Product Description

At the core of good research lies the careful design of experiments. Yet all too often a successful design comes only after a painful trial-and-error process, wasting valuable time and valuable resources. Experimental Design for the Life Sciences teaches the reader how to effectively design experiments, to ensure that today's students are equipped with the skills they need to be the researchers of tomorrow. With a refreshingly approachable and articulate style, the book explains the essential elements of experimental design in clear, practical terms, so that the reader can grasp and apply even the most challenging concepts, including power analysis and pseudoreplication. Emphasising throughout the inter-relatedness of experimental design, statistics, and ethical considerations, the book ensures that the reader really understands experimental design in the broader context of biological research, using examples drawn from a range of fields across the biosciences to show to the student how the theory is applied in active research. Above all, Experimental Design for the Life Sciences shows how good experimental design is about clear thinking and biological understanding, not mathematical or statistical complexity - putting it at the heart of any biosciences student's education. Online Resource Centre: The companion web site features: For lecturers: · Figures from the book available to download, to facilitate lecture preparation For students and lecturers: · Discussion forum, promoting the discussion of experimental design in real research, to stimulate active learning on the part of the student.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #126055 in Books
• Published on: 2006-02-16
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 184 pages

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

Review
At last a text which clearly and comprehensively takes the student through the mechanisms of sound practice and the pitfalls of less sound experimental design in the biological sciences. Although aimed directly at the undergraduate life sciences student it would also be useful to those studying both above and below this level. (Journal of Biological Education, Autumn 2006 )

This is an excellent book for learning how to approach the design of experimental and, indeed, observational work. It avoids the usual inclusion of statistical detail that turns many students off while retaining all the key issues that are necessary for planning studies that produce good science. I commend this book to all those who struggle to get students to think seriously about designing good scientific studies. (Higher Education Academy, Bioscience e-Journal, June 2006. )

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

Customer Reviews

Not helpful
I bought this book as suggested by my prof. It is not useful and I would not recommend it. I have never used this book during my bioscience degree. I wont recommend this to anyone.