Learning Outcomes:
Through engagement with this module a student should be able to:-
1. Demonstrate competent ability to construct effective database search strategies.
2. Clearly present an experimental hypothesis and cite relevant scientific literature in support of their hypothesis.
3. Describe the structure of a scientific report and explain the purpose of each section.
4. Recognise & explain the significance of elements of experimental design including samples, populations, control groups, sample sizes, sampling techniques.
5. Summarise datasets in the form of graphs, tables, histograms etc.
6. Explain the principles and processes involved in applying statistical tests.
7. Select appropriate statistical tests on the basis of the hypothesis to be tested and the conditions that must be satisfied to apply a limited number of parametric and non-parametric tests.
8. Perform a range of statistical tests using a computer package (SPSS or Graphpad Prism).
9. Use basic oral presentation techniques and recognise and avoid common pitfalls.
10. Abstract a scientific report.
11. Critically evaluate scientific reports (find and accurately describe major & minor flaws in design, execution, analysis, description or interpretation).
12. Rationally and reasonably discuss the ethical and legal issues relating to science and be able to recognize ethical issues in everyday reporting of science.
13. Communicate the importance of Public Engagement of Science (PES) and explain their own research project, verbally and in writing, in a form that is consistent with the aims of PES.