SLE251 - Research Methods and Data Analysis
Unit details
| Year: | 2022 unit information |
|---|---|
| Important Update: | Unit delivery will be in line with the most current COVIDSafe health guidelines. We continue to tailor learning experiences for each unit to achieve the best possible mix of online and on-campus activities that successfully blend our approaches to learning, working and research. Please check your unit sites for announcements and updates. Last updated: 4 March 2022 |
| Enrolment modes: | Trimester 1: Burwood (Melbourne), Warrnambool, Waurn Ponds (Geelong) |
| Credit point(s): | 1 |
| Previously coded as: | SBS251 |
| EFTSL value: | 0.125 |
| Unit Chair: | Trimester 1: Marina Telonis-Scott |
| Prerequisite: | STP010 (for Faculty of Science, Engineering and Built Environment |
| Corequisite: | Nil |
| Incompatible with: | HPS201 and HPS301 |
| Typical study commitment: | Students will on average spend 150 hours over the teaching period undertaking the teaching, learning and assessment activities for this unit. |
| Scheduled learning activities - campus: | 2 x 1 hour online classes per week; 5 x 2 hour practicals per trimester. |
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.
| ULO | These are the Learning Outcomes (ULO) for this unit. At the completion of this unit, successful students can: | Deakin Graduate Learning Outcomes |
|---|---|---|
| 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 |
| 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 |
| 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 |
| ULO5 | Demonstrate career development skills (awareness, planning, application) required to apply for work opportunities, to progress your career. | GLO1: Discipline-specific knowledge and capabilities |
These Unit Learning Outcomes are applicable for all teaching periods throughout the year
Assessment
| Assessment Description | Student output | Grading and weighting (% total mark for unit) | Indicative due week |
|---|---|---|---|
| Online test | 1-hour online test | 10% | Week 6-7 |
| Practical quizzes | Four online quizzes | 20% (4 x 5 %) | End of the week after each practical session |
| Scientific report | Written report | 40% | Week 11 |
| Examination | 2-hour written examination | 30% | Examination 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 the unit can be found on the University Library via the link below: SLE251 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
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