BIO3011 - Research Methods

• Unit information
• General Unit Information & Objectives
• Specific Unit Information

General Unit Information

This unit teaches fundamental skills for the design and application of research in the biological sciences, including experimental design and data analysis. A scan through recent papers in relevant biology journals and environmental reports (e.g. EIS) reveals how much biologists rely on carefully formulated hypotheses, rigorously designed sampling programs and experiments and their careful analysis, and critical evaluations of the literature for answering critical questions and making defensible scientific decisions and recommendations.

An increasingly important criterion for employers in government and the private sector considering graduates in biology and environmental science is their ability to think critically and design appropriate research programs. This unit introduces the development of scientific hypotheses and models and covers the design, analysis and interpretation of experiments and sampling programs. Additionally, skills for writing and assessing scientific papers and reports, including the scientific peer review process, oral presentations and critical reviews are covered. This subject emphasises flexible delivery and computer skills.

There are two 1 hour lectures per week - the practical work will be mostly based around worksheets requiring computer analyses of real data sets in students' own time, and discussion groups. Web-based resources will be available. BIO3011 is a prerequisite for students wishing to undertake BIO4000 (Honours).

Objectives

On completion of this unit, students will understand the basic principles underlying the philosophy of science, understand and develop critical, analytical skills in writing, assessing and publishing scientific papers and reports and interpretation of biological data. Students will develop basic skills in the process of obtaining research funding. A specific aim of the subject is for students to develop skills in, and become familiar with design and analysis of experiments and biological sampling programs.

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Specific Unit Information

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