ANIML SC 3520RW - Research Methodology for Animal Sciences III

Roseworthy Campus - Semester 1 - 2022

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 3520RW
    Course Research Methodology for Animal Sciences III
    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 1004
    Incompatible ANIML SC 2520RW
    Restrictions Available to Bachelor of Science (Animal Science) students only
    Assessment Practical assessments, written assignments, theory examination
    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 and practices of experimental design
    3 Demonstrate the use of 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)

    Attribute 1: Deep discipline knowledge and intellectual breadth

    Graduates have comprehensive knowledge and understanding of their subject area, the ability to engage with different traditions of thought, and the ability to apply their knowledge in practice including in multi-disciplinary or multi-professional contexts.

    1,2,3,5

    Attribute 2: Creative and critical thinking, and problem solving

    Graduates are effective problems-solvers, able to apply critical, creative and evidence-based thinking to conceive innovative responses to future challenges.

    1-5

    Attribute 3: Teamwork and communication skills

    Graduates convey ideas and information effectively to a range of audiences for a variety of purposes and contribute in a positive and collaborative manner to achieving common goals.

    4,5

    Attribute 4: Professionalism and leadership readiness

    Graduates engage in professional behaviour and have the potential to be entrepreneurial and take leadership roles in their chosen occupations or careers and communities.

    2,3

    Attribute 5: Intercultural and ethical competency

    Graduates are responsible and effective global citizens whose personal values and practices are consistent with their roles as responsible members of society.

    4

    Attribute 8: Self-awareness and emotional intelligence

    Graduates are self-aware and reflective; they are flexible and resilient and have the capacity to accept and give constructive feedback; they act with integrity and take responsibility for their actions.

    4
  • Learning & Teaching Activities
    Learning & Teaching Modes

    No information currently available.

    Workload

    No information currently available.

    Learning Activities Summary
    Topics covered:
    • 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. Both workshops and practicals are compulsory as the work done in these activities forms the basis for the assignments; particularly assignments 1 (group work) and 2 (based on several practicals). Without attending the practicals, a student cannot complete assignment 2 and 3. Students are able to apply for an allowed absence from a class by submitting the application form, with appropriate supporting documentation, to the Course Coordinator.
  • 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
    Assessment Task Task Type Weighting Hurdle
    Yes/No
    Learning Outcome Due
    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, of up to 30minutes duration, 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. A 5 – 10 minute oral presentation will be required as part of the first assignment.

    Theory Exam (35%): The final 3hr theory exam will examine all components of the course and may consist of multiple-choice questions, short answer and long answer questions.
    Submission
    If an extension is not applied for, or not granted, then a penalty for late submission will apply. A penalty of 10% of the value of the assignment for each calendar day that the assignment is late (i.e. weekends count as 2 days), up to a maximum of 50% of the available marks will be applied. This means that an assignment that is 5 days late or more without an approved extension can only receive a maximum of 50% of the marks available for that assignment.
    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.

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