Experimental design for the life sciences - Graeme Ruxton

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 resources.Experimental Design for the Life Sciences teaches the reader how to effectively design experiments to ensure 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 the reader can grasp and apply even the most challenging concepts, including power analysis and pseudoreplication. The inter-relatedness of experimental design, statistics, and ethical considerations is emphasised throughout the book. The use of examples drawn from the primary literature ensures the reader fully understands how the theory of experimental design is applied within the broader context of real biological research. Above all, Experimental Design for the Life Sciences demonstrates how good experimental design relies on clear thinking and biological understanding, not mathematical or statistical complexity - putting it at the heart of any biosciences student's education.
Self-test questions, with answers at the end of the book, encourage students to check their understanding as they progress and reinforce essential facts Take-home messages throughout chapters focus the students' attention on the principles they must grasp Discussion of ethical issues, flagged in the margin, raises awareness of this important aspect of experimental designOnline Resource CentreThe Online Resource centre to accompany Experimental Design for the Life Sciences features:For students:Self-test questions and answersExtra questionsLinks to useful websites and free softwareFor lecturers:Figures from the book, available to download Practical exercises - to be used in class, with instructor's and demonstrator's notes, handouts for students, files to run the exercises, and follow-up activities