Research Philosophies & Statistics

Subject 208-503 (2009)

Note: This is an archived Handbook entry from 2009. Search for this in the current handbook

Credit Points: 12.50
Level: 9 (Graduate/Postgraduate)
Dates & Locations:

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2009:

Semester 1, - Taught on campus.
Pre-teaching Period Start not applicable
Teaching Period not applicable
Assessment Period End not applicable
Last date to Self-Enrol not applicable
Census Date not applicable
Last date to Withdraw without fail not applicable


Timetable can be viewed here. For information about these dates, click here.
Time Commitment: Contact Hours: 24 hours of lectures, 24 hours of tutorials (4 hours per week)
Total Time Commitment: Not available
Prerequisites: Eligibility for honours or postgraduate degree
Corequisites: None
Recommended Background Knowledge: None
Non Allowed Subjects: None
Core Participation Requirements: It is University policy to take all steps to minimise the impact of disability upon
academic study, and reasonable adjustments will be made to enhance a student's
participation in the University's programs. This course requires all students to
enrol in subjects where they must actively and safely contribute to laboratory
activities and field trips. Students who feel their disability will impact on
meeting this requirement are encouraged to discuss this matter with the Subject
Coordinator and Disability Liaison Unit.

Coordinator

Prof Frank Rowland Dunshea

Contact

msle-pgcoursework@unimelb.edu.au
Subject Overview: This subject should give students knowledge of a range of research methodologies and underlying philosophies, and sophisticated statistical tools to design laboratory and field experiments and field surveys, and effectively and appropriately analyse these data sets in agriculture, horticulture and land management. Upon completion of the subject, students should be able to: formulate research questions and hypotheses, and implement hypotheses testing, to satisfy research needs in different disciplines, including field research and economics; recognise, understand and apply concepts of study design (such as observational studies versus designed experiments, confounding, replication, randomisation, and blocking), and discuss the effect of design concepts on the interpretation of results; determine the appropriate statistical methodology to use, including parametric and non-parametric methods, and confirm that data sets meet the underlying assumptions of the statistical model chosen; display an understanding of the purpose and limitation of inference, and be able to use the main tools of inference to analyse and interpret data; and interpret statistical program outputs in agricultural, horticultural and land management contexts.
Assessment: A 3-hour end of semester examination (50%), one integrated assignment of up to 3500 words or equivalent (50%) – week 10.
Prescribed Texts: None
Breadth Options:

This subject is not available as a breadth subject.
Fees Information: Subject EFTSL, Level, Discipline & Census Date
Generic Skills:
  • A profound respect for truth, intellectual and professional integrity, and the
  • ethics of scholarship
  • Capacity for independent critical thought, rational inquiry and self-directed learning and research
  • An ability to derive, interpret and analyse social, technical or economic information from primary and other sources
  • Awareness of and ability to utilise appropriate communication technology and methods for the storage, management and analysis of data
  • Capacity for creativity and innovation, through the application of skills and knowledge
  • Ability to integrate information across a relevant discipline to solve problems in applied situations
  • Highly developed computer - based skills to allow for effective on-line learning and communication.
  • Highly developed written communication skills to allow informed dialogue with individuals and groups from industry, government and the community
  • Highly developed oral communication skills to allow informed dialogue and liaison with individuals and groups from industry, government and the community.
  • Appreciation of social and cultural diversity from a regional to a global context
  • Ability to participate effectively as a member of a team
  • Ability to plan work, use time effectively and manage small projects
Related Course(s): Master of Agricultural Science
Master of Animal Science
Master of Urban Horticulture
Postgraduate Diploma in Agricultural Science
Postgraduate Diploma in Animal Science and Management

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