Life Sciences

Research Methods for Biology, Ecology and Zoology

Module code: C1021
Level 4
15 credits in spring semester
Teaching method: Workshop, Lecture, Online 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.