bio2pos practice of science
PRACTICE OF SCIENCE
BIO2POS
2015
Credit points: 15
Subject outline
This subject will focus on six case studies of biological research and will explore how science proceeds from the generation of a research question to interpretation of the data analysis. Students will explore the biological context for each study, the generation of aims, research questions and hypotheses, the design of experiments and sampling methods, statistical analysis of hypotheses and finally, statistical and biological interpretation of the results. Students will work in small groups on a major experimental design task to apply their learning of these elements of scientific investigation to a novel biological problem.
SchoolSchool of Life Sciences
Credit points15
Subject Co-ordinatorFiona Bird
Available to Study Abroad StudentsYes
Subject year levelYear Level 2 - UG
Exchange StudentsYes
Subject particulars
Subject rules
Prerequisites Recommended prerequisite (but not essential): one of STA1DCT, STA1LS, STA1CTS or MAT1MAB
Co-requisitesN/A
Incompatible subjectsN/A
Equivalent subjectsN/A
Special conditionsN/A
Learning resources
Readings
| Resource Type | Title | Resource Requirement | Author and Year | Publisher |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Readings | Introduction to SPSS for the Biological Sciences | Prescribed | Department of Mathematics and Statistics, 4th Edition | Department of Mathematics and Statistics |
| Readings | Biostatistics for the Biological and Health Sciences with Statdisk | Recommended | Marc M. Triola & Mario F. Triola, 1st Edition | Pearson |
| Readings | Intro Stats, 4/E | Recommended | Richard D. De Veaux, Paul F. Velleman, David E. Bock, 4th Edition | Pearson |
| Readings | Data and Models, 3/E | Recommended | Richard D. De Veaux, Paul F. Velleman, David E. Bock, 3rd Edition | Pearson |
| Readings | Experimental Design for the Life Sciences | Recommended | Ruxton G & Colegrove N, 3rd Edition | Oxford University Press |
Graduate capabilities & intended learning outcomes
01. Identify the difference between an aim and a hypothesis and transform a research question into a statistical hypothesis format.
- Activities:
- Lectures, online module, tutorial activities discussions, Experimental design group task
02. Identify, explain and apply the key principles of experimental design to various biological research scenarios
- Activities:
- Lectures, online module, tutorial activities discussions, Experimental design group task
03. Identify types of variables and levels of measurement, and apply this knowledge to experimental design and statistical analysis by defining a parameter of interest
- Activities:
- Lectures, online module, tutorial activities discussions, Experimental design group task
04. Identify the appropriate statistical test for analysing data for selected experimental designs and use SPSS to complete the analysis
- Activities:
- Lectures, online module, tutorial activities discussions, Experimental design group task
05. Describe and interpret the results of analysis of biological experiments using statistical and biological terms
- Activities:
- Lectures, online module, tutorial activities discussions, Experimental design group task
Subject options
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Melbourne, 2015, Semester 1, Day
Overview
Online enrolmentYes
Maximum enrolment sizeN/A
Enrolment information
Subject Instance Co-ordinatorFiona 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.
"Students will be required to complete the online module (including a quiz) each week prior to attending the tutorial (approximately 1-2 hours of work"
Assessments
| Assessment element | Comments | % | ILO* |
|---|---|---|---|
| Experimental design group task (equivalent to 1000 words) | Each part of the task contributes10% (group mark 7.5%, individual mark 2.5%) towards the total | 30 | 01, 02, 03, 04, 05 |
| Online and in-class activities | Online modules with quizzes are to be completed each week (11 in total). Students will give a short, group oral presentation during the tutorial in week 3. | 40 | 01, 02, 03, 04, 05 |
| 3 hr final exam | 30 | 01, 02, 03, 04, 05 |