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

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

Upon completion of this module you will be able to

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
2024/5, Trimester 1, In Person,
VIEW FULL DETAILS
Occurrence: 001
Primary mode of delivery: In Person
Location of delivery: SIGHTHILL
Partner:
Member of staff responsible for delivering module: Luke Holman
Module Organiser:


Student Activity (Notional Equivalent Study Hours (NESH))
Mode of activityLearning & Teaching ActivityNESH (Study Hours)NESH Description
Independent Learning Lecture 6 Six lectures teaching R and statistics will be delivered live over WebEx, and the recordings will be posted to the module Moodle site. The lectures will each be associated with a handout containing R code to run various statistical or graphical techniques.
Face To Face Tutorial 7 A number of 1h and 2h tutorials will be used to teach key techniques related to searching the scientific literature, critique scientific research, and effectively giving and receiving peer review. You will have ample opportunity to interact with peers.
Face To Face Practical classes and workshops 8 You will have the opportunity to get in-person help with R and statistics in a teaching space equipped with computers.
Online Guided independent study 175 Throughout the trimester, you are expected to reflect upon the learning you have undertaken in your scheduled sessions and to complete your essential reading. You are encouraged to read more widely around the topics you are studying and engage in Moodle activities and resources. You will need to ensure that you have sufficient time to prepare and plan for your assessment tasks.
Face To Face Lecture 4 There will be in-person lectures covering the scientific method, critical evaluation of scientific literature, ethics, and more. These lectures will be recorded and posted to the module Moodle site.
Total Study Hours200
Expected Total Study Hours for Module200


Assessment
Type of Assessment Weighting % LOs covered Week due Length in Hours/Words Description
Essay 50 1~5 Week 13 , WORDS= 1500 words In this assignment, you will select a research topic that interests you, search for 5 primary research papers on this topic, and critically review them. You will also write and receive peer reviews for other students while drafting your final piece of work. The peer review exercise is worth 5% of your final grade, and the Annotated Bibliography is worth 45%.
Class Test 10 2~3~4 Week 6 HOURS= 1 hour The test will be open-book, and delivered over Moodle. The test will be open for 5 days, and you will have 1 hour to complete the test once you start it. The test will require you to apply the skills learned in lectures, such as using R to statistically analyse datasets.
Class Test 15 2~3~4 Week 9 HOURS= 1 hour The test will be open-book, and delivered over Moodle. The test will be open for 5 days, and you will have 1 hour to complete the test once you start it. The test will require you to apply the skills learned in lectures, such as using R to statistically analyse datasets.
Class Test 25 2~3~4 Week 12 HOURS= 1 hour The test will be open-book, and delivered over Moodle. The test will be open for 5 days, and you will have 1 hour to complete the test once you start it. The test will require you to apply the skills learned in lectures, such as using R to statistically analyse datasets.
Component 1 subtotal: 50
Component 2 subtotal: 50
Module subtotal: 100

Indicative References and Reading List - URL:
BMS09108 Research Methods
 

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