This course concentrates on the practice of statistics as a tool for learning from data. The purpose of this course is to give an understanding of the principles in statistics and probability theory that underlie data analysis, including an introduction to the design of experiments.

Upon completion of the course the students should be able to think critically about data, to use graphical and numerical summaries, to apply standard statistical inference procedures, to apply a variety of standard design of experiments tools and to draw reliable conclusions from data.

This course features a hands-on approach to learning, dividing class time between lectures, case studies and practicals using the free R system for statistical computation and graphics. Hence upon completion of the course the students should also be experienced in the use of the powerful statistical package R.

A practical evaluation (case study or exercises) has to be passed at the end of the course.

Dates: 6, 13-14 and 27-28 September and 12 October 2007  (6 days)

Schedule: 8.55 - 17.00

Location: Université de Neuchâtel, Unimail, Chemistry building (G, "Institut de chimie"), room B1

Credit points: 3.0 credit points (ECTS) (category Research tools)

Evaluation: A practical evaluation (case study or exercises) has to be passed at the end of the course.

Information: Please contact Dr. Thomas Gsponer or the NCCR education officer Dr. Christiane Bobillier

Travel expenses: NCCR Ph.D. participants are eligible for reimbursement of incurred travel expenses by train (half-fare card, and 2nd class).