Statistics for Terrified Biologists (PDF)

"We highly recommend it--not just for statisticallyterrified biology students and faculty, but also for those who areoccasionally anxious or uncertain. In addition to being a goodstarting point to learn statistics, it is a useful place to returnto refresh your memory." -The Quarterly Review ofBiology, March 2009

"During the entire course of my Ph.D. I've been(embarrasingly) looking for a way to teach myself the fundamentalsof statistical analysis. At this point in my education, I've cometo realize that often times, simply knowing the basics is enoughfor you to properly apply even the most complex analytical methods.'Statistics for Terrified Biologists' has been justsuch a book - it was more than worth the $40 I spent on it, andwhile my 'book clubs' aren't meant to be reviews, I highlyrecommend the book to anyone who's in a similar predicament to myown." -Carlo Artieri's Blog Book Club

The typical biology student is "hardwired" to bewary of any tasks involving the application of mathematics andstatistical analyses, but the plain fact is much of biologyrequires interpretation of experimental data through the use ofstatistical methods.

This unique textbook aims to demystify statistical formulae forthe average biology student. Written in a lively and engagingstyle, Statistics for Terrified Biologists draws on theauthor's 30 years of lecturing experience. One of theforemost entomologists of his generation, van Emden has anextensive track record for successfully teaching statisticalmethods to even the most guarded of biology students.

For the first time basic methods are presented usingstraightforward, jargon-free language. Students are taught to usesimple formulae accurately to interpret what is being measured witheach test and statistic, while at the same time learning torecognize overall patterns and guiding principles. Complemented bysimple illustrations and useful case studies, this is an idealstatistics resource tool for undergraduate biology andenvironmental science students who lack confidence in theirmathematical abilities.