Data Analysis for Physical Scientists: Featuring Excel®
Cambridge University Press
Edition: 2, 2/16/2012
EAN 9780521883726, ISBN10: 0521883725
Hardcover, 528 pages, 24.9 x 18 x 3.2 cm
Language: English
The ability to summarise data, compare models and apply computer-based analysis tools are vital skills necessary for studying and working in the physical sciences. This textbook supports undergraduate students as they develop and enhance these skills. Introducing data analysis techniques, this textbook pays particular attention to the internationally recognised guidelines for calculating and expressing measurement uncertainty. This new edition has been revised to incorporate Excel® 2010. It also provides a practical approach to fitting models to data using non-linear least squares, a powerful technique which can be applied to many types of model. Worked examples using actual experimental data help students understand how the calculations apply to real situations. Over 200 in-text exercises and end-of-chapter problems give students the opportunity to use the techniques themselves and gain confidence in applying them. Answers to the exercises and problems are given at the end of the book.
1. Introduction to scientific data analysis
2. Excel and data analysis
3. Data distributions I
4. Data distributions II
5. Measurement, error and uncertainty
6. Least squares I
7. Least squares II
8. Non-linear least squares
9. Tests of significance
10. Data analysis tools in Excel and the Analysis ToolPak
Appendixes
Answers to exercises and end-of-chapter problems
References
Index.
Reviews of the first edition: 'This book is extremely well structured. It both describes the main functionality of Excel with special emphasis on scientific data analysis, as well as the statistical background to the methods … definitely one of the best on the market in this important area … the author should be congratulated on doing a wonderful job.' Richard Brereton, Chemistry Industry
'Overall, I found the book excellent.' S. Middleton, The Physicist
'… a simple and straightforward introduction to the use of spreadsheet calculations and data display … The coverage of this book will be more than adequate for undergraduate courses and will be sufficient for many postgraduate and research readers … a good introduction to Excel® for data analysis for the first time user and covers the data analysis methods that most physical scientists will need.' Contemporary Physics