Res Methods for Biol, Ecol & Zoology (C1021)
Research Methods for Biology, Ecology and Zoology
Module C1021
Module details for 2025/26.
15 credits
FHEQ Level 4
Module Outline
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 our 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: 1) an Introduction to Statistics and the use of statistical software to analyse biological and ecological data; 2) the development of your ability to research and synthesise the primary scientific literature, and communicate your findings; 3) 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.
| Type | Timing | Weighting |
|---|---|---|
| Coursework | 100.00% | |
| Coursework components. Weighted as shown below. | ||
| Test | T2 Week 7 (2 hours) | 40.00% |
| Problem Set | T2 Week 11 | 60.00% |
Timing
Submission deadlines may vary for different types of assignment/groups of students.
Weighting
Coursework components (if listed) total 100% of the overall coursework weighting value.
| Term | Method | Duration | Week pattern |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spring Semester | Online Lecture | 1 hour | 11110000000 |
| Spring Semester | Online Interactive | 1 hour | 00100000000 |
| Spring Semester | Workshop | 2 hours | 01111001100 |
| Spring Semester | Lecture | 1 hour | 00000011110 |
| Spring Semester | Lecture | 1 hour | 22222200000 |
How to read the week pattern
The numbers indicate the weeks of the term and how many events take place each week.
Dr Wiebke Schuett
Assess convenor, Convenor
/profiles/429979
Prof William Hughes
Convenor
/profiles/297821
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