Life Sciences
Research Methods for Biology, Ecology and Zoology
Module code: C1021
Level 4
15 credits in spring semester
Teaching method: Online lecture, Workshop, Lecture
Assessment modes: Coursework
There are certain skills and methods that are essential for being a biologist, ecologist or zoologist. Accurate observation and identification of organisms, and curiosity about them, provides the fuel for scientific discovery.
The use of statistics allows us to test our hypotheses, form a quantitative understanding of experimental and observational data, and draw conclusions based on the information we can extract from them.
Writing and presentation skills are then essential to present findings in a clear and coherent form so that scientists, policy makers, end-users and the general public can understand them.
This module will help you develop these skills. It will consist of three components:
- an introduction to statistics and the use of statistical software to analyse biological and ecological data
- the development of your ability to research and synthesise the primary scientific literature, and communicate your findings
- a series of exercises to develop your observation and identification skills, and scientific curiosity.
Module learning outcomes
- Demonstrate understanding of a range of statistical methods that are commonly used in the biological and ecological sciences.
- Choose statistical methods and apply to biological and ecological data using a modern software package.
- Engage with the primary scientific literature, and communicate the results of research accurately and with coherent arguments.
- Evaluate experimental methods, observe and collect data on organisms to address specific questions.