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Data Analysis II

  • Page ID
    274049
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    This project provides students with a guided introduction to several topics of importance to the analysis of data; these are the:

    • uncertainty inherent in measurements and how that uncertainty affects results
    • importance of examining data visually before trying to characterize it quantitatively
    • comparison of two data sets to determine if they provide different results
    • modeling of data by linear regression
    • consideration of outliers

    Topics are presented through a series of modules that guide students through the material. Each topic begins with an introduction, followed by several problems, a summary statement and topics for further study. The modules are written for undergraduate students and assume no prior experience with data analysis.

    At DePauw University, these modules are used in Chem 260: Thermodynamics, Equilibria and Kinetics, a course required of all students majoring in chemistry and biochemistry. Students are asked to complete individual modules shortly before the module's topic becomes relevant to their lab work.

    At the University of Maine at Machias, these modules are used at the beginning of the second semester General Chemistry sequence. Students work the modules prior to experiments where there is an emphasis on quantitatively analyzing data.

    Several pages make use of java applets (written by Professor Constantinos E. Efstathiou from the University of Athens); a java enabled browser is necessary to view and use these applets.

    Data files used in the modules are provided to students as Excel files. A small collection of help is provided for students who are less familiar with using Excel.

    Contributors and Attributions

    Acknowledgments

    • Analytical Sciences Digital Library
    • Participants at the ASDL Curriculum Development Workshop held at the University of California - Riverside, July 10-14, 2006
    • Dr. Constantinos E. Efstathiou, Professor of Analytical Chemistry, University of Athens
    • Dr. Heather Bullen and students, Northern Kentucky University
    • Dr. Richard Kelly and students, East Stroudsburg State University

    This page titled Data Analysis II is shared under a CC BY-NC-SA 4.0 license and was authored, remixed, and/or curated by Contributor.

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