University of St Andrews

Key information

SCOTCAT credits : 15

ECTS credits : 7

Level : SCQF level 10

Semester: 2

Availability restrictions: Not automatically available to General Degree students

Planned timetable: 9.00 am Mon (odd weeks), Wed and Fri

This module introduces a wide range of features that occur in real comparative experiments. The applications include trials of potential new medicines by the pharmaceutical industry; comparisons of new varieties of wheat for bread-making; evaluating different machine settings in industry. Issues include whether and how to partition the experimental material into blocks (for example, do old and young people respond to this drug differently?); how much replication to use (too much experimental material may be a waste of resources, but too little will not give meaningful results); as well as type of design. The module includes enough about the analysis of data from experiments to show what has to be considered at the design stage. It also includes considerations of consultation with the scientist and interpretation of the results.

Relationship to other modules

Pre-requisite(s): Before taking this module you must pass MT2508 and pass MT3501

Learning and teaching methods and delivery

Weekly contact: 2.5 lectures (weeks 1 - 10) and either tutorial or practical (weeks 2 - 11).

Scheduled learning hours: 35

Guided independent study hours: 115

Assessment pattern

As used by St Andrews: 2-hour Written Examination = 80%, Presentation = 10%, Coursework = 10%

As defined by QAA
Written examinations : 80%
Practical examinations : 10%
Coursework: 10%

Re-assessment: 2-hour Written Examination = 100%

Personnel

Module coordinator: Professor R A Bailey
Module teaching staff: Prof R Bailey