SLE251 - Research Methods and Data Analysis

Unit details

Year:

2024 unit information

Enrolment modes:Trimester 1: Burwood (Melbourne), Warrnambool, Waurn Ponds (Geelong)
Credit point(s):1
EFTSL value:0.125
Previously coded as:SBS251
Unit Chair:Trimester 1: Marina Telonis-Scott
Prerequisite:

STP010 (for Faculty of Science, Engineering and Built Environment students).

Corequisite:Nil
Incompatible with:

HPS201 and HPS301

Typical study commitment:

Students will on average spend 150 hours over the teaching period undertaking the teaching, learning and assessment activities for this unit.

This will include educator guided online learning activities within the unit site.

Educator-facilitated (scheduled) learning activities - on-campus unit enrolment:

2 x 1 hour online lectures per week; 5 x 2 hour practical experience (laboratory) per trimester.

Content

Data is everywhere in the world. Without knowing how to interpret or use information from the data it would be difficult to understand its meaning. Scientific methods are techniques for investigating a phenomenon, acquiring new knowledge or correcting and integrating previous knowledge. SLE251 aims to aid students develop knowledge in using statistics to summarise, describe and interpret scientific data and perform statistical inferences. In this unit, students will develop knowledge of the fundamentals of scientific research methodologies and analytical techniques for answering real-world questions. This will involve learning about the principles of hypothesis testing and experimental design. Students will also be required to use statistical software to analyse data and interpret results using tests of population means, analysis of variance, chi-square tests, correlation and linear regression.  Additionally, in this Unit students will demonstrate and learn to articulate the discipline and transferable skills gained from the unit and apply what they have their learnt through the creation of a professional experience plan to help build the opportunities and experiences they require to meet their career goals.

ULO These are the Learning Outcomes (ULO) for this unit. At the completion of this unit, successful students can: Deakin Graduate Learning Outcomes
ULO1 Evaluate methodological and sampling constraints and justify alignment of processes with respect to testing or contesting conjectures, deriving predictions, characterising inquiry and designing experimental studies.

GLO1: Discipline-specific knowledge and capabilities

ULO2

Calculate and construct suitable numerical and graphical summaries to describe and interpret data. GLO1: Discipline-specific knowledge and capabilities
GLO5: Problem solving

ULO3

Apply techniques of statistical inference to analyse data involving proportions, means and associations in a biological context and use statistical software to generate and interpret relevant output for quantitative data. GLO1: Discipline-specific knowledge and capabilities
GLO3: Digital literacy
GLO4: Critical thinking
GLO5: Problem solving

ULO4

Locate, collect and use scientific information to define a question, use appropriate scientific methodology to design and implement a sampling or data collection project and prepare a scientific report to demonstrate data interpretation and analysis skills. GLO1: Discipline-specific knowledge and capabilities
GLO3: Digital literacy
GLO5: Problem solving

ULO5

Demonstrate career development skills (awareness, planning, application) required to apply for work opportunities, to progress your career.

GLO1: Discipline-specific knowledge and capabilities
GLO6: Self-management
GL08: Global citizenship

 

Assessment

Assessment Description Student output Grading and weighting
(% total mark for unit)
Indicative due week

Assessment 1
Online test

1-hour online test 10% Week 6-7

Assessment 2
Practical quizzes

Four online quizzes 20% (4 x 5%) End of the week after each practical session

Assessment 3
Scientific report

Written report 40% Week 11
End-of-Unit Assessment  Timed online test 30% End-of-Unit Assessment Period

The assessment due weeks provided may change. The Unit Chair will clarify the exact assessment requirements, including the due date, at the start of the teaching period.

Learning Resource

The texts and reading list for the unit can be found on the University Library via the link below: SLE251 Note: Select the relevant trimester reading list. Please note that a future teaching period's reading list may not be available until a month prior to the start of that teaching period so you may wish to use the relevant trimester's prior year reading list as a guide only.

Unit Fee Information

Fees and charges vary depending on the type of fee place you hold, your course, your commencement year, the units you choose to study and their study discipline, and your study load.

Tuition fees increase at the beginning of each calendar year and all fees quoted are in Australian dollars ($AUD). Tuition fees do not include textbooks, computer equipment or software, other equipment or costs such as mandatory checks, travel and stationery.

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