Cookies on this website

We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. If you click 'Accept all cookies' we'll assume that you are happy to receive all cookies and you won't see this message again. If you click 'Reject all non-essential cookies' only necessary cookies providing core functionality such as security, network management, and accessibility will be enabled. Click 'Find out more' for information on how to change your cookie settings.

Accept all cookies Reject all non-essential cookies Find out more

Analysing biological data by model fitting in GraphPad Prism, online

Research Skills

Monday, 25 March 2024, 9.30am to 12pm

Apply for this course

The course is suitable for all MSD postgraduate research students and early career researchers wanting to analyse and compare their biological data using model fitting. No prior statistical knowledge is required.

COURSE AIM

Experimental biologists often need to compare the outcome of multiple treatments when data is collected over multiple doses or time points. In this workshop, we will explain how to make statistical comparisons between different curves using model fitting. We will highlight how this procedure provides mechanistic insight that is not readily available if the experiment was carried out at a single dose or time point.

No prior knowledge of mathematical modelling or statistics will be assumed and discussion will be restricted to tools available in Graphpad Prism. Participants are encouraged to bring their own data, which they can analyse with assistance in the last section of the course.

COURSE DESCRIPTION

Part 1. Motivation

Examples of common biological data where fitting models can be used to test hypotheses.

Part 2. How does model fitting work?

An introduction to the basics of how models are fit to data, including how to assess the quality of the fit. A practical demonstration in GraphPad Prism is provided.

Part 3. How can we compare multiple datasets using model fitting?

An introduction to comparing curves using model fitting, including how to obtain p-values for relevant comparisons. A practical demonstration in GraphPad Prism is provided.

Part 4. Summary

Part 5/6. Practical Open Sessions (Optional)

The final part of the course involves ‘hands-on’ experience with GraphPad Prism. Exercises and Case Studies are provided that will guide participants to carry out model fitting and hypothesis testing in GraphPad Prism. Participants are also encouraged to bring and analyse their own data.

 

COURSE OBJECTIVES

At the end of the course, participants will be able to

  • Identify examples of biological data where model fitting is useful
  • Understand how to fit biological data to models
  • Compare two data sets using model fitting

WHAT YOU WILL NEED

To benefit from Part 5/6, you will need your laptop with a copy of GraphPad Prism installed. A 30-day trial version of Prism is available for download or it can be purchased for a small fee through your IT department (MSD IT has low cost pooled licenses).

PARTICIPANT NUMBERS

Maximum 40

ATTENDANCE CERTIFICATE ON SURVEY COMPLETION

It is now a requirement that you complete the three short questions in the survey you receive after attending the course. Once you have submitted the survey, you will be sent an email with a link to your attendance certificate. This is to ensure we receive the feedback we need to evaluate and improve our courses. Survey results are downloaded and stored anonymously.

PLEASE NOTE

Where no cost is given in the shopping trolley, no deposit is required. However, two or more non-attendances or late cancellations without good reason will be logged and may mean you cannot attend any further MSD training that term. Please refer to our Terms and Conditions for further information.

 

Booking Instructions

Step-by-step guidelines on how to book a Skills Training course.

How to book

Terms & Conditions

These terms and conditions apply to all MSD Skills training courses attendees.

Read the Terms & Conditions

Events from across the University

More information on OUDCE Graduate School Training sessions in Trinity Term 2024 can be found here.

RSL will be hosting a series of workshops exploring different hardware and apps to help with academic reading, writing, and the responsible use of AI technology in academic work. More information can be found here.