COMPUTER TECHNIQUES FOR BIOLOGICAL RESEARCH
Animal Science 500

Tuesday and Thursday

11:00-11:50 AM

107 Kildee Hall

Laboratory: Wednesday

4:10 -5:00   PM

107 and 124 Kildee Hall

 

Instructor

Office

Phone

e-mail

P. Jeffrey Berger

239B Kildee Hall

294-3435

pjberger@iastate.edu

Catalog Description

An. Sci. 500 Computer Techniques for Biological Research. (0-2) Cr. 1. F. Introduction to UNIX and SAS for solving research problems, including organization of data files, transfer of files between workstations, developing models, and techniques for analysis of designed experiments. Introduction to matrix algebra for solving animal breeding problems using MATLAB and computer simulation.

  1. (1st half of semester) UNIX and SAS.
  2. (2nd half of semester) Problem solving using matrix algebra.

Purpose of this class

An adventure in learning to use computers for solving research problems Primary emphasis is placed on using SAS on Vincent workstations. Prior programming experience is not required. The course is taught at a level assuming students have no prior programming experience. This does not mean the course has nothing to offer students who do have prior programming experience, because they can achieve a new level of understanding.

Textbook: Delwiche, L. D., and S. J. Slaughter.  The Little SASâ Book, Revised Second Edition, Cary, NC: SAS Institute, Inc.  2002.  304 pp.

Evaluation
 

Weekly problem solving assignments

Examination, Final

75 %
 

25 %

Class Participation

Attendance at all scheduled classes is expected and everyone is expected to participate in laboratory exercises. After all, "we learn by doing", and practice with real problems helps to reinforce our understanding. Participation in discussions is encouraged. Class attendance will be judged by the quality of assignments due at the end of each week.

References

Class Schedule