These notes describe how to average and fit numerical data that have been obtained either by simulation or measurement. Following an introduction on how to estimate various average values, they discuss how to determine error bars on those estimates, and how to proceed for combinations of measured values. Techniques for fitting data to a given set of models will be described in the second part of these notes. This primer equips readers to properly derive the results covered, presenting the content in a style suitable for a physics audience. It also includes scripts in python, perl and gnuplot for performing a number of tasks in data analysis and fitting, thereby providing readers with a useful reference guide.

Drawing on the author's extensive experience of supporting students undertaking projects, Scientific Data Analysis is a guide for any science undergraduate or beginning graduate who needs to analyse their own data, and wants a clear, step-by-step description of how to carry out their analysis in a robust, error-free way.

This easy-to-understand introduction emphasizes the areas of probability theory and statistics that are important in environmental monitoring, data analysis, research, environmental field surveys, and environmental decision making. It communicates basic statistical theory with very little abstract mathematical notation, but without omitting important details and assumptions. Topics include Bayes' Theorem, geometric distribution, computer simulation, histograms and frequency plots, maximum likelihood estimation, the tail exponential method, Bernoulli processes, Poisson processes, diffusion and dispersion of pollutants, normal distribution, confidence intervals, and stochastic dilution; gamma, chi-square, and Weibull distributions; and the two- and three-parameter lognormal distributions. The author also presents the Statistical Theory of Rollback, which allows data analysts and regulatory officials to estimate the effect of different emission control strategies on environmental quality frequency distributions. Assuming only a basic knowledge of algebra and calculus, Environmental Statistics and Data Analysis provides an outstanding reference and collection of statistical procedures for analyzing environmental data and making accurate environmental predictions.

This introduction to the world of statistics covers exploratory data analysis, methods for collecting data, formal statistical inference, and techniques of regression and analysis of variance. 1983 edition.