Course Outline

SCI202 Advanced Research Methods and Statistics

Course Coordinator:Peter Davies (pdavies1@usc.edu.au) School:School of Science, Technology and Engineering

2024Semester 2

UniSC Sunshine Coast

UniSC Moreton Bay

Blended learning Most of your course is on campus but you may be able to do some components of this course online.

Please go to usc.edu.au for up to date information on the
teaching sessions and campuses where this course is usually offered.

What is this course about?

Description

This course builds on the foundation of SCI110 and will introduce you to more sophisticated statistical analyses. Theoretical knowledge introduced in the learning materials will be enhanced by detailed illustration in tutorials and hands-on application in computer workshops. In each case, the theory will be applied to real-world problems. On completion of this course, you will be confident in critically assessing the range of statistical tests that might be employed in a given situation, in identifying which test best suits the scenario, and in conducting this test using cutting-edge computer software.

How will this course be delivered?

Activity Hours Beginning Week Frequency
Blended learning
Learning materials – Asynchronous online learning materials. 2hrs Week 1 13 times
Tutorial/Workshop 1 – On-campus tutorial. 1hr Week 1 13 times
Laboratory 1 – On-campus laboratory. 1hr Week 1 13 times
Seminar – On Campus seminar 1hr Week 1 3 times

Course Topics

Experimental design; testing hypotheses; qualitative vs quantitative analyses; designing and administering questionnaires; correlation, multiple and logistic regression; analysis of variance; non-parametric statistical tests; using SPSS

What level is this course?

200 Level (Developing)

Building on and expanding the scope of introductory knowledge and skills, developing breadth or depth and applying knowledge and skills in a new context. May require pre-requisites where discipline specific introductory knowledge or skills is necessary. Normally, undertaken in the second or third full-time year of an undergraduate programs.

What is the unit value of this course?

12 units

How does this course contribute to my learning?

Course Learning Outcomes On successful completion of this course, you should be able to... Graduate Qualities Completing these tasks successfully will contribute to you becoming...
1 Formulate research questions and select appropriate research designs Empowered
Ethical
2 Select appropriate sampling strategies and calculate required sample sizes Knowledgeable
Empowered
3 Perform exploratory data analysis Knowledgeable
4 Use a computer program to produce publication-quality graphs and descriptive statistics Knowledgeable
Empowered
5 Evaluate the suitability of different statistical models using a range of diagnostic tools Creative and critical thinker
Empowered
6 Conduct statistical tests and write concise summaries of their results, as would be required for publication in scientific journals Knowledgeable
Empowered

Am I eligible to enrol in this course?

Refer to the UniSC Glossary of terms for definitions of “pre-requisites, co-requisites and anti-requisites”.

Pre-requisites

SCI110 or BUS101

Co-requisites

Not applicable

Anti-requisites

ANM203

Specific assumed prior knowledge and skills (where applicable)

Basic statistical concepts including measurement scales, basic sampling strategies, presentation of data, the Normal distribution and basic parametric tests including Z scores and t tests.

How am I going to be assessed?

Grading Scale

Standard Grading (GRD)

High Distinction (HD), Distinction (DN), Credit (CR), Pass (PS), Fail (FL).

Details of early feedback on progress

In weeks three and four workshops will be held during the tutorials to assist you in writing the assignment proposal

Assessment tasks

Delivery mode Task No. Assessment Product Individual or Group Weighting % What is the duration / length? When should I submit? Where should I submit it?
All 1 Artefact - Technical and Scientific Group 20%
500 words
Week 7 Online Submission
All 2 Report Group 40%
2500 words
Week 12 Online Submission
All 3 Examination - Centrally Scheduled Individual 40%
2 hours
Exam Period Exam Venue
All - Assessment Task 1:Assignment proposal
Goal:
You will design a proposal for a qualitative survey to investigate a campus issue.You will demonstrate this by selecting an appropriate research design, and designing and evaluating questions with preliminary data analysis techniques.
Product: Artefact - Technical and Scientific
Format:
Individual or group submission; online submission via Canvas in week 7
Criteria:
No. Learning Outcome assessed
1
clarity of thinking through development of appropriate survey questions
1 2
2
demonstrated understanding of statistical language
2
3
use of a diversity of survey questions to demonstrate appreciation of question format
1
4
ability to work in a group
3
Generic Skills:
Communication, Collaboration, Problem solving, Organisation, Applying technologies, Information literacy
All - Assessment Task 2:Scientific report
Goal:
You will use the results from your qualitative survey already completed and write a full scientific IMRaD format report
Product: Report
Format:
Individual or group submission; online submission via Canvas in week 12
Criteria:
No. Learning Outcome assessed
1
clarity of thinking through development of appropriate survey questions
1
2
demonstrated understanding of statistical language
3 4 5 6
3
use of a diversity of presentation and analytical techniques to disseminate information.
3
4
adherence to scientific protocols when presenting and reporting results
4
5
ability to work in a group
1
6
160 demonstrated understanding of statistical language
2 3 4
Generic Skills:
Communication, Collaboration, Problem solving, Organisation, Applying technologies, Information literacy
All - Assessment Task 3:Final exam
Goal:
To assess knowledge gleaned from the entire 12 Weeks of the course; the language of statistics, research design, designing and administering questionnaires, correlation, multiple and logistic regression, Analysis of Variance, Non-parametric statistical tests and using SPSS.
Product: Examination - Centrally Scheduled
Format:
Individual submission;Solution attempts made on the examination paper2 hours duration; centrally scheduled exam
Criteria:
No. Learning Outcome assessed
1
clarity of thinking through development of problem solutions
1
2
accuracy of outcomes through appropriate use of a calculator, tables and figures
2
3
demonstrated understanding of statistical language
3
4
appropriate use of SPSS
2 3
5
demonstrated understanding and application of hypothesis testing.​
4
Generic Skills:
Problem solving, Applying technologies, Information literacy

Directed study hours

A 12-unit course will have total of 150 learning hours which will include directed study hours (including online if required), self-directed learning and completion of assessable tasks. Student workload is calculated at 12.5 learning hours per one unit.

What resources do I need to undertake this course?

Please note: Course information, including specific information of recommended readings, learning activities, resources, weekly readings, etc. are available on the course Canvas site– Please log in as soon as possible.

Prescribed text(s) or course reader

Please note that you need to have regular access to the resource(s) listed below. Resources may be required or recommended.

Required? Author Year Title Edition Publisher
Recommended Wayne W. Daniel 1999 Biostatistics n/a John Wiley & Sons Incorporated
Recommended George Diekhoff 1992 Statistics for the Social and Behavioral Sciences n/a WCB/McGraw-Hill
Recommended Jim Fowler,Lou Cohen,Phil Jarvis 1998 Practical Statistics for Field Biology n/a John Wiley & Sons
Recommended Natalie L. Sproull 1995 Handbook of Research Methods n/a Metuchen, N.J. : Scarecrow Press
Recommended Woodward M 1999 Epidemiology: Study Design and Data Analysis n/a Chapman & Hall/CRC
Recommended Jerrold H. Zar 1999 Biostatistical Analysis n/a n/a
Recommended D. A. De Vaus 2002 Surveys in Social Research n/a n/a

Specific requirements

You need access to a calculator with statistical functionality. Examples include, but are not limited to: CasioFX100AU Scientific Calculator; Casio FX82 AU PLUS-BP Scientific Calculator; Sharp EL531WHBLK Scientific Calculator. You need access to IBM SPSS Statistics (commonly called simply SPSS). SPSS is available in most USC computer laboratories. You do not need to purchase SPSS. However, you may find completing the assessment tasks easier if you have access to SPSS on your own personal computer. Unfortunately, student editions of SPSS are no longer available, and the USC licensing arrangements do not allow SPSS to be loaded onto student computers. You may wish to explore purchasing an SPSS license from (for example) www.onthehub.com. (At the time of writing, a six-month licence for IBM SPSS Statistics Base Grad Pack version 21 is about $60.)

How are risks managed in this course?

Health and safety risks for this course have been assessed as low. It is your responsibility to review course material, search online, discuss with lecturers and peers and understand the health and safety risks associated with your specific course of study and to familiarise yourself with the University’s general health and safety principles by reviewing the online induction training for students, and following the instructions of the University staff.

What administrative information is relevant to this course?

Assessment: Academic Integrity

Academic integrity is the ethical standard of university participation.  It ensures that students graduate as a result of proving they are competent in their discipline.  This is integral in maintaining the value of academic qualifications. Each industry has expectations and standards of the skills and knowledge within that discipline and these are reflected in assessment.

Academic integrity means that you do not engage in any activity that is considered to be academic fraud; including plagiarism, collusion or outsourcing any part of any assessment item to any other person.  You are expected to be honest and ethical by completing all work yourself and indicating in your work which ideas and information were developed by you and which were taken from others. You cannot provide your assessment work to others. You are also expected to provide evidence of wide and critical reading, usually by using appropriate academic references.

In order to minimise incidents of academic fraud, this course may require that some of its assessment tasks, when submitted to Canvas, are electronically checked through Turnitin.  This software allows for text comparisons to be made between your submitted assessment item and all other work to which Turnitin has access.

Assessment: Additional Requirements

Your eligibility for supplementary assessment in a course is dependent of the following conditions applying:

The final mark is in the percentage range 47% to 49.4%
The course is graded using the Standard Grading scale
You have not failed an assessment task in the course due to academic misconduct

Assessment: Submission penalties

Late submission of assessment tasks may be penalised at the following maximum rate (the rates are cumulative): 
- 5% (of the assessment task's identified value) per day for the first two days from the date identified as the due date for the assessment task. 
- 10% (of the assessment task's identified value) for the third day 
- 20% (of the assessment task's identified value) for the fourth day and subsequent days up to and including seven days from the date identified as the due date for the assessment task. 
- A result of zero is awarded for an assessment task submitted after seven days from the date identified as the due date for the assessment task. 
Weekdays and weekends are included in the calculation of days late. 
To request an extension you must contact your course coordinator to negotiate an outcome.

SafeUniSC

UniSC is committed to a culture of respect and providing a safe and supportive environment for all members of our community. For immediate assistance on campus contact SafeUniSC by phone: 07 5430 1168 or using the SafeZone app. For general enquires contact the SafeUniSC team by phone 07 5456 3864 or email safe@usc.edu.au.

The SafeUniSC Specialist Service is a Student Wellbeing service that provides free and confidential support to students who may have experienced or observed behaviour that could cause fear, offence or trauma. To contact the service call 07 5430 1226 or email studentwellbeing@usc.edu.au.

Study help

For help with course-specific advice, for example what information to include in your assessment, you should first contact your tutor, then your course coordinator, if needed.

If you require additional assistance, the Learning Advisers are trained professionals who are ready to help you develop a wide range of academic skills. Visit the Learning Advisers web page for more information, or contact Student Central for further assistance: +61 7 5430 2890 or studentcentral@usc.edu.au.

Wellbeing Services

Student Wellbeing provide free and confidential counselling on a wide range of personal, academic, social and psychological matters, to foster positive mental health and wellbeing for your academic success.

To book a confidential appointment go to Student Hub, email studentwellbeing@usc.edu.au or call 07 5430 1226.

AccessAbility Services

Ability Advisers ensure equal access to all aspects of university life. If your studies are affected by a disability, learning disorder mental health issue, injury or illness, or you are a primary carer for someone with a disability or who is considered frail and aged, AccessAbility Services can provide access to appropriate reasonable adjustments and practical advice about the support and facilities available to you throughout the University.

To book a confidential appointment go to Student Hub, email AccessAbility@usc.edu.au or call 07 5430 2890.

Links to relevant University policy and procedures

For more information on Academic Learning & Teaching categories including:

  • Assessment: Courses and Coursework Programs
  • Review of Assessment and Final Grades
  • Supplementary Assessment
  • Central Examinations
  • Deferred Examinations
  • Student Conduct
  • Students with a Disability

For more information, visit https://www.usc.edu.au/explore/policies-and-procedures#academic-learning-and-teaching

Student Charter

UniSC is committed to excellence in teaching, research and engagement in an environment that is inclusive, inspiring, safe and respectful. The Student Charter sets out what students can expect from the University, and what in turn is expected of students, to achieve these outcomes.

General Enquiries

  • In person:
    • UniSC Sunshine Coast - Student Central, Ground Floor, Building C, 90 Sippy Downs Drive, Sippy Downs
    • UniSC Moreton Bay - Service Centre, Ground Floor, Foundation Building, Gympie Road, Petrie
    • UniSC SouthBank - Student Central, Building A4 (SW1), 52 Merivale Street, South Brisbane
    • UniSC Gympie - Student Central, 71 Cartwright Road, Gympie
    • UniSC Fraser Coast - Student Central, Student Central, Building A, 161 Old Maryborough Rd, Hervey Bay
    • UniSC Caboolture - Student Central, Level 1 Building J, Cnr Manley and Tallon Street, Caboolture
  • Tel:+61 7 5430 2890
  • Email:studentcentral@usc.edu.au