Effective research involves collecting and analysing appropriate data as well as successfully communicating the results. This course uses a problem-focussed approach to introduce fundamental research concepts by exploring how researchers describe and quantify vegetation communities, animal populations as well as human attitudes and behaviour. You can expect to develop skills in ecological measurement and sampling as well as in designing and conducting social research projects. You will also develop analytical skills, including data exploration, as well as effective communication and analysis techniques common to all sciences. The course promotes learning through a combination of lectures as well as field- and computer-based practical exercises. During field-based exercises you will gain first-hand experience in collecting ecological data. You will apply this data and your analytical skills to the issue of kangaroo populations and culling.
Honours Pathway Option
Subject to the approval of the course convenor, HPO students will be required to demonstrate greater depth in the philosophy and practice of measurement and analysis in the environmental and/or social sciences. This understanding will be facilitated in a small research project conducted under direct supervision of the convenor. HPO students can expect to attend one additional one-hour tutorial session each fortnight, and submit a written report or oral presentation focusing on comparative field-based techniques (10% of overall assessment).
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion, students will have the knowledge and skills to:
On satisfying the requirements of this course, students will have the knowledge and skills to:
- understand and interpret quantitative research results reported within scientific literature
- understand the principles of sampling techniques in the environmental and social sciences
- explore and summarise data to identify effects and trends
- demonstrate a capacity to communicate research results effectively to the scientific and non-technical audiences
Indicative Assessment
- three quantitative short reports focusing on analysis and interpretation of environmental datasets (5% each, 15% total);
- a statistics revision quiz (5%);
- a scientific journal article based upon interpretation of field-based fauna and flora data that aims to provide the opportunity to integrate knowledge of measurement, analysis and presentation to a scientific audience (5 pages, 20%),
- an in-class questionnaire critique that aims to develop an understanding of the principles of survey design (8%);
- a report on constructing questionnaires and planning analyses that aims to integrate understanding of analytical and survey methods (12%);
- A brief report prepared for a non-science audience, framed around analysis of questionnaire data generated during the semester, aimed at developing skills in writing for non-technical audiences (20%);
- an end of semester exam (20%).
The ANU uses Turnitin to enhance student citation and referencing techniques, and to assess assignment submissions as a component of the University's approach to managing Academic Integrity. While the use of Turnitin is not mandatory, the ANU highly recommends Turnitin is used by both teaching staff and students. For additional information regarding Turnitin please visit the ANU Online website.
Workload
65 Contact hours, comprising lectures, workshops and field excursions.
Requisite and Incompatibility
Areas of Interest
- Forestry
- Geography
- Interdisciplinary Studies - Sustainability
- Resource Management and Environmental Science
- Environmental Studies
- Population Studies
- Science Communication
Majors
Minors
Fees
Tuition fees are for the academic year indicated at the top of the page.
If you are a domestic graduate coursework or international student you will be required to pay tuition fees. Tuition fees are indexed annually. Further information for domestic and international students about tuition and other fees can be found at Fees.
- Student Contribution Band:
- 2
- Unit value:
- 6 units
If you are an undergraduate student and have been offered a Commonwealth supported place, your fees are set by the Australian Government for each course. At ANU 1 EFTSL is 48 units (normally 8 x 6-unit courses). You can find your student contribution amount for each course at Fees. Where there is a unit range displayed for this course, not all unit options below may be available.
| Units | EFTSL |
|---|---|
| 6.00 | 0.12500 |
Course fees
- Domestic fee paying students
| Year | Fee |
|---|---|
| 2015 | $3096 |
- International fee paying students
| Year | Fee |
|---|---|
| 2015 | $4146 |
Offerings, Dates and Class Summary Links
ANU utilises MyTimetable to enable students to view the timetable for their enrolled courses, browse, then self-allocate to small teaching activities / tutorials so they can better plan their time. Find out more on the Timetable webpage.
Class summaries, if available, can be accessed by clicking on the View link for the relevant class number.
Second Semester
| Class number | Class start date | Last day to enrol | Census date | Class end date | Mode Of Delivery | Class Summary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1995 | 20 Jul 2015 | 07 Aug 2015 | 31 Aug 2015 | 30 Oct 2015 | In Person | N/A |
