The Analysis of Biological Data - Michael Whitlock and Dolph Schluter

he Analysis of Biological Data is a new approach to teaching introductory statistics to biology students. Whitlock and Schluter use several techniques to reach this unique audience. Throughout, they teach statistics in the context of interesting biological and medical examples; they emphasize intuitive understanding rather than an over-reliance on formulas; they focus on the data rather than the mathematical foundations of statistics; and they introduce - on a conceptual level - modern topics such as likelihood, regression, randomization, meta-analysis and the bootstrap. Instructors and students consistently praise the book's clear and engaging writing, strong visualization techniques, and the wide variety of fascinating and relevant biological examples.

JULY 2008

Teaching Resources

"This book is engaging, intuitive, and with a coverage and pace that is perfect for a first statistics course in biology."
--- Allen J. Moore, University of Exeter

"Whitlock and Schluter have produced an introduction to statistics that is both accessible in its content and compelling in its examples---it should be read by every young biologist. This book will convince even the most reluctant student of the importance of statistical thinking in modern biology."
--- Patrick Phillips, University of Oregon

"This book is the closest I can find to the course I teach. As I read through the chapters I find myself rewriting my lectures in my head---partly because so many of my favorite examples are there. The book makes you feel as if you are in Mike or Dolph's office with a cup of coffee and they are explaining these concepts at the blackboard. It’s the most approachable statistics book I’ve ever seen. It includes some topics that are almost completely ignored in other texts, such as odds-ratios and alternatives to linear regression. Finally, the collection of questions is fantastic. My students are always asking for more problem sets; I never have enough. I can easily see how the questions alone will transform my course."
--- Brad Anholt, University of Victoria










he Analysis of Biological Data is a new approach to teaching introductory statistics to biology students. Whitlock and Schluter use several techniques to reach this unique audience. Throughout, they teach statistics in the context of interesting biological and medical examples; they emphasize intuitive understanding rather than an over-reliance on formulas; they focus on the data rather than the mathematical foundations of statistics; and they introduce - on a conceptual level - modern topics such as likelihood, regression, randomization, meta-analysis and the bootstrap. Instructors and students consistently praise the book's clear and engaging writing, strong visualization techniques, and the wide variety of fascinating and relevant biological examples. JULY 2008 Teaching Resources			"This book is engaging, intuitive, and with a coverage and pace that is perfect for a first statistics course in biology." --- Allen J. Moore, University of Exeter "Whitlock and Schluter have produced an introduction to statistics that is both accessible in its content and compelling in its examples---it should be read by every young biologist. This book will convince even the most reluctant student of the importance of statistical thinking in modern biology." --- Patrick Phillips, University of Oregon "This book is the closest I can find to the course I teach. As I read through the chapters I find myself rewriting my lectures in my head---partly because so many of my favorite examples are there. The book makes you feel as if you are in Mike or Dolph's office with a cup of coffee and they are explaining these concepts at the blackboard. It’s the most approachable statistics book I’ve ever seen. It includes some topics that are almost completely ignored in other texts, such as odds-ratios and alternatives to linear regression. Finally, the collection of questions is fantastic. My students are always asking for more problem sets; I never have enough. I can easily see how the questions alone will transform my course." --- Brad Anholt, University of Victoria

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