PRACTICE OF SCIENCE
BIO2POS
2014
Credit points: 15
Subject outline
The subject provides an introduction to the practice of science and is core for a range of 3rd year science subjects. It explores how science proceeds and how to identify scientific questions. It examines the purpose of null and alternative hypotheses, how to design experiments and explores sampling methods. The course has a strong emphasis on statistical testing of hypotheses. Students will learn the mechanics and limitations of a range of important statistical tests, allowing them to choose appropriate tests and interpret and critically assess the reliability of experimental results. The course will explore the conventions of written and oral scientific communication and the challenges of communicating science to the general public and policy makers. Finally, students will be introduced to ethical behaviour in the practice of science.
Faculty: Faculty of Science, Tech & Engineering
Credit points: 15
Subject Co-ordinator: Fiona Bird
Available to Study Abroad Students: Yes
Subject year level: Year Level 2 - UG
Exchange Students: Yes
Subject particulars
Subject rules
Prerequisites: From 2013: Year 12 Mathematics (any), or if no Year 12 Mathematics then one of STA1DCT, STA1LS, STA1CTS or MAT1MAB
Co-requisites: N/A
Incompatible subjects: N/A
Equivalent subjects: N/A
Special conditions: N/A
Learning resources
Readings
| Resource Type | Title | Resource Requirement | Author and Year | Publisher |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Readings | Essential Statistics | Recommended | Moore, DS 2010 | FIRST EDITION, FREEMAN AND COMPANY. |
| Readings | Experimental design and data analysis for biologists | Recommended | Quinn GP & Keough MJ 2002 | CAMBRIDGE UNIVERSITY PRESS |
Melbourne, 2014, Semester 1, Day
Overview
Online enrolment: Yes
Maximum enrolment size: N/A
Enrolment information:
Subject Instance Co-ordinator: Fiona Bird
Class requirements
LectureWeek: 10 - 22
Two 1.0 hours lecture per week on weekdays during the day from week 10 to week 22 and delivered via face-to-face.
TutorialWeek: 10 - 22
One 2.0 hours tutorial per week on weekdays during the day from week 10 to week 22 and delivered via face-to-face.
Assessments
| Assessment element | Comments | % |
|---|---|---|
| 3 hr Exam (short answer & multiple choice) | 50 | |
| Article critique (1000 words) | 10 | |
| Excel training (2.5%) and language test (2.5%) | Online hurdle requirements | 5 |
| Oral critique of popular publication | 2 | |
| Oral presentation (5 mins to tutorial group) | 8 | |
| Statistics assignments (x2) | 25 |