Statistics 250 Honors
Biostatistics
Spring 2003

• You will choose either to write a paper to turn in or give a 10-15 minute presentation in class sometime during the last week of class (April 28-May 2). If you choose a presentation, you should hand in a copy of your presentation at the time you present it to the class.
• You may work with one other person if you wish, but no more than that. Of course, you then share a grade with that person.
• You will choose the topic yourself, but I need to approve all topics. You should check your topic with me before March 31 if possible.
• If you do not have an idea and you do not find any of the suggested topics appealing, please come and talk to me. We'll think of something.
• Your intended audience, whether you write a paper or give a presentation, is this class--that is, people with some basic knowledge of statistics but without specialized knowledge about your chosen topic.

Grading guidelines

• A fourth of the grade will be for the mechanics of your project.
  • 2 points will be given for any acceptable project. Basically, if you hand something in, these points are automatic unless what you hand in is really not final project material. (This is to prevent people from simply giving up if things aren't going well.)
  • 3 points will be given for the writing/communicating style. I won't focus on grammar or spelling (unless they're horrendous), but I expect you to take the communication part of this assignment seriously. After all, communicating your ideas, even statistical ones, well is vital if you ever want to influence people. Expect to receive most points here if what you say is coherent; expect to receive all 3 points if what you say is persuasive as well.
• The other three fourths of the grade will be for the content of the project.
  • 10 points will be given for the quality of the statistical content. Did you demonstrate a mastery of the relevant statistical concepts from the class? Were all relevant statistical issues addressed? Did you put some effort into learning new statistical methodology? Have you thought about the limitations of the statistical methods you used, and can you find evidence of any such limitations?
  • 5 points will be given for the quality of the subject-matter content. Have you presented your topic in an understandable manner? Have you made it interesting? Have you included all necessary background needed by an unsophisticated audience? If the topic itself is statistical in nature, how thoroughly do you explain the new statistical material?