Scientific Research Methods

Course Coordinator: Dr Chen Jianlin, BSc, MSc (TJU); PhD (CityU)

Course Developer: Dr Fred Lee (S&T, HKMU)

Aims
The overall aims of this course are to enhance and develop students' ability to understand and perform independent scientific research.

Contents
The course aims to cover the following topics:

• Fundamentals of research
• Planning and preparation for research
• Research approach
• Analysing and interpreting data
• Reporting

Learning support
Examples of learning support include face-to-face tutorials, surgeries, laboratories, weblinks, CD-ROMs, videos and/or field visits. Laboratories or field visits may be held on weekday evenings, Saturdays and Sundays.

Assessment
In addition to two assignments, assessment includes project presentation as well as a final examination. Students are required to submit assignments via the Online Learning Environment (OLE).

Equipment
Students need access to a personal computer or other electronic devices with an internet connection.

Set book(s)

Leady, P D and Ormrod, J E (2014) Practical Research: Planning and Design, 10th edn, Pearson Higher Education.

Barnard, C, Gilbert, F and McGregor, P (2007) Asking Questions in Biology: A Guide to Hypothesis Testing, Experimental Design and Presentation in Practical Work and Research Projects, 3rd edn, Benjamin Cummings.

Students with disabilities or special educational needs
Students with impaired vision may have particular difficulties but other students with disabilities or special educational needs should be able to cope with the essential parts of the course. When in doubt, advice should be sought from the Course Coordinator.