PRACTICE OF SCIENCE

BIO2POS

2020

Credit points: 15

Subject outline

BIO2POS is a second year level biology subject which explores both experimental design issues and the use of statistics to analyse data from experiments. Basic statistical concepts and aspects of experimental design will be introduced, followed by in-depth exploration of case studies of biological research. Using this knowledge, students will work in small groups to identify a gap in knowledge by locating and synthesising published research on a topic, create a novel research aim and hypothesis and, further develop the design of a theoretical experiment to test the hypothesis (including consideration of ethical issues associated with the proposed research). Group work will commence in week 1. This subject addresses La Trobe's Innovation and Entrepreneurship Essential by developing the ability to tackle problems creatively, generating new ideas, taking calculated risks and creating change to achieve ambitions, now and in the future .

School: Life Sciences (Pre 2022)

Credit points: 15

Subject Co-ordinator: Pamela Hurst

Available to Study Abroad/Exchange Students: Yes

Subject year level: Year Level 2 - UG

Available as Elective: No

Learning Activities: N/A

Capstone subject: No

Subject particulars

Subject rules

Prerequisites: Completion of 60 credit points of first year level subjects

Co-requisites: N/A

Incompatible subjects: N/A

Equivalent subjects: N/A

Quota Management Strategy: N/A

Quota-conditions or rules: N/A

Special conditions: N/A

Minimum credit point requirement: N/A

Assumed knowledge: N/A

Learning resources

Experimental Design for the Life Sciences

Resource Type: Book

Resource Requirement: Recommended

Author: Ruxton G & Colegrove N

Year: N/A

Edition/Volume: 3rd Edition

Publisher: Oxford University Press

ISBN: N/A

Chapter/article title: N/A

Chapter/issue: N/A

URL: N/A

Other description: N/A

Source location: N/A

Career Ready

Career-focused: No

Work-based learning: No

Self sourced or Uni sourced: N/A

Entire subject or partial subject: N/A

Total hours/days required: N/A

Location of WBL activity (region): N/A

WBL addtional requirements: N/A

Graduate capabilities & intended learning outcomes

Graduate Capabilities

COMMUNICATION - Communicating and Influencing
COMMUNICATION - Cultural Intelligence and Global Perspective
DISCIPLINE KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS
INQUIRY AND ANALYSIS - Creativity and Innovation
INQUIRY AND ANALYSIS - Critical Thinking and Problem Solving
INQUIRY AND ANALYSIS - Research and Evidence-Based Inquiry
PERSONAL AND PROFESSIONAL - Adaptability and Self-Management
PERSONAL AND PROFESSIONAL - Ethical and Social Responsibility
PERSONAL AND PROFESSIONAL - Leadership and Teamwork

Intended Learning Outcomes

01. Distinguish a research aim/question from a research hypothesis.
02. Identify and explain the applicability of experimental design concepts to biological research questions and hypotheses
03. Identify types of variables and apply this knowledge to experimental design and statistical analysis.
04. Identify the appropriate statistical test for analysing data for selected experimental designs and produce and interpret statistical software outputs
05. Describe and interpret the results of analysis of biological experiments using statistical and biological terms

Melbourne (Bundoora), 2020, Semester 1, Blended

Overview

Online enrolment: Yes

Maximum enrolment size: N/A

Subject Instance Co-ordinator: Pamela Hurst

Class requirements

LectureWeek: 10 - 22
Two 1.00 hour lecture per week on weekdays during the day from week 10 to week 22 and delivered via face-to-face.

Unscheduled Online ClassWeek: 10 - 22
Five 1.00 hour unscheduled online class per study period on any day including weekend during the day from week 10 to week 22 and delivered via online.
Students should complete online learning activities before attempting the quizzes.

WorkShopWeek: 10 - 22
One 2.00 hours workshop per week on weekdays during the day from week 10 to week 22 and delivered via face-to-face.

Assessments

Assessment elementCommentsCategoryContributionHurdle%ILO*

Experimental design group task (900 word equivalent, per student)The task comprises two parts: Part A (contribution to groupwork equivalent to 250 words) 10%. Part B (individualsubmission equivalent to 650 words) 20%. Groupwork will commence in week 1 of semester.

N/AN/AN/ANo30SILO1, SILO2, SILO4

Seven online quizzes (700 word equivalent total)Best five quiz marks contribute to final mark

N/AN/AN/ANo10SILO1, SILO2, SILO3, SILO4, SILO5

2 hr end-of semester exam (2000 word equivalent)

N/AN/AN/ANo30SILO1, SILO2, SILO3, SILO4, SILO5

Group oral presentation (200-word equivalent)Students will give a short, group oral presentation during the workshop in week 2.

N/AN/AN/ANo5SILO1

Two data analysis assignments (700 word equivalent total)

N/AN/AN/ANo25SILO3, SILO4, SILO5