Presentation Topics
EVS 430 Advanced Quantitative Methods
See the rubric for guidelines on your presentation. Aim for 20 minutes. Each presentation must include multiple slides with quantitative data (mainly graphs). Include at least one example of a specific use of data in a decision process.
Topics:
- What is the population of deer in Dubuque? What patterns are present in their habitat and behavior? How common are car accidents involving deer. (Mar 7, Rob)
- How do we estimate and model population size of large wild ungulates (bison, deer, etc.)? What about top predators?
What management approaches result? (Mar 14, Evan)
- How are penguins being affected by climate change? What is their ecological niche? (Mar 21, Trish)
- How do we estimate population size of fish? What is the history of the cod fisheries of Newfoundland? On what basis were they closed? What has been the impact? (Mar 29, Alex)
- It's estimated that the DNA of Europeans and Asians is about 1-4% Neanderthal. How do scientists arrive at that estimate? How did that happen? What are the effects on our physical and mental health? (Apr 4, Katy)
- Cheetah populations are rapidly declining. How is the data collected upon which this statement is based? What do the data show? What are future predictions? How can extinction be averted? (Apr 11, Marlon)
Please talk to me ahead of preparing for your presentation.
Alternative Topics
- Vaccinations are once again in the news. What are the benefits of vaccinations? How do they work? Why have some people opposed their use? ()
- How effective are boating/hunting safety classes in reducing accidents? driver safety classes? What is another example of the use of education to reduce hazardous behavior? ( )
- Explain the process for using ice-core data for estimating past climates. How are data collected and analyzed? ()
- Compare and contrast the history of pheasants and wild turkeys in Iowa. What is their present status? Predictions for the future? ()
- Who was Norman Borlaug? What was his role in the Green Revolution? How did he use statistics and the scientific method in his research? ( )
- What are endocrine-disrupting chemicals? How do they work? What are their effects? How common are they? ( )
- What is the role of randomness in the genetics of sexual reproduction (e.g., Mendel's study of peas) and genetic drift? How are mutation rates used to estimate ages of species divergence? (e.g., humans and apes) ()
- Propose a topic you are really passionate about. What are its statistical underpinnings? How have statistics influenced decisions related to the topic?
- What is the origin of the concept of a carbon tax? What is its justification? In what ways has Ireland's carbon tax been successful? In what ways has it failed?
- How are statistics used in the mining industry for evaluating prospects, estimating ore content, and determining profitability?
- What data led to the removal of saccharine from common use in the U.S.?
- What are the most significant factors controlling Great Lakes levels? How has both management and climate change factors? ()
- How are municipal water systems evaluated for safety? What sorts of statistics are used as part of quality control?
- What is the justification and the impact of ethanol production? Compare that of Iowa to that of Brazil.
- What is the statistical justification for requiring public school children to be vaccinated? Choose a vaccine and walk us through its history.