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
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: Emilio Pagani-Nunez
Module Organiser:


Student Activity (Notional Equivalent Study Hours (NESH))
Mode of activityLearning & Teaching ActivityNESH (Study Hours)NESH Description
Face To Face Lecture 22 Lectures will introduce main topics and concepts about Stats & R (first section) and about scientific design (second section) and will take place in person. Recordings of these lectures will be made available to distance learners on a weekly basis.
Face To Face Practical classes and workshops 26 Practicals in the first section of the module consist of comprehensive stats exercises based on the content of the lectures. Workshops in the second section of the module intend to develop practical activities to gain insights about project design.
Face To Face Fieldwork 18 Fieldwork will be employed to develop a small project as a way to test your project design skills.
Online Guided independent study 134 Throughout the trimester, you are expected to structure in time 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.
Independent Learning Guided independent study 134 Contact Module Leader
Total Study Hours334
Expected Total Study Hours for Module334


Assessment
Type of Assessment Weighting % LOs covered Week due Length in Hours/Words Description
Class Test 70 2 8 HOURS= 3h The exam will consist of a combination ofMultiple choice questions (MCQs), and output questions. MCQ questions are intended to test basic concepts while output questions are an opportunity for you to demonstrate your ability to use R to test hypotheses and interpret results from statistical tests.
Oral Presentation 30 1~3 11 HOURS= 10 minutes In this assessment you will propose a research project using an oral pitch. It should be a project planned to run over a 13-week period (from the start of data collection to completion of a report) and undertaken by one person as would be the case for a full-time MSc student project.
Centrally Time Tabled Examination 70 2 7 HOURS= 2, WORDS= 0 Contact Module Leader
Component 1 subtotal: 140
Component 2 subtotal: 30
Module subtotal: 170

Indicative References and Reading List - URL:
Scientific Methods ENV11109