Course Title: Research Methods

Part A: Course Overview

Course Title: Research Methods

Credit Points: 12.00

Terms

Course Code

Campus

Career

School

Learning Mode

Teaching Period(s)

BIOL1070

Bundoora Campus

Postgraduate

135H Applied Sciences

Face-to-Face or Internet

Sem 1 2014,
Sem 2 2014,
Sem 2 2015

BIOL1070

Bundoora Campus

Postgraduate

171H School of Science

Internet

Sem 1 2017,
Sem 2 2017,
Sem 1 2018,
Sem 2 2018

BIOL2149

Bundoora Campus

Research

135H Applied Sciences

Face-to-Face or Internet

Sem 1 2014,
Sem 2 2014

BIOL2411

City Campus

Postgraduate

171H School of Science

Face-to-Face

Sem 1 2017,
Sem 1 2018

Course Coordinator: Prof. Andy Ball

Course Coordinator Phone: +61 3 9925 6594

Course Coordinator Email: andy.ball@rmit.edu.au

Course Coordinator Location: 223.1.53A

Course Coordinator Availability: Email for appointment


Pre-requisite Courses and Assumed Knowledge and Capabilities

Background knowledge of subject matter of specialisation and of scientific methodology, and completion of a degree in the sciences or related discipline, eg engineering. 


Course Description

This course deveolps the knowledge and skills required by Honours and Masters students to successfully design and implement a scientific research project. You will access online information in order to achieve a systematic approach to literature searching and an awareness of information sources, which in turn will be applied in designing a research project.  You will develop skills in quantitative data treatment in order to practice the interpretation of scientific data.  Finally, the course will provide important information relating to lab and field work safety, research ethics, intellectual property and patenting.


Objectives/Learning Outcomes/Capability Development

This course contributes to the following School of Applied Science Program Learning Outcomes (PLOs):

  • PLO-1.1   You will demonstrate an understanding of the scientific method and an ability to apply the scientific method in practice
  • PLO-2.3   You will demonstrate knowledge of research principles and methodology appropriate to your discipline
  • PLO-3.2   You will be able to gather, critically review and synthesise information relevant to a scientific inquiry or research project
  • PLO-5.3   You will work responsibly, safely and ethically.

This course is taught to achieve AQF level 9 learning outcomes

 

 

 


On completion of the course, you should be able to:

  1. Use advanced information retrieval techniques to search the literature, using the RMIT library facilities
  2. Produce an outline of a research project, including hypothesis formation and method development
  3. Analyse results and present data appropriately
  4. Practice the procedures necessary for laboratory safety
  5. Describe the key principles underlying intellectual property and patenting.

 

 


Overview of Learning Activities

The learning activities included in this course are:

  • Attendance at lectures where syllabus material will be presented and explained, and the subject will be illustrated with demonstrations and examples
  • In online teaching, you will be guided through the course by lecture materials on the web, and by instructions in the assignments
  • Completion of written and mathematical written assignments designed to give further practice in the application of theory and procedures
  • Private study, working through the course as presented in lectures, tutorials and learning materials


Overview of Learning Resources

You will be expected to access relevant texts, library materials and freely accessible internet sites.  Other material will be provided in lecture material.  You will be able to access course information and learning material through the myRMIT Canvas.


Overview of Assessment

 ☒This course has no hurdle requirements.

Assessment tasks

Assessment Task 1: Risk Assessment

Weighting 20%

This assessment task supports CLO 4

Assessment Task 2: Literature Exercise

Weighting 20 %

This assessment task supports CLO 1

Assessment Task 3: Statistical Treatment Exercise

Weighting 20 %

This assessment task supports CLO 3

Assessment Task 3: Project Overview

Weighting 20%

This assessment task supports CLO 2

Assessment Task 3: Intellectual Property and Patenting

Weighting 20%

This assessment task supports CLO 5