Units
Quantitative Methods in Science
Unit code: SEB113
Credit points: 12
Information about fees and unit costs
Mathematics and Statistics underpins Science and Engineering research and practice. In SEB113 'Quantitative Methods' in Science you will learn to apply the tools and skills of mathematics and statistics, to analyse, model and represent data for scientific purposes. It develops your practical quantitative problem-solving skills in real multidisciplinary scientific contexts. You will apply and augment your quantitative skills using real-world data you collected during field- and laboratory work in SEB114 ‘Experimental Science’ and other units where relevant. This unit also builds awareness of how the different Science disciplines use and represent data, which will facilitate your choice of a discipline major in second semester.
Availability
| Semester | Available |
|---|---|
| 2013 Semester 1 | Yes |
Offered in these courses
- ST01
Sample subject outline - Semester 1 2013
Note: Subject outlines often change before the semester begins. Below is a sample outline.
Rationale
The outstanding societal, economic, and environmental contribution of Science to improving and prolonging humankind's existence is certainly rooted in its unique methodology. Quantitative methods play a key role in Science. Therefore, this unit focuses on the fundamental mathematical and statistical approaches used routinely in Science, with a particular emphasis on experimental data. It introduces analytical, modelling and simulation skills in close alignment with the quantitative requirements of 'Experimental Science'.
With reference to theory, field and experimental settings, you explore and develop practical problem-solving skills to quantify and model real problems in Science. This unit's alignment with SEB114 Experimental Science gives you the opportunity to further explore and practice scientific and quantitative methods in one or more science disciplines and contexts of your interest.
Aims
The aim of this unit is to introduce you to and develop your quantitative skills of analysis, simulation and modelling which underpins all scientific practice. You will understand how quantitative techniques are applied in different science disciplines with opportunity to further investigate a problem or issue in a specific field.
Objectives
On completion of this unit, you will provide evidence of:
1. Knowledge and application of quantitative methods, technologies and tools to inform scientific investigation.
2. Analysis, modelling and simulation of numerical data for scientific purposes and problems.
3. Selection of quantitative methods and outcomes applied to or derived from scientific problems in theory, field and laboratory settings.
4. Communication and visual representation of scientific data and mathematical models, using appropriate conventions.
Content
The focus on this unit is on applying mathematical and statistical methods in context, and determining how and what data to collect for different purposes. You will look for meaningful scientific 'patterns' in the data using mathematical functions, conduct data analysis using calculus, and model the data to increasing levels of complexity using algebra (equations).
You will learn how to select and apply appropriate quantitative methods in scientific contexts. We will refresh and deepen your understanding of statistical methods, functions, algebra and calculus which are fundamental to measurement in experimental science.
Approaches to Teaching and Learning
The focus of this unit is learning quantitative methods in science through doing them, that is, through data obtained from scientific observation, examples and practice in field, lab and theory settings. All quantitative (mathematical and statistical) knowledge and skills will be taught and practised in context, related to real examples, problems and observations.
For this purpose, academic staff from mathematical and science fields are working collaboratively to align scientific examples and applications for all quantitative methods so that you develop conceptual scientific understanding with quantitative skills. This will engage you to think and apply quantitative methods as a novice scientist with awareness of how different science disciplines use and represent data.
This emphasis on practical application in real contexts is reinforced as ongoing reference and links are made to discipline-based investigations including data obtained from field trips and laboratory work in the companion 'Experimental Science' unit.
Peer learning in tutorials and labs will be used to practice and develop your quantitative skills with additional sessions provided in the STIMulate Centre (providing learning support to QUT students in Science, Technology, Information and Mathematics) for intensive tuition with more experienced peers.
Quizzes are used for regular practice, testing and development of quantitative skills, methods and tools using simple scientific contexts. Problem solving tasks provide more comprehensive problems that progressively develop your ability to analyse, model and simulate scientific problems using the most appropriate quantitative methods. Two quantitative methods workbooks will expand on the two investigations you undertake in the companion 'Experimental Science' unit.
Assessment
Assessment includes quizzes (with self-reflection) and problem solving tasks, and will be scheduled regularly throughout the semester. A methods workbook detailing the quantitative approach to each of your SEB114 Experimental Science investigations, in two disciplines. These quantitative workbooks will be assessed in SEB113 and will form a companion assessment to the poster or report presentation developed in that unit.You will receive multiple sources of feedback, including:
Assessment name:
Quiz/Test
Description:
Quizzes will be used throughout semester for progressive practice, testing and immediate feedback of your knowledge and ability to apply quantitative methods and skills to small scientific problems and issues.
You will reflect on the strengths and weaknesses revealed by the quizzes, identify areas where you need improvement, and compare
Relates to objectives:
1,3
Weight:
25%
Internal or external:
External
Group or individual:
Individual
Due date:
Throughout Semester
Assessment name:
Problem Solving Task
Description:
Problem solving tasks will progressively demonstrate quantitative skills to select, analyse and model data in larger, more comprehensive scientific contexts and problems. You will use data that that you or other students collected in the field or the laboratory for "Experimental Science".
Relates to objectives:
1,2,3
Weight:
50%
Internal or external:
Internal
Group or individual:
Group with Individual Component
Due date:
End of Semester
Assessment name:
Workbook
Description:
Increasingly, anyone producing a scientific paper will often be required to supply the raw data, the results of applying any quantitative methods as a data set, and a repeatable process for undertaking the quantitative analysis. Usually this is included as supplementary material. To introduce you to working in this way a structured template will be supplied guiding you in the expectations of presenting your work in this way. You will be required to supply one workbook for each of the two investigations undertaken in the companion 'Experimental Science' unit. Workbooks can be presented either as an electronic or physical report.
Group work will focus on analysis of the full dataset, and require you to present and critically discuss the details of your quantitative approach.
Relates to objectives:
1,2,3,4
Weight:
25%
Internal or external:
Internal
Group or individual:
Individual
Due date:
Throughout Semester
Academic Honesty
QUT is committed to maintaining high academic standards to protect the value of its qualifications. To assist you in assuring the academic integrity of your assessment you are encouraged to make use of the support materials and services available to help you consider and check your assessment items. Important information about the university's approach to academic integrity of assessment is on your unit Blackboard site.
A breach of academic integrity is regarded as Student Misconduct and can lead to the imposition of penalties.
Resource materials
To be supplied.
Risk assessment statement
There are no out of the ordinary risks associated with this unit. You will be made aware of evacuation procedures and assembly areas in the first few lectures. In the event of a fire alarm sounding, or on a lecturer's instruction, you should leave the room and assemble in the designated area which will be indicated to you. You should be conscious of your health and safety at all times whilst on campus or in the field.
Disclaimer - Offer of some units is subject to viability, and information in these Unit Outlines is subject to change prior to commencement of semester.
Last modified: 20-Feb-2013
