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Research Methods for Life Science (AGRI20028)
Undergraduate level 2Points: 12.5On Campus (Parkville)
Overview
| Availability | Semester 1 |
|---|---|
| Fees | Look up fees |
This subject provides students with an introduction to a number of statistical techniques which are frequently used in agriculture, science and business situations. Course content will be set within the context of practical problems. Technology will be used to support statistical calculations.
Topics include an introduction to sampling techniques and experimental design; descriptive treatment of sample data; introduction to elementary probability and distributions; estimation and hypothesis testing of means and proportions; the chi-square distribution; simple and multiple regression and correlation; one-factor and two-factor analysis of variance; and use of statistical computer packages.
Intended learning outcomes
The objectives of this subject are to provide students with:
- a basic understanding of how to ask and answer questions in agricultural, biological and business research,
- familiarity with the kinds of data generated in research,
- an understanding of the statistical models and analyses that can be applied to different kinds of biological and business data, and
- able to interpret and present results of statistical analyses.
Generic skills
Students should progressively acquire generic skills from this subject that will assist them in any future career path. These include
• problem-solving skills: the ability to engage with unfamiliar problems and identify relevant solution strategies;
• analytical skills: the ability to construct and express logical arguments and to work in abstract or general terms to increase the clarity and efficiency of analysis;
• time management skills: the ability to meet regular deadlines while balancing competing commitments.
Last updated: 11 February 2025