EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN, ANALYSIS AND PRESENTATION

EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN, ANALYSIS AND PRESENTATION
Course Code
BI 3007
Credit Points
15
Course Coordinator
Dr Jim McDonald

Pre-requisites

No pre-requisites but the course will be available only to students taking degrees in a biological science.

Overview

Scientific method will be taught through experimental design of a combined laboratory and field experiment; data handling and statistical analysis; analysis of molecular sequence data and phylogenies; writing a scientific report; project planning; assessment of peer submissions. Presentation skills and training in accessing library and sequence databases are also covered.
Statistical analysis will be on known datasets and on those generated by the students in practical sessions. Worked examples and case studies will be themed to provide material for a Scientific Manuscript. Training on software suitable for handling, manipulating, testing and presenting data is an integral part of the course.

Structure

Thread II: 6 weeks – 4 lectures per week; one full day practical per week; 1 tutorial per week.

To pass this course, a pass must be achieved in BOTH the theory exam and the in-course assessment.

Assessment

1st Attempt: 1 two-hour examination (40%) and in-course assessment (60%). Oral examination for borderline candidates.

Resit: A resit exam, in the same format as the main exam. This may contain material from both the practical and lecture components of the course.