Core Module Information
Module title: Scientific Methods

SCQF level: 11:
SCQF credit value: 20.00
ECTS credit value: 10

Module code: ENV11109
Module leader: Emilio Pagani-Nunez
School School of Applied Sciences
Subject area group: Life Sciences
Prerequisites

There are no pre-requisites for this module to be added

Description of module content:

This module has three strands: philosophy and practice of science; statistical analysis and the use of R; an introduction to taxonomy and species ID. Content will include the nature of the literature and scientific method including survey and experimental strategies and the need for replication and controls. Working with people and qualitative research methods involve a different set of ethical and regulatory issues which will also be discussed. Statistical and related methods for analysing and presenting data will be covered in the first half of the module together with taxonomic theory and field and lab sessions looking at a range of taxa.

Learning Outcomes for module:

Upon completion of this module you will be able to

LO1: Plan, propose and justify a novel scientific investigation.

LO2: Select and apply appropriate statistical methods for data analysis, and report and critically assess the results.

LO3: Understand the philosophical basis of experimental and observational methods and the processes maintaining the quality of scientific information, and be able to apply this understanding critically and at a professional level.

Full Details of Teaching and Assessment
2023/4, Trimester 1, Face-to-Face, Edinburgh Napier University
VIEW FULL DETAILS
Occurrence: 001
Primary mode of delivery: Face-to-Face
Location of delivery: SIGHTHILL
Partner: Edinburgh Napier University
Member of staff responsible for delivering module: Patrick White
Module Organiser:


Student Activity (Notional Equivalent Study Hours (NESH))
Mode of activityLearning & Teaching ActivityNESH (Study Hours)
Face To Face Lecture 22
Face To Face Practical classes and workshops 24
Face To Face Tutorial 2
Face To Face Fieldwork 18
Independent Learning Guided independent study 134
Total Study Hours200
Expected Total Study Hours for Module200


Assessment
Type of Assessment Weighting % LOs covered Week due Length in Hours/Words
Oral Presentation 30 1 & 3 11 HOURS= 0.10, WORDS= 0
Centrally Time Tabled Examination 70 2 7 HOURS= 2, WORDS= 0
Component 1 subtotal: 70
Component 2 subtotal: 30
Module subtotal: 100

Indicative References and Reading List - URL:
Scientific Methods ENV11109