Experimental Design for the Life Sciences - Softcover

Ruxton, Graeme D; Colegrave, Nick

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0199252327 ISBN 13: 9780199252329

Publisher: OUP Oxford, 2003

Synopsis

This book aims to teach the reader how to design effective experiments. The overwhelming majority of life scientists design experiments. However they tend to approach design in an informal ad hoc way, improving their techniques in the light of experience. This book aims to provide the junior scientist a with a reader-friendly way to learn how to design effective experiments without going through a painful trial and error process. For more experienced scientists, the text should also function to stimulate them to think about the way they design experiments, and perhaps lead them to design more effective experiments in future. Concepts, such as power analysis and pseudoreplication, that many experienced scientists consider to be mystifying or difficult, are explained in clear and practical terms. The emphasis throughout is to demonstrate that good experimental design is about clear thinking and biological understanding, not mathematical or statistical complexity. Online Resource Centre All the figures from the book will be available to download free from the companion web site at www.oup.com/uk/best.textbooks/biology/ruxtoncolegrave

About this title

Review:

...an invaluable introduction to statistical analysis of data....I would recommend this text to those embarking on PhD studies as it emphasises the need for planning before an experiment is performed.. Biologist (2004) 51 (3)

... this would be a good book with which to coax mathophobic students into good habits. This book is equation free and takes a very, very gentle approach. (TRENDS in Ecology and Evolution)

They approach each topic logically, and with excellent examples and case studies ... An important aspect of this book is the inclusion of key definitions ... I enjoyed reading this book, appreciated the unique approach, and have recommended it to my students as supplementary reading. Experimental Design for the Life Sciences has found a permanent place in my library of experimental design material. (BioScience)

It may well prove to be the most useful textbook in biology for years. (Trond Amundsen, Norwegian University of Science and Technology)

It's this determination to make this vital topic available to all that sets this book apart. This, along with the simplicity of the structure and the very reasonable price means that this should be seen as a vital must-by in this topic area. (TEG NEWS)

Book Description:

TEXTBOOK

About this edition

• Publisher: OUP Oxford
• Publication date: 2003
• ISBN 10: 0199252327
• ISBN 13: 9780199252329
• Binding: Paperback
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 132