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Research Methodology and Biometrics I

Course developers

Course abstract

Course provides basic knowledge and understanding of various empirical studies of the forest ecosystem, their planning and execution, and the suitability of experimental designs for solving specific scientific questions.

Learning outcomes and their assessment

1. The student has an understanding of the advantages and disadvantages of different research designs (seminars, practical classes and Tests)
2. The student is able to create the structure of the project (research plan), to prepare and justify the experimental design to solve specific research question (individually create research description)

Course Content(Calendar)

1. Types of research (studies)
2. Structuring the research - theory;
3. Development of the research structure –seminar.
4. Design of experiments, considerations determining it - theory.
5. Experimental design, set-up, results and interpretation: case studies – group work, individual assignment and field seminar.

Requirements for awarding credit points

Course assessment - formal test with a grade
The structure and sections of your research (bachelor thesis) should be prepared: aim, tasks, materials and methods. The practical works must be attended and 4 tests passed. 6 laboratory works must be completed and defended (assessment: passed / failed).
Delayed laboratory works and seminars as well as failed tests must be rewritten within the time set by the Department of Silviculture.

Description of the organization and tasks of students’ independent work

Systematic theory studies. Preparation for seminars and group works, preparation and presentation of individual assignments and resulting work - sections of own research. Final test.

Criteria for Evaluating Learning Outcomes

Knowledge, skills and competence are assessed on a 10-point scale. An oral or written answer is successful if at least 50% of the questions are answered correctly.
The cumulative assessment of the course is composed of the grades of 2 tests (each 30 %) and assessment of part of developed research (40 %).
Tests are evaluated according to the set procedure - after the answers to the questions given in the methodological descriptions at the beginning of each study period, the individual assignments are evaluated based how competently the student is able to apply the acquired theoretical knowledge and skills.

Compulsory reading

1. Pradip Kumar Sahu. Research Methodology: A Guide for Researchers In Agricultural Science, Social Science and Other Related Fields. Springer, 2013.

Further reading

1. Zar J.H. Biostatistical Analysis. 4th edition. Upper Saddle River: Prentice Hall, 1999. 663 p.
2. Everitt B.S., Der A. A handbook of statistical analysis analises using SAS. London: Chapman & Hall, 1996. 157 p.

Periodicals and other sources

1. Biometrics. Journal of the International Biometric Society. ISSN 1541-0420.

Notes

For students of academic bachelor program “Sustainable forestry”