Modules

Core Module Information
Module title: Research Methods
SCQF level: 09:
SCQF credit value: 20.00
ECTS credit value: 10
Module code: BMS09108
Module leader: Luke Holman
School School of Applied Sciences
Subject area group: LIFE SCIENCES
Prerequisites

Knowledge on how to search for scientific information in databases.
Awareness of how to store and manage scientific information such as journal artic
Description of module content:

This module is designed to engage you with a variety of methods used in modern research, to critically evaluate published information and allow you to understand different methods for solving a scientific problem. You will learn about experimental design and use of a wide range of different statistical tests to analyse and interpret data. You will develop your ability to critically evaluate and summarise scientific information. You will be introduced to research ethics and also legal frameworks that govern aspects of the research process and also how research information is reported for example to regulatory bodies, stakeholders or the public using a variety of examples. You will look at aspects of qualitative and quantitative analysis and also where use of a combined approach may be beneficial for some problems. Throughout this module a range of examples will be used to encourage problem solving and to allow you to identify issues with experimental design and also to ensure a subject based focus for learning. This module will give you a foundation of skills that will be applied in other modules and provides you with a range of tools that will aid planning and design of your final year research project.
Learning Outcomes for module:

LO1: Understand the research process, considerations of experimental design and data collection
LO2: Summarise and present data using appropriate graphs and descriptive statistics
LO3: Select and apply the appropriate statistical test for use on different types of quantitative data
LO4: Evaluate the appropriate use of quantitative and qualitative techniques in different situations
LO5: Critically evaluate and summarise scientific information
Full Details of Teaching and Assessment
2022/3, 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: Luke Holman
Module Organiser:


Learning, Teaching and Assessment (LTA) Approach:
In this module, you will be taught using a mixture of lectures, tutorials and hands on practical sessions designed to explain the principles of the research process, experimental design and evaluation of information. Online materials will provide you with a grounding in the relevant skills, and you will be expected to engage independently with materials and exercises provided electronically. You will engage in collaborative interactive exercises based on the online materials and suggestions for further study, providing you with opportunities for active learning. You will have ample opportunity to discuss your work with teaching staff, and questions will be facilitated and encouraged during live classes and via Moodle.

Formative Assessment:
You will have access to a range of learning resources via Moodle to help support you during your learning, including formative self-assessment tests to allow you to build and test your knowledge and prepare for the summative assessments. You will have multiple opportunities to discuss your Annotated Bibliography with a member of the teaching staff via live meetings and electronically via Moodle and email.

Summative Assessment:
Summative tests of the statistics and data analysis component will take place in weeks 6, 9 and 12, and will be administered through online quizzes. Your skills in literature search, critical evaluation, and understanding of peer-reviewed research will be assessed through writing an annotated bibliography (due in week 13), focused on a topic of your choosing.
Student Activity (Notional Equivalent Study Hours (NESH))
Mode of activityLearning & Teaching ActivityNESH (Study Hours)
Face To Face Lecture 5
Face To Face Tutorial 10
Face To Face Practical classes and workshops 20
Independent Learning Guided independent study 165
Total Study Hours200
Expected Total Study Hours for Module200


Assessment
Type of Assessment Weighting % LOs covered Week due Length in Hours/Words
Class Test 50 2,3 & 4 12 HOURS= 3
Report 50 1 & 5 13 HOURS= 0, WORDS= 1500
Component 1 subtotal: 50
Component 2 subtotal: 50
Module subtotal: 100

Indicative References and Reading List - URL:
BMS09108 Research Methods
 

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