ASC2629

Information and research methodology

Dr Tony Patti

6 points - First semester - 3 hours lectures per week - Berwick/Singapore - This subject is not available to students enrolled in BSc and associated double degrees and double awards - Prohibitions: ASC2626, GAS2062, GAS2064, GAS2064S

Objectives On completion of this subject students will be able to retrieve information from a range of sources including the different types of written/technical literature and electronic databases; demonstrate the ability to organise information on a computer database and provide a comprehensive literature review on a scientific or technical topic of their choice; understand the basic principles underlying experimental design, research in science and computing and non-science fields, problem solving and mathematical modelling; show an appreciation of the methods by which technical, scientific and other information is managed and preserved, including the nature and role of electronic databases, patents and copyright (including computer software); appreciate the range of communication skills required by professionals in science and computing fields; consider ethical issues related to science and computing and their impact on wider society.

Synopsis The main themes of ASC2629 are (1) how information and knowledge is created including how people learn, think and reason, experimental design and data handling, the nature of research and problem solving, mathematical modelling; and (2) the manipulation of knowledge or information including information retrieval using electronic databases and the Internet, conducting searches of the literature, organisation of reference material on a computer database, writing a critical review, patents and copyright (including computer software)and ethical issues in science and computing. The subject attempts to provide an overview of information literacy. Comprehensive study guides and readers are provided. Computer-mediated communication and familiarity with useful computer software is encouraged. The subject assumes no prior scientific background to cater for students from non-scientific backgrounds

Assessment Examination: 55% - Progressive assessment by assignments: 45%

Prescribed texts

Lindsay D A Guide to scientific writing 2nd edn, Longman Cheshire, 1995
Reading material from a range of sources will be provided

Back to the 1999 Science Handbook