GE4-301 Fundamental Research Methods

Knowledge:

• Comprehend data collection and analytical methods used in the scientific literature in environmental sciences
• develop a broad and integrated understanding of data analysis methods, their principles and appropriate application
• Select and apply appropriate methods to plan research, and collect and analyse various types of data

Skills:

• Evaluate the strengths, limitations and weaknesses of each method
• gain practical experience and awareness of some principal methods and specialised techniques of data collection and analysis
• Combine methods to analyse research, planning and management questions, both within and across disciplinary boundaries
• Select appropriate methods and use these on real data
• understand and apply appropriate methods to a basic research problem, interpret the results and give a presentation of the process of study design, data collection and analysis

General competence:

• Use a broad spectrum of analytical methods that enable them to perform practical tasks in other courses in this programme, and to follow the advanced course 9: Scientific Writing, Theory and Data Analysis
• Use the knowledge gained from this introductory course to develop their skills in specialized research methods during the work with their master thesis

• Lectures
• Group discussion of scientific studies that apply various research methods
• Practice in designing research projects, collecting data and in using analytical methods (R, GIS, and interviews/ questionnaires)

1) a written report (a short version of a scientific paper),conducted in pairs, of a hypothetical research study where students demonstrate the writing aspects of the course. The grade on the written report will be 40% of the total grade
and
2) an oral exam based on a published paper (chosen by the assessors),conducted individually, where students can demonstrate their critical reading skills. The grade on this part will be 60% of the total grade

Grading A-F

1. Student groups provide a research project idea, summarising the main design features of the project.
2. Individually, students will give a short presentation of a research paper demonstrating that they can understand research methods reported in the literature.