Units

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Sample subject outline - Semester 2 2013

Note: Subject outlines often change before the semester begins. Below is a sample outline.

Rationale

This unit deals with the theory and practice of experimental design and the quantitative approaches used for the investigation of ecological and environmental questions discussed in the prerequisite unit Ecology and developed in subsequent units in the ecology and environmental science majors.

Aims

• To provide an introduction to the logic of experimentation and experimental design.


• To build a practical extension on the theoretical basis of statistics obtained in other units using experimental situations commonly met in ecology and environmental science.


• To apply methods used to quantify the ecological attributes of populations and communities in experimental field situations.

Objectives

On completion of this unit you will:

1. Be able to apply appropriate statistical tests to problems commonly encountered in ecology and environmental science, and provide appropriate interpretations for these tests.

2. Understand the logic of experimentation and experimental design as applied to biological systems.

3. Be able to apply your practical and theoretical knowledge of methods and techniques used to estimate important attributes of biological populations and communities, and to work independently and collaboratively in field and laboratory situations..

4. Have developed skills in the collection, storage, manipulation, analysis and presentation of ecological data.

Content

• Variability in biological systems and measuring and summarising ecological and environmental data.


• Hypothesis testing and selecting the most appropriate tests for answering ecological questions.


• Approaches to experimental design.


• Sampling strategies for the collection of ecological and environmental data.


• Multivariate approaches to the study of ecological systems.


• Data collection, storage, manipulation, analyses and presentation.

Approaches to Teaching and Learning

The unit consists of 4 hours contact per week comprising framework lectures and practical sessions devoted to problem solving. Fieldwork is an essential element of this unit and ecological methods are applied in a number of field exercises. Emphasis will be placed on the critical evaluation of design elements to ensure that experimental objectives are satisfied, and that there is appropriate selection of statistical tools and accurate interpretation of results. Emphasis is also placed on improving data analysis and report writing skills using data collected in the field exercises.

Assessment

You will be expected to undertake a number of assessments related to the learning outcomes of this unit (see below).Summative and formative feedback will be provided by written and oral feedback for all assessment items.

Assessment name: Examination (Theory)
Description: End-semester examination. The exam will be an open book exam designed to examine your grasp of concepts associated with the logic of experimentation and experimental design.
Relates to objectives: 1 to 4
Weight: 40%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: Exam Period

Assessment name: Quiz/Test
Description: A series of brief reports containing written solutions to a number of basic experimental exercises designed and conducted during the semester. Emphasis is placed on understanding test selection and interpretation of results.
Relates to objectives: 1 to 4
Weight: 25%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: Ongoing

Assessment name: Report
Description: Two short scientific reports will be produced relating to field work conducted in the unit. Detailed feedback will be provided on the first of these reports and further feedback supplied on the second report.
Relates to objectives: 1, 3 & 4
Weight: 35%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: Mid & End 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

Recommended Texts:
1. Townend, J. 2002 Practical statistics for environmental & biological scientists. John Wiley & Sons, Chichester.
OR
2. Gotelli, N.J. and Ellison, A.M. 2004. A Primer of Ecological Statistics. Sinauer, Sunderland MA.

Other resources:
A short field trip may require payment of a small camping fee (<$50).

Risk assessment statement

The unit consists of classroom-based lectures, discussions and practicals, all of which are extremely low risk activities. Risk assessments for field trips identify several low impact risks, including: travel; slips and trips; animal bites, and animal and plant stings. Students are provided with a health and safety manual detailing health, safety and emergency procedures associated with laboratory and field activities. Students are required to read, understand and put into practice all safety guidelines. Safety considerations associated with field trips will be discussed in pre-trip briefings with printed notes related to safety issues being distributed where appropriate.

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: 06-Feb-2013