Welcome to BIOB11

Lecture 1

Iain R. Moodie

BIOB11 - Experimental design and analysis for biologists

Department of Biology, Lund University

Monday 23rd March, 2026

Welcome to the course!

Försöksdesign och analys för biologer (BIOB11)

Course rational

  • Biology is full of interesting research questions
  • Nearly all research in biology relies on collecting and analysing data of some kind
  • Experimental design and statistical literacy is therefore important for:
    • doing your own research
    • understanding and evaluating research of other scientists

Försöksdesign och analys för biologer (BIOB11)

After completion of the course you should be able to

  • Explain fundamental concepts in experimental design and statistics
  • Design and evaluate studies in relation to a research question
  • Handle and manipulate biological data using R
  • Statistically analyse, interpret and draw conclusions from biological data
  • Present statistical results graphically, in writing and orally

Försöksdesign och analys för biologer (BIOB11)

How we are going to achieve those aims

  • Series of lectures/discussions (not passive)
  • Series of computer exercises
  • Literature seminar
  • Creating a portfolio of analyses you can draw from
  • Use modern techniques

Försöksdesign och analys för biologer (BIOB11)

What we expect from you

  • Attend as much as you can (note some parts are mandatory to attend)
  • Be friendly and open with each other, and work together
  • Use assignments as on opportunity to learn
    • Read and reflect on feedback (instructor and peer)
  • Tell us when something is unclear

Försöksdesign och analys för biologer (BIOB11)

Changes from previous years

Changes from 2025:

  • Book was poorly rated in feedback, so we have a new one
  • Course has been restructured for a “cake first” approach
  • Exam format will differ slightly

Changes from pre-2025:

  • Course uses R, not SPSS
  • Focus on modern data analysis skills
  • Course leader was previously Anders Nilsson

Who are we?

Iain Moodie

Lectures, exercises and project work

  • Doctoral student in the Biodiversity & Evolution division
  • Research integrates evolutionary biology into ecotoxicology
  • Course leader

Headshot of Iain Moodie

Kaj Hulthén

Lecture: scientific integrity and ethics

  • Researcher in the Functional Ecology division
  • Researches migration in aquatic ecosystems

Headshot of Kaj Hulthén

Anders Nilsson

Ladok teacher

  • Professor & Head of Functional Ecology division
  • Aquatic ecologist
  • Handles grades in Ladok

Headshot of Anders Nilsson

Course structure

Försöksdesign och analys för biologer (BIOB11)

Where to find information

  • LU Canvas
    • Announcements
    • Schedule
    • Links to materials
    • Assignments
  • Course website (Iain’s materials)
    • Will always be linked from Canvas

Försöksdesign och analys för biologer (BIOB11)

Schedule

Försöksdesign och analys för biologer (BIOB11)

Literature

Försöksdesign och analys för biologer (BIOB11)

Grading

To pass the course you must:

  • Show you’ve engaged with all mandatory components
  • Attempt all assignments and reflect on feedback
  • Pass the exam (16th April / 7th May / ?th August)
  • Complete final project and presentation

Grade:

  • Combination of exam, final project and assignments.

Försöksdesign och analys för biologer (BIOB11)

LLM / generative AI use

Policy:

  • Generative AI tools may be used as a general learning aid and to support your work with assignments
  • You are always responsible for all submitted materials
  • Use must make an AI contribution statement on all submitted materials

Försöksdesign och analys för biologer (BIOB11)

LLM / generative AI use

My advice:

  • Be mindful and considerate in your usage
    • No pressure to use
    • No pressure not to use
  • Let’s discuss openly as we go through the course

My opinion:

…

Försöksdesign och analys för biologer (BIOB11)

How to contact us

  • Ask during the exercise sessions or at the end of lectures.
  • Email: iain.moodie@biol.lu.se
  • Email: kaj.hulthen@biol.lu.se
  • LU Canvas

Questions?