Research Methods For Life Sciences (AGRI90075)
Graduate courseworkPoints: 12.5Online
About this subject
Contact information
Semester 1
Shu Kee Lam - shukee.lam@unimelb.edu.au
Laura Brannelly - laura.brannelly@unimelb.edu.au
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: 6 March 2025
Eligibility and requirements
Prerequisites
None
Corequisites
None
Non-allowed subjects
None
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: 6 March 2025
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: 6 March 2025
Dates & times
- Semester 1 - Online
Coordinators Shu Kee Lam and Laura Brannelly Mode of delivery Online Contact hours 36 hours of tutorials and practicals (1 x 2 hours of practical, 1 x 1 hour tutorial per week), 24 hours-equivalent of online modules Total time commitment 170 hours Teaching period 3 March 2025 to 1 June 2025 Last self-enrol date 14 March 2025 Census date 31 March 2025 Last date to withdraw without fail 9 May 2025 Assessment period ends 27 June 2025 Semester 1 contact information
Shu Kee Lam - shukee.lam@unimelb.edu.au
Laura Brannelly - laura.brannelly@unimelb.edu.au
What do these dates mean
Visit this webpage to find out about these key dates, including how they impact on:
- Your tuition fees, academic transcript and statements.
- And for Commonwealth Supported students, your:
- Student Learning Entitlement. This applies to all students enrolled in a Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP).
Subjects withdrawn after the census date (including up to the ‘last day to withdraw without fail’) count toward the Student Learning Entitlement.
Last updated: 6 March 2025
Further information
- Texts
- 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.
Please note Single Subject Studies via Community Access Program is not available to student visa holders or applicants
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
Last updated: 6 March 2025