Analysis and Presentation of Data

SemesterAutumn Semester 2017
LecturersW. Eugster
Periodicityyearly recurring course
Language of instructionGerman


AbstractThis lecture gives an introduction to the scientific work with data covering all steps from data entry via statistical analyses to producing correct scientific graphical output. Exercises with the data analysis software R (via RStudio) will provide hands-on opportunities to get acquainted with data analysis and presentation. Field data gathered with Prof. E. Frossard will be used.
ObjectiveThis lecture with exercises gives an introduction to the scientific work with data, starting with data acquisition and ending with statistical analyses as they are often required for a bachelor thesis (descriptive statistics, linear regression etc.). Getting data organized with a spreadsheet program (LibreOffice, Excel) and then transfering them to the open-source R package will be the primary focus. An imporant aspect will be to learn which graphical representation of data are best suited for the task (how can data be presented clearly and still scientifically correct?)
ContentTentative Programme:
1. Introduction
2. Data acquisition, data organization, data storage, working with data
3. Graphical presentations I - Spreadsheets
4. Preparation of own data from field course with Prof. E. Frossard / 4. Sem.
5. Correct and problematic graphical data displays
6. Introduction to 'R'
7. Data import and graphical presentation
8. Statistical distribution and confidence intervals
9. Statistical tests - Repetition and hands-on applications
10. Linear regressions
11./12. Analysis of Variance
13. ANOVA - Discussion of results with Prof. E. Frossard

Last week of semester: examination (Leistungskontrolle)
Lecture notesMainly German (with some English passages from text books)
Prerequisites / NoticeTheoretical background in ensemble statistics from the mandatory course in the 4th semester; students should have cleared the examination of that fundamental course to be able to follow