Course Title: Collect and manage data

Part B: Course Detail

Teaching Period: Term1 2011

Course Code: ENVI5050C

Course Title: Collect and manage data

School: 155T Vocational Health and Sciences

Campus: City Campus

Program: C5161 - Diploma of Conservation and Land Management

Course Contact: Peter Homan

Course Contact Phone: +61 3 99258366

Course Contact Email: peter.homan@rmit.edu.au


Name and Contact Details of All Other Relevant Staff

Nominal Hours: 120

Regardless of the mode of delivery, represent a guide to the relative teaching time and student effort required to successfully achieve a particular competency/module. This may include not only scheduled classes or workplace visits but also the amount of effort required to undertake, evaluate and complete all assessment requirements, including any non-classroom activities.

Pre-requisites and Co-requisites

None

Course Description

This competency standard covers the process of collecting, analysing
and managing data. It requires the ability to determine the type and
extent of data to be collected, access and collate data, evaluate data,
manage, analyse and retrieve data. Collecting and managing data
requires knowledge of data collection techniques and procedures, data
recording and evaluation techniques, data analysis and data storage and
retrieval methods.


National Codes, Titles, Elements and Performance Criteria

National Element Code & Title:

RTC5913A Collect and manage data

Element:

01. Determine the type and extent of data to be collected.

Performance Criteria:

1.1 Data requirements are clearly defined and communicated to all staff involved in data collection.
1.2 Relevant data sources are identified.
1.3 Type and extent of data required is clearly defined.
1.4 OHS hazards associated with data collecting are identified.
1.5 Data collection methods and techniques are clearly defined relative to data requirements. 

Element:

02. Access and collate data

Performance Criteria:

2.1 Data collection sheets are formatted to assist collection.
2.2 Data is researched and /or collected from field sources according to enterprise guidelines and with standard research approaches.
2.3 Data is collated by appropriate electronic means.
2.4 Appropriateness of data is monitored and recorded during collection.
2.5 Information is researched using appropriate methods and technologies.
2.6 Sources of information are regularly reviewed for usefulness, validity, reliability and cost.
2.7 Channels and sources of information are used effectively.
2.8 Opportunities are taken to establish and maintain contacts with those who may provide useful information.
2.9 Appropriate OHS requirements and work practices are followed.

Element:

03. Evaluate data

Performance Criteria:

3.1 Data collected is relevant, valid and sufficient.
3.2 Where data is unclear or difficult to interpret, clarification and assistance is sought.
3.3 Where data is inadequate, additional data is obtained.
3.4 Information is analysed for its validity and reliability.

Element:

04. Manage and retrieve data

Performance Criteria:

4.1 Data is stored by appropriate electronic means.
4.2 Data is presented using appropriate graphical aids and techniques.
4.3 Data is assembled and provided to the manager/client as required and in accordance with standard research approaches.
4.4 Data is retrieved as required.
4.5 New methods of recording and storing data are suggested/introduced as needed. 

Element:

05. Analyse and interpret data

Performance Criteria:

5.1 Data is analysed using appropriate statistical and analytical techniues.
5.2 Data is interpreted to determine its significance, validity and reliability.
5.3 Findings based on the analysis and interpretation of the data is reported.
5.4 Data is organised into a suitable report format to aid decision-making.
5.5 Conclusions drawn are based on reasoned argument and appropriate evidence. 

Learning Outcomes


  • Data is researched using appropriate methods and technologies.
  • Data is collected from scientific sources and in the field.
  • Data collected is analysed for relevance and validity.
  • Data is stored by electronic means.
  • Data is assembled and provided to client as required to industry standard.
  • Data is analysed using appropriate statistical and analytical techniques.
  • Findings based on analysis and interpretation are reported.


Details of Learning Activities

Identification of data set (mammals, reptiles, amphibians).
Field work collecting data to industry standards.
Analysyis and interpretation of data to industry standards.
Report writing of field work to industry standards.
Data bases for biodiversity - lodging and retrieving data


Teaching Schedule

Classes held from 9.30 to 12.30 commencing Monday 28/2/2011.
Field trip will take place from Monday 7/3 to Thurday 10/3.
Follow up lectures for four sessions to be advised in timetable which will be given to each student at first lecture.


Learning Resources

Prescribed Texts


References


Other Resources


Overview of Assessment

  • Critic scientific literature.
  • Prepare Major Report for client.
  • Analyse and interpret data assignment.
  • Statistical assignment.


Assessment Tasks

1. Attend field trip and collect data safely, ethically and efficiently; take comprehensive field notes.
2. Prepare short report to client (30%).
3. Analysis and interpret data, Evaluate data - answer ten questions on data from survey site (10%).
4. Analysis and interpret data, Validity and Reliability - in-class assignment.


Assessment Matrix

Other Information

Hours:

Lectures: 15 hours.
Field trip: 30 hours.
Major Report: 20 hours.
Student Research & other assessments: 10 hours

Total: 75 hours.

Course Overview: Access Course Overview