BIOL 305 Research Methods for the Life Sciences PDF

BIOL 305: RESEARCH METHODS FOR THE LIFE SCIENCES Dr. George O. Odhiambo School of Chemistry, Environmental & Life Sciences University of the Bahamas  COURSE DESCRIPTION In this course students are introduced to the concepts and principles of life...

BIOL 305: RESEARCH METHODS FOR THE LIFE SCIENCES Dr. George O. Odhiambo School of Chemistry, Environmental & Life Sciences University of the Bahamas  COURSE DESCRIPTION In this course students are introduced to the concepts and principles of life sciences research. You are expected to apply this knowledge to develop a research proposal based on laboratory or field research, case studies, literature review etc.  SPECIFIC OBJECTIVES Upon successful completion of this course students will be able to 1. compile a comprehensive literature review that supports research questions or hypotheses; 2. critique scientific research papers; 3. analyse data using the most appropriate statistical tests; 4. prepare scientific reports for oral and/or written presentation; and 5. prepare research proposal (and to some extent, grant proposal).  COURSE CONTENT 1. Nature and purpose of research 2. Ethics in biological research 3. Review of current and relevant literature relating to students’ area of interest 4. Research design and data collection 5. Data Analysis 6. Research proposal 7. Grant proposal 8. Presentation techniques  ASSESSMENT Participation 10% Presentations 10% Assignments 40% Research proposal 40% Total 100% REQUIRED TEXT Leedy, P. D. & Ormrod, J. E. (2005). Practical research: Planning and design. (8th ed). New Jersey: Pearson Prentice Hall.  SUPPLEMENTARY READINGS Bluman, A. G. (2001). Elementary statistics: A step by step approach. (4th ed.). McGraw Hill Higher Education. Hailman, J. & Strier, K. B. (1997). Planning, proposing, and presenting science effectively: A guide for graduate students and researchers in the behaviorals sciences and biology. New York: Cambridge University Press. Hartmann, D. J. (1990). Undergraduate research experience as preparation for graduate school, American Sociologist, 21:179 Kumar, R. (1999). Research methodology: A step-by-step guide for beginners. New York: Sage Publications Inc. McMillan, V. E. (2001). Writing papers in the biological sciences. (3rd ed.). New York. Bedford/St Martins Rao, P. V. (1998). Statistical research methods in life sciences. New York: Duxbury Press. Brooks/Cole Publishing Company. (1998) What is Research? The systematic investigation into and study of materials and sources in order to establish facts (new insights) and reach new conclusions.  Proposal Structure 1. Title page 2. Abstract 3. Introduction (Background of the study-general---specific details… justification/..objectives 4. Related work/literature review 5. Methods (methodology) 6. Schedule/budget 7. References 8. Appendices  Research Proposal A research proposal is a document written by a researcher that provides a detailed description of the proposed research program/project  An Example of Research Process Identify a broad area of study Planning phase Select the research topic Proposal Decide the approach Formulate the plan Collect the data or information Effectuation Analyse and interpret data phase Present the findings  Research Proposal Helps examine what the researcher intends to do. Research proposal can serve as a document of contract for the project. The research proposal gives an overview of the research project so that other people understand the scope of the research, the significance of the research, as well as your proposed methodology and chosen research method.