(OMSB9) Using Statistical Tests With MSB Peer Tutor Tanish Kumar

In this article, the Board of SASS interviews Methodology of Science - Biology (OMSB9) Peer Tutor Tanish Kumar. We hope that this article will help current and future MSB students in their academic journey!

When did you take Methodology of Science - Biology (OMSB9), and who was your instructor?

I took this course last year (2019-2020), and I had Dr. Khatchirian.

About how much time did you spend a week working on assignments and preparing for discussion sessions in Methodology of Science - Biology (OMSB9)?

I spent roughly 6-8 hours a week on MSB-related assignments and lectures. (Closer to the upper end when WAs were due.)

What did the typical week in Methodology of Science - Biology (OMSB9) look like?

On Mondays and Wednesdays, I would watch the lectures to prepare for the discussion section on the next day. If a WA was due, I would usually start early and turn it in on the day it was due. I would usually take the quizzes on the weekend.

Do you recommend taking digital or hand-written notes for Methodology of Science - Biology (OMSB9)?

I strongly recommend taking hand-written notes for this class. Although a little more labor-intensive, hand-written notes are far better for learning the material than digital notes. Take your time with them and pause the lectures frequently to make sure you write down the information.

What did you enjoy about Methodology of Science - Biology (OMSB9)?

I really enjoyed the discussion sections where we would discuss Case Studies and also look at applications of the material!

What was your favorite topic covered in Methodology of Science - Biology (OMSB9)?

My favorite topic was probably using the statistical tests near the end of the year (Standard t-test, Mann-Whitney U-Test, etc.).

What challenged you the most in Methodology of Science - Biology (OMSB9)? How did you overcome those challenges?

The most challenging aspect of the course is most likely applying the material. For example, a student might simply learn what the Mann-Whitney U-Test is and how one can calculate U. However, another student might learn what the Mann-Whitney U-Test is, how to calculate U, in which cases to use this specific test, and how to reach a conclusion given the value of U. The second student will be far more successful in MSB than the first.

Are there midterms/finals in this class? How would you recommend reviewing for these exams?

There are both midterms and finals in this class. Do not be fooled into thinking the exams will be easy given that the only restriction is not to talk with anyone else. The exams are designed to test your ability in applying what you have learned as opposed to that you know the material. I would recommend reviewing by looking back through your notes, doing the exam review problems, reviewing the quiz questions, and making sure that you thoroughly understand each and every concept that was gone over in class. If you find that you are not comfortable or don’t fully understand a certain topic, you can go to your teacher’s office hours, meet with a peer tutor, go back and rewatch the lecture, and/or review the quiz questions for that topic.

What are the major assignments for this class? How would you recommend approaching these assignments?

The most major assignment for this class would be the final research project at the end. The most helpful advice I can give is to START EARLY! This is not a project you can start late and expect to do well. Most projects can take up to a month if not more.

How should a student participate and engage in discussions of Methodology of Science - Biology (OMSB9)?

The best way to participate is to come on mic and add to a discussion, or to address a teacher’s question. Although text chat is easier to use, you will get far more from this class by coming on mic and speaking.

What tips do you have that could be useful to students taking Methodology of Science - Biology (OMSB9)?

Use all of the resources you have at your disposal. For this class, the number of resources you can use is quite a bit more than other classes. Use them, use them, use them!

If you have taken other core classes, how does Methodology of Science - Biology (OMSB9) compare to other courses in the core sequence?

Currently, I am in History and Philosophy of Science and have been in the class for a short period of time so I can’t give a complete comparison, but I will say that MSB is more STEM-based while HSC is geared towards philosophy.

Do you have any resources (i.e. study tips, useful websites) to share with students who want to take the course?

All the resources you could possibly need are already at your disposal through the Canvas page.

Do you have anything to add?

Having fun and enjoying the material makes all the difference!

Tanish Kumar is a peer tutor for Methodology of Science - Biology (OMSB9) and can be found on the Writing and Tutoring Center.

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