SLE251 - Research Methods and Data Analysis
Unit details
| Year | 2025 unit information |
|---|---|
| Enrolment modes: | Trimester 1: Burwood (Melbourne), Warrnambool, Waurn Ponds (Geelong) |
| Credit point(s): | 1 |
| EFTSL value: | 0.125 |
| Previously coded as: | SBS251 |
| Unit Chair: | Trimester 1: Marina Telonis-Scott |
| Prerequisite: | STP010 (for Faculty of Science, Engineering and Built Environment students). |
| Corequisite: | Nil |
| Incompatible with: | HPS201 and HPS301 |
| Educator-facilitated (scheduled) learning activities - on-campus unit enrolment: | 2 x 1 hour online lectures per week; 5 x 2 hour practical experience (laboratory) per trimester. |
| Typical study commitment: | Students will on average spend 150 hours over the teaching period undertaking the teaching, learning and assessment activities for this unit. This will include educator guided online learning activities within the unit site. |
Content
Data is everywhere in the world. Without knowing how to interpret or use information from the data it would be difficult to understand its meaning. Scientific methods are techniques for investigating a phenomenon, acquiring new knowledge or correcting and integrating previous knowledge. SLE251 aims to aid students develop knowledge in using statistics to summarise, describe and interpret scientific data and perform statistical inferences. In this unit, students will develop knowledge of the fundamentals of scientific research methodologies and analytical techniques for answering real-world questions. This will involve learning about the principles of hypothesis testing and experimental design. Students will also be required to use statistical software to analyse data and interpret results using tests of population means, analysis of variance, chi-square tests, correlation and linear regression. Additionally, in this Unit students will demonstrate and learn to articulate the discipline and transferable skills gained from the unit and apply what they have their learnt through the creation of a professional experience plan to help build the opportunities and experiences they require to meet their career goals.
Learning Outcomes
| ULO | These are the Unit Learning Outcomes (ULOs) for this unit. At the completion of this unit, successful students can: | Alignment to Deakin Graduate Learning Outcomes (GLOs) |
|---|---|---|
| ULO1 | Evaluate methodological and sampling constraints and justify alignment of processes with respect to testing or contesting conjectures, deriving predictions, characterising inquiry and designing experimental studies. | GLO1: Discipline-specific knowledge and capabilities |
| ULO2 | Calculate and construct suitable numerical and graphical summaries to describe and interpret data. | GLO1: Discipline-specific knowledge and capabilities GLO5: Problem solving |
| ULO3 | Apply techniques of statistical inference to analyse data involving proportions, means and associations in a biological context and use statistical software to generate and interpret relevant output for quantitative data. | GLO1: Discipline-specific knowledge and capabilities GLO3: Digital literacy GLO4: Critical thinking GLO5: Problem solving |
| ULO4 | Locate, collect and use scientific information to define a question, use appropriate scientific methodology to design and implement a sampling or data collection project and prepare a scientific report to demonstrate data interpretation and analysis skills. | GLO1: Discipline-specific knowledge and capabilities GLO3: Digital literacy GLO5: Problem solving |
| ULO5 | Demonstrate career development skills (awareness, planning, application) required to apply for work opportunities, to progress your career. | GLO1: Discipline-specific knowledge and capabilities |
Assessment
| Assessment Description | Student output | Grading and weighting (% total mark for unit) | Indicative due week |
|---|---|---|---|
| Assessment 1 | 1-hour online test | 10% | Week 6-7 |
| Assessment 2 | Four online quizzes | 20% (4 x 5%) | End of the week after each practical session |
| Assessment 3 | Written report | 45% | Week 11 |
| End-of-Unit Assessment | Timed online test | 25% | End-of-Unit Assessment Period |
The assessment due weeks provided may change. The Unit Chair will clarify the exact assessment requirements, including the due date, at the start of the teaching period.
Learning resource
The texts and reading list for SLE251 can be found via the University Library.
Note: Select the relevant trimester reading list. Please note that a future teaching period's reading list may not be available until a month prior to the start of that teaching period so you may wish to use the relevant trimester's prior year reading list as a guide only.
Unit Fee Information
Fees and charges vary depending on the type of fee place you hold, your course, your commencement year, the units you choose to study and their study discipline, and your study load.
Tuition fees increase at the beginning of each calendar year and all fees quoted are in Australian dollars ($AUD). Tuition fees do not include textbooks, computer equipment or software, other equipment or costs such as mandatory checks, travel and stationery.
For further information regarding tuition fees, other fees and charges, invoice due dates, withdrawal dates, payment methods visit our Current Students website.