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Research Methods For Life Sciences (AGRI90075)
Graduate courseworkPoints: 12.5Online
Please refer to the return to campus page for more information on these delivery modes and students who can enrol in each mode based on their location.
About this subject
- Overview
- Eligibility and requirements
- Assessment
- Dates and times
- Further information
- Timetable(opens in new window)
Contact information
Semester 1
Professor Patrick Baker
Dr Laura Brannelly
Overview
| Availability | Semester 1 - Online |
|---|---|
| Fees | Look up fees |
This subject provides students with an introduction to quantitative techniques and strategies used in research in a range of life science disciplines, including agriculture and food science, biological sciences, and ecosystem sciences. The subject will focus on the design of research projects, investigation and interpretation of data, and the application of scientific computing to research problems. Teaching and learning will be centered on hands-on sessions in which students work with real-life data. There is a particular emphasis on developing scientific reasoning, statistical intuition, and experience in the practical application of common quantitative methods.
The subject is designed for students with little or no background in statistics or mathematics.
Topics include:
- An introduction to sampling techniques and experimental design
- Description and exploration of data
- Visualization using univariate and bivariate plotting
- Introduction to elementary probability
- Linear models as analytical tools for univariate problems
- Statistical inference using linear models and related techniques
- Interpretation and presentation of the results of statistical models
- Logistic regression models for binary outcomes
- Practical skills working with data in the R software environment
Intended learning outcomes
On completion of this subject, students should be able to:
- Apply quantitative techniques in biological research
- Define the process of statistical modelling;
- Utilize statistical analysis in postgraduate research;
- Identify appropriate methodological frameworks and match research tools to these approaches;
- Apply research tools in the R software environment.
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, express, and criticize 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: 3 November 2022
Eligibility and requirements
Prerequisites
None
Corequisites
None
Non-allowed subjects
Students who have completed statistical analysis subjects at a tertiary level are advised not to take Research Methods for Life Sciences.
Recommended background knowledge
Students who have not taken any statistical analysis subjects at a tertiary level are advised to take Research Methods for Life Sciences as an introduction to statistical analysis.
Inherent requirements (core participation requirements)
The University of Melbourne is committed to providing students with reasonable adjustments to assessment and participation under the Disability Standards for Education (2005), and the Assessment and Results Policy (MPF1326). Students are expected to meet the core participation requirements for their course. These can be viewed under Entry and Participation Requirements for the course outlines in the Handbook.
This course requires all students to actively and safely participate in field excursions and laboratory activities. Students who feel their disability may impact upon their participation are encouraged to discuss this matter with the Subject Coordinator and Student Equity and Disability Support.
Further details on how to seek academic adjustments can be found on the Student Equity and Disability Support website: http://services.unimelb.edu.au/student-equity/home
Last updated: 3 November 2022
Assessment
Semester 1
| Description | Timing | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
Complete five of Six practical assessments in weeks 2, 4, 6, 8, 10
| From Week 2 to Week 12 | 60% |
A final examination
| During the examination period | 40% |
Satisfactory completion of online modules Hurdle requirement: video recordings that will be accompanied by a short quiz to demonstrate video has been watched. | Throughout the teaching period | 0% |
Last updated: 3 November 2022
Dates & times
- Semester 1 - Online
Coordinators Laura Brannelly and Patrick Baker Mode of delivery Online Contact hours 36 hours of tutorials and practicals, 24 hours-equivalent of online modules Total time commitment 170 hours Teaching period 1 March 2021 to 30 May 2021 Last self-enrol date 12 March 2021 Census date 31 March 2021 Last date to withdraw without fail 7 May 2021 Assessment period ends 25 June 2021 Semester 1 contact information
Professor Patrick Baker
Dr Laura Brannelly
Time commitment details
124 hours
Last updated: 3 November 2022
Further information
- Texts
Prescribed texts
Essential Statistics (D G Rees), 4th edn, Chapman and Hall, 2001
- Related Handbook entries
This subject contributes to the following:
- Available through the Community Access Program
About the Community Access Program (CAP)
This subject is available through the Community Access Program (also called Single Subject Studies) which allows you to enrol in single subjects offered by the University of Melbourne, without the commitment required to complete a whole degree.
Entry requirements including prerequisites may apply. Please refer to the CAP applications page for further information.
- Available to Study Abroad and/or Study Exchange Students
This subject is available to students studying at the University from eligible overseas institutions on exchange and study abroad. Students are required to satisfy any listed requirements, such as pre- and co-requisites, for enrolment in the subject.
Last updated: 3 November 2022