Environmental Analytical Methods

Course aim

To prepare the students for the design of research projects in ecological, geospatial, earth, and social sciences and train them in the analysis and presentation of data.

Course content

This applied course will introduce students to ethics in science, the scientific method, research design, and to statistical analyses in ecological, geospatial, earth, and social sciences. It will explain the value of statistics using relevant examples in these disciplines. Populations/samples/data will be defined, and students will learn how to describe samples and test hypotheses. Data analysis will include: tests on frequencies, comparing related and unrelated samples, social surveys, regression and correlation. In weekly lectures and practical sessions, the students will also learn to manipulate, analyse, present, and interpret data. Statistical and spreadsheet software will be used. Additional topics will cover an initiation to proposal writing, searching the library databases for peer-reviewed literature, and some aspects of science communication.

Textbook(s)

Hawkins, D 2014, Biomeasurement, A Student's Guide to Biological Statistics, 3rd Edition, Oxford University Press

Prerequisite(s)

Nil

Corequisite(s)

Nil

Teaching method

Component	Duration
INTERNAL, MAWSON LAKES
Lecture	2 hours x 13 weeks
Computer Practical	2 hours x 13 weeks

Note: These components may or may not be scheduled in every study period. Please refer to the timetable for further details.

Assessment

Contiunous assessment (in class exercises), Data Collection and Analysis Project, Problem solving exercise, Test

Fees

EFTSL*: 0.125
Commonwealth Supported program (Band 2)
To determine the fee for this course as part of a Commonwealth Supported program, go to:
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Fee-paying program for domestic and international students
International students and students undertaking this course as part of a postgraduate fee paying program must refer to the relevant program home page to determine the cost for undertaking this course.

Non-award enrolment
Non-award tuition fees are set by the university. To determine the cost of this course, go to:
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Not all courses are available on all of the above bases, and students must check to ensure that they are permitted to enrol in a particular course.

* Equivalent Full Time Study Load. Please note: all EFTSL values are published and calculated at ten decimal places. Values are displayed to three decimal places for ease of interpretation.