ZRCH H1101 - Research Methods 1

Module Title:Research Methods 1
Language of Instruction:English
Credits: 5
NFQ Level:6
Module Delivered In No Programmes
Teaching & Learning Strategies: This module will be taught in three theory classes of one hour duration and two computer lab practicals of one hour each for 15 weeks. Students will be expected to complete problem-sheets to re-enforce learning. Relevant examples, notes and self testing problems will be available on Blackboard. Delivery of the computing module will involve individual and group practical exercises.
Module Aim: The aim of this module is to provide students with a good knowledge of basic statistical methods and develop their practical skills in computing to support other subjects and for use in a professional environment.
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this module the learner should be able to:
LO1 Perform and interpret scientific calculations as required in other subjects.
LO2 Apply statistical tools to summarise data and explore the relationship between variables.
LO3 Demonstrate academic writing skills.
LO4 Contribute as an effective team member to successful completion of a group project using ICT tools to represent, share and present information on a scientific topic.
Pre-requisite learning
Module Recommendations

This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is recommended before enrolment in this module.

No recommendations listed
Incompatible Modules
These are modules which have learning outcomes that are too similar to the learning outcomes of this module.
No incompatible modules listed
Co-requisite Modules
No Co-requisite modules listed
Requirements
This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is mandatory before enrolment in this module is allowed.
No requirements listed
 

Module Content & Assessment

Indicative Content
Theory: Scientific Calculations
Scientific notation, significant figures, logarithms and pH values. Units of measurement and conversions.
Theory: Statistics
Types of data. Tabular and graphical presentation of data. Measures of central tendency and dispersion.
Theory: Sampling
Sampling techniques and sampling distributions.
Theory: Probability
Basic probability, diagnostic tests and the Normal Distribution.
Theory: Measures and Tests of Association
Pearson's correlation coefficient and Spearman's rank correlation coefficient. Linear Regression and Scatter plots.
Theory: Academic Writing
Academic Writing.
Practical: Information & Communications Technology
ICT Theory. Referencing, Document Sharing, Word Processing and Presentations.
Practical: Data Analysis
Excel and Introduction to SPSS.
Assessment Breakdown%
Continuous Assessment10.00%
Practical50.00%
End of Module Formal Examination40.00%
Special Regulation
Students must achieve a minimum grade (35%) in both the practical/CA and final examination.
Continuous Assessment
Assessment Type Assessment Description Outcome addressed % of total Assessment Date
Examination In-class assessments. 1,2 10.00 n/a
No Project
Practical
Assessment Type Assessment Description Outcome addressed % of total Assessment Date
Practical/Skills Evaluation Computing assignments and in-class exam. 4 35.00 Sem 2 End
Practical/Skills Evaluation Academic Writing assignments. 3 15.00 n/a
End of Module Formal Examination
Assessment Type Assessment Description Outcome addressed % of total Assessment Date
Formal Exam 2 hour examination. 1,2 40.00 End-of-Semester

SETU Carlow Campus reserves the right to alter the nature and timings of assessment

 

Module Workload

Workload: Full Time
Workload Type Frequency Average Weekly Learner Workload
Lecture 30 Weeks per Stage 1.50
Laboratory 30 Weeks per Stage 1.00
Estimated Learner Hours 30 Weeks per Stage 1.33
Total Hours 115.00