Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Fall 2026 - GERO 803 G100

Analytical Techniques for Gerontological Research (4)

Class Number: 2610

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Sep 9 – Dec 6, 2026: Wed, 1:30–4:20 p.m.
    VANCOUVER

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

Specifically designed to provide training in quantitative data analysis with a focus on behavioural research problems in gerontology.

COURSE DETAILS:

Course Details:

The purpose of this course is to provide students with a firsthand perspective of what it is like to conduct quantitative research in the social sciences.  We will use data to learn something about the world, with a specific focus on data that can be used to learn something about aging and gerontology.

Students will be introduced to what it means to think statistically and probabilistically, and how statistical models can serve as (imperfect) tools to translate quantitative data into understanding. We will discuss basic principles of data science as relates to data management, data visualization, and reproducible research. Further, we will use foundational statistical techniques, such as ANOVA, linear regression, and multi-level modeling. Classes will be a mixture of lecture and hands-on data science and analysis using the R programming language via Rstudio. 

 

COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:

Course-Level Educational Goals:

  • Develop a deeper appreciation for statistical thinking, how we make inferences about the world, and the inherent uncertainty in those inferences.
  • Use R to do basic data wrangling and visualization
  • Model associations among variables using regression techniques
  • Communicate findings through both written documentation and visual presentation

Grading

  • 1. Bi-weekly(ish) assignments (7) - 6% each 42%
  • 2. Class/readings podcasts on Perusall (2 readings, 4% each 8%
  • 3. Final comprehensive assignment (poster presentation) 35%
  • 4. In-class written quiz 15%

NOTES:

Grading: Where a final exam is scheduled and the student does not write the exam or withdraws from the course before the deadline date, an N grade will be assigned. Unless otherwise specified on the course syllabus, all graded assignments for this course must be completed for a final grade other than N to be assigned. An N is considered as an F for the purposes of scholastic standing.

Grading System: The undergraduate course grading system is A+, A, A-, B+, B, B-, C+, C, C-, D, F, N (N standing indicates student did not complete course requirements). Intervals for the assignment of final letter grades based on course percentage grades are as follows:

A+ (95-100) | A (90-94) | A- (85-89) | B+ (80-84) | B (75-79) | B- (70-74) | C+ (65-69) | C (60-64) | C- (55-59) | D (50-54) | F (0-49) | N*
*N standing to indicate the student did not complete course requirements

Materials

MATERIALS + SUPPLIES:

Materials/Supplies [if applicable]:

 

  1. Laptop computer running MacOS or Windows – need to bring to class
  2. R programming language — freely available at r-project.org
  3. Rstudio — freely available at com

 

Required Reading [if applicable]: [Author. (yyyy). Full name of text, edition. Publisher.]

 

Recommended Reading [if applicable]: [Author. (yyyy). Full name of text, edition. Publisher.]

 

Academic Honesty and Student Conduct Policies: The Department of Gerontology follows SFU policy in relation to grading practices, grade appeals (Policy T 20.01) and academic honesty and student conduct procedures (S10-S10.05).  Unless otherwise informed by your instructor in writing, in graded written assignments you must cite the sources you rely on and include a bibliography/list of references, following an instructor-approved citation style.  It is the responsibility of students to inform themselves of the content of SFU policies available on the SFU website: http://www.sfu.ca/policies/gazette/student.html.    

 

Centre for Accessible Learning: Students with hidden or visible disabilities who believe they may need classroom or exam accommodations are encouraged to register with the SFU Centre for Accessible Learning (1250 Maggie Benston Centre) as soon as possible to ensure that they are eligible and that approved accommodations and services are implemented in a timely fashion.

 

 

Registrar Notes:

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS

At SFU, you are expected to act honestly and responsibly in all your academic work. Cheating, plagiarism, or any other form of academic dishonesty harms your own learning, undermines the efforts of your classmates who pursue their studies honestly, and goes against the core values of the university.

To learn more about the academic disciplinary process and relevant academic supports, visit: 


RELIGIOUS ACCOMMODATION

Students with a faith background who may need accommodations during the term are encouraged to assess their needs as soon as possible and review the Multifaith religious accommodations website. The page outlines ways they begin working toward an accommodation and ensure solutions can be reached in a timely fashion.