ANIML SC 2520RW - Research Methodology for Animal Sciences II

Roseworthy Campus - Semester 1 - 2023

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.

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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
Assessment	Workshop assessment, practical assessments, assignments, theory exam

Course Staff

Course Coordinator: Dr Michelle Hebart

Course Timetable

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

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)
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, 2, 3, 4, 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 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

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

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

Assessment Summary

Assessment Task	Type of assessment	Percentage of total assessment for grading purposes	Hurdle?	Outcomes being assessed	Timing of Assessment
Practical assessments	Summative	10%	No	1, 2, 3, 5	Weeks 2, 4, 7
Workshop assessments	Formative Summative	0% 5%	No	2, 3, 5	Weeks 3, 5, 7
Assignments	Summative	50%	No	1-5	Weeks 3, 8, 10
Theory exam	Summative	35%	No	1, 2, 3	Exam period

Assessment Detail

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

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.

Assignments (50% total): three (3) assignments are to be submitted, worth 15% (small group research grant proposal), 10% (scoping review) 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
This section contains links to relevant assessment-related policies and guidelines - all university policies.
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.

Authorised by:	Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Vice-President (Academic)
Maintained by:	Course Outlines Administrator