ANIML SC 2520RW - Research Methodology for Animal Sciences II

Roseworthy Campus - Semester 1 - 2020

This course is concerned with understanding and application of, the scientific method in biological research, and in particular, the animal sciences. The course has a foundation in the philosophy of science. Particular emphasis is given to the application of statistical hypothesis testing, which is explored in a series of case studies. In addition, research skills in proposal preparation, project management, teamwork, presentations skills and publication writing are developed in the context of scientific research.

  • General Course Information
    Course Details
    Course Code ANIML SC 2520RW
    Course Research Methodology for Animal Sciences II
    Coordinating Unit School of Animal and Veterinary Sciences
    Term Semester 1
    Level Undergraduate
    Location/s Roseworthy Campus
    Units 3
    Contact Up to 6 hours per week
    Available for Study Abroad and Exchange Y
    Prerequisites STATS 1000 or STATS 1004
    Incompatible BIOMET 2500RW, BIOMET 2500WT
    Course Description This course is concerned with understanding and application of, the scientific method in biological research, and in particular, the animal sciences. The course has a foundation in the philosophy of science. Particular emphasis is given to the application of statistical hypothesis testing, which is explored in a series of case studies. In addition, research skills in proposal preparation, project management, teamwork, presentations skills and publication writing are developed in the context of scientific research.
    Course Staff

    Course Coordinator: Dr Michelle Hebart

    Course Timetable

    The full timetable of all activities for this course can be accessed from Course Planner.

  • Learning Outcomes
    Course Learning Outcomes
    1 Develop scientific hypotheses
    2 Apply the principles & practices of experimental design
    3 Demonstrate the use selected statistical methods: correlation, regression (simple linear, polynomial, multiple linear), general linear models (with interactions), analysis of categorical variables (contingency tables)
    4 Perform project management in the context of planning a research project through working in small groups
    5 Demonstrate effective written, oral and graphical presentation skills
    University Graduate Attributes

    This course will provide students with an opportunity to develop the Graduate Attribute(s) specified below:

    University Graduate Attribute Course Learning Outcome(s)
    Deep discipline knowledge
    • informed and infused by cutting edge research, scaffolded throughout their program of studies
    • acquired from personal interaction with research active educators, from year 1
    • accredited or validated against national or international standards (for relevant programs)
    1, 2, 3, 5
    Critical thinking and problem solving
    • steeped in research methods and rigor
    • based on empirical evidence and the scientific approach to knowledge development
    • demonstrated through appropriate and relevant assessment
    1, 2, 3, 4, 5
    Teamwork and communication skills
    • developed from, with, and via the SGDE
    • honed through assessment and practice throughout the program of studies
    • encouraged and valued in all aspects of learning
    4, 5
    Career and leadership readiness
    • technology savvy
    • professional and, where relevant, fully accredited
    • forward thinking and well informed
    • tested and validated by work based experiences
    2, 3
    Intercultural and ethical competency
    • adept at operating in other cultures
    • comfortable with different nationalities and social contexts
    • able to determine and contribute to desirable social outcomes
    • demonstrated by study abroad or with an understanding of indigenous knowledges
    4
    Self-awareness and emotional intelligence
    • a capacity for self-reflection and a willingness to engage in self-appraisal
    • open to objective and constructive feedback from supervisors and peers
    • able to negotiate difficult social situations, defuse conflict and engage positively in purposeful debate
    4
  • Learning Resources
    Required Resources
    There is no required text book for this course. Sources used for all learning activities will be referenced and students are encouraged to not only rely on the notes given to them, but also to read more widely using these references as a starting point.
    Online Learning
    MyUni: Teaching materials and course documentation will be posted on the MyUni website (http://myuni.adelaide.edu.au/).
  • Learning & Teaching Activities
    Learning & Teaching Modes
    This course will be delivered by the following means:
    2 x 1hr lectures per week
    1 x 2hr computer practical sessions per week
    1 x 2hr workshop per week
    Students will receive lecture, practical and tutorial notes online.
    Workload

    The information below is provided as a guide to assist students in engaging appropriately with the course requirements.

    A student enrolled in a 3 unit course, such as this, should expect to spend, on average 12 hours per week on the studies required. This includes both the formal contact time required to the course (e.g., lectures and practicals), as well as non-contact time (e.g., reading and revision).
    Learning Activities Summary

    Topics

    • Grant Writing
    • Study Design
    • Experimental Design
    • Sample Size and Power
    • Data Analysis
      • Summary Statistics
      • ANOVA
      • Correlation and Regression
      • GLM
      • Non-Parametric
      • Chi Squared
    • Social Research
    • Scientific Writing Skills
    Specific Course Requirements
    Attendance at practicals and workshops is compulsory. Students are able to apply for an allowed absence from a class by submitting
    the application form, with appropriate supporting documentation, to the Course Co-ordinator. Application forms can be downloaded from https://sciences.adelaide.edu.au/study/student-support/forms-and-policies#animal-and-veterinary-sciences-resources
  • Assessment

    The University's policy on Assessment for Coursework Programs is based on the following four principles:

    1. Assessment must encourage and reinforce learning.
    2. Assessment must enable robust and fair judgements about student performance.
    3. Assessment practices must be fair and equitable to students and give them the opportunity to demonstrate what they have learned.
    4. Assessment must maintain academic standards.

    Assessment Summary
    Due to the current COVID-19 situation modified arrangements have been made to assessments to facilitate remote learning and teaching.
    Assessment Task Type of assessment Percentage of total assessment for grading purposes Hurdle
    (Yes/No)
    Outcomes being assessed Timing of Assessment
    Workshop assessments Formative
    Summative

    0%
    5%

    No 2,3,5 Weeks 3, 5, 7
    Practical assessments Summative 10% No 1,2,3,5 Weeks 2, 4, 7
    Assignments Summative 50% No 1-5 Weeks 3, 8, 10
    Theory exam Summative 35% No 1,2,3 Exam period
    Assessment Detail
    Workshop Assessments (5%): Workshop mark is based on individual contribution to each session during the semester. This may include short quizzes that the students are able to use for formative assessment to determine their current levels of understanding of concepts.

    Practical Assessments (10%): three (3) assessments are to be submitted throughout the semester. These will be either written or online quizzes.

    Assignments (50% total): three (3) assignments are to be submitted, worth 15% (small group research grant proposal), 10% (statistical analysis) and 25% (write a scientific paper) of the final assessment, respectively. 

    Theory Exam (35%): Students will be allowed to take calculators and one (1) A4 page with writing on both sides into the exam. The final 3 hr exam will examine all components of the course and may consist of multiple choice questions, short answer and long answer questions.
    Submission
    Extensions for Assessment Tasks
    Extensions of deadlines for assessment tasks may be allowed for reasonable causes. Such situations would include compassionate and medical grounds of the severity that would justify the awarding of a supplementary examination. Evidence for the grounds must be provided when an extension is requested. Students are required to apply for an extension to the Course Co-ordinator before the assessment task is due. Extensions will not be provided on the grounds of poor prioritising of time. The assessment extension application form can be obtained from: http://www.sciences.adelaide.edu.au/current/


    Late submission of assessments
    If an extension is not applied for, or not granted then a penalty for late submission will apply. A penalty of zero will be allocated to late submitted assessment.
    Course Grading

    Grades for your performance in this course will be awarded in accordance with the following scheme:

    M10 (Coursework Mark Scheme)
    Grade Mark Description
    FNS   Fail No Submission
    F 1-49 Fail
    P 50-64 Pass
    C 65-74 Credit
    D 75-84 Distinction
    HD 85-100 High Distinction
    CN   Continuing
    NFE   No Formal Examination
    RP   Result Pending

    Further details of the grades/results can be obtained from Examinations.

    Grade Descriptors are available which provide a general guide to the standard of work that is expected at each grade level. More information at Assessment for Coursework Programs.

    Final results for this course will be made available through Access Adelaide.

  • Student Feedback

    The University places a high priority on approaches to learning and teaching that enhance the student experience. Feedback is sought from students in a variety of ways including on-going engagement with staff, the use of online discussion boards and the use of Student Experience of Learning and Teaching (SELT) surveys as well as GOS surveys and Program reviews.

    SELTs are an important source of information to inform individual teaching practice, decisions about teaching duties, and course and program curriculum design. They enable the University to assess how effectively its learning environments and teaching practices facilitate student engagement and learning outcomes. Under the current SELT Policy (http://www.adelaide.edu.au/policies/101/) course SELTs are mandated and must be conducted at the conclusion of each term/semester/trimester for every course offering. Feedback on issues raised through course SELT surveys is made available to enrolled students through various resources (e.g. MyUni). In addition aggregated course SELT data is available.

  • Student Support
  • Policies & Guidelines
  • Fraud Awareness

    Students are reminded that in order to maintain the academic integrity of all programs and courses, the university has a zero-tolerance approach to students offering money or significant value goods or services to any staff member who is involved in their teaching or assessment. Students offering lecturers or tutors or professional staff anything more than a small token of appreciation is totally unacceptable, in any circumstances. Staff members are obliged to report all such incidents to their supervisor/manager, who will refer them for action under the university's student’s disciplinary procedures.

The University of Adelaide is committed to regular reviews of the courses and programs it offers to students. The University of Adelaide therefore reserves the right to discontinue or vary programs and courses without notice. Please read the important information contained in the disclaimer.