ST3ED-Experimental Design

Module Provider: Mathematics and Statistics
Number of credits: 10 [5 ECTS credits]
Level:6
Terms in which taught: Spring term module
Pre-requisites: ST2LM Linear Models or ST2LMD Linear Models and Data Analysis
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded: ST4ED Experimental Design
Current from: 2020/1

Module Convenor: Dr Michael Dennett

Email: m.d.dennett@reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:
Designed experiments are carried out in a wide range of applications to learn about the comparative effects of treatments and factors influencing a response. In this module the key principles which are essential for designing effective experiments from available resources will be covered. So too will be the factorial treatment structure and response surface methods, which are appropriate for studying more than one quantitative factor. Consideration will also be given to the analysis of data from experiments.

Aims:
To introduce students to key design principles, different experimental designs, and the practicalities associated with them; and to equip them with the skills to analyse data from different types of experiment.

Assessable learning outcomes:
On completion of the module students will have acquired:
􀀕 an appreciation of the statistical principles of good experimental design;
􀀕 some ability to plan an experiment;
􀀕 some ability to analyse data from a range of standard experimental designs;
􀀕 some ability to recognise the practical difficulties of real experiments.
􀀕 some ability to review other people's experimental designs.

Additional outcomes:

Outline content:
Experiments, objectives and their practicalities.
Principles of good design: randomisation, replication, blocking.
Types of experiments: completely randomised designs, block designs, balanced incomplete block designs, single replicate designs.
Treatment structure: contrasts, factorial treatments, main effects, interactions.
Factorial experiments: full factorial designs, hidden replication, fractional factorial designs, confounding.
Quantitative treatments and desig ns for comparing more than one quantitative treatment factor.

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:
Lectures supported by practical classes and tutorials.

Contact hours:

	Autumn	Spring	Summer
Lectures		15
Tutorials		1
Practicals classes and workshops		4
Guided independent study:		80
Total hours by term		100
Total hours for module	100

Summative Assessment Methods:

Method	Percentage
Written exam	80
Written assignment including essay	20

Summative assessment- Examinations:
Two hours

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:
One assignment and one examination.

Formative assessment methods:
Problem sheets, practical classes, and a tutorial.

Penalties for late submission:

The Module Convenor will apply the following penalties for work submitted late:

• where the piece of work is submitted after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): 10% of the total marks available for that piece of work will be deducted from the mark for each working day[1] (or part thereof) following the deadline up to a total of five working days;
• where the piece of work is submitted more than five working days after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): a mark of zero will be recorded.

The University policy statement on penalties for late submission can be found at: http://www.reading.ac.uk/web/FILES/qualitysupport/penaltiesforlatesubmission.pdf
You are strongly advised to ensure that coursework is submitted by the relevant deadline. You should note that it is advisable to submit work in an unfinished state rather than to fail to submit any work.

Assessment requirements for a pass:
A mark of 40% overall.

Reassessment arrangements:
One examination paper of 2 hours duration in August/September - the resit module mark will be the higher of the exam mark (100% exam) and the exam mark plus previous coursework marks (80% exam, 20% coursework).

Additional Costs (specified where applicable):
1) Required text books:
2) Specialist equipment or materials:
3) Specialist clothing, footwear or headgear:
4) Printing and binding:
5) Computers and devices with a particular specification:
6) Travel, accommodation and subsistence:

Last updated: 4 April 2020