units

BIO2060

Faculty of Science

Monash University

Undergraduate - Unit

This unit entry is for students who completed this unit in 2015 only. For students planning to study the unit, please refer to the unit indexes in the the current edition of the Handbook. If you have any queries contact the managing faculty for your course or area of study.

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6 points, SCA Band 2, 0.125 EFTSL

Refer to the specific census and withdrawal dates for the semester(s) in which this unit is offered.

LevelUndergraduate
FacultyFaculty of Science
Organisational UnitSchool of Biological Sciences
OfferedClayton First semester 2015 (Day)
Coordinator(s)Dr Joslin Moore

Synopsis

Biological data is inherently variable. It is essential therefore that modern biologists be able to assemble and analyse these data to make important scientific advances. This unit will provide students with the tools and frameworks in order to test hypotheses, design rigorous sampling programs, and robust experiments in biology. The ability to critique the methods used by biological studies, make inferences from biological data and optimize experimental approaches will benefit students taking a wide range of research and project based units, as well as interpreting and evaluating studies from the scientific literature.

Outcomes

On completion of this unit students will be able to:

  1. Construct, test and evaluate scientific hypotheses in biology;
  2. Identify and optimize sampling programs and experiments for answering biological questions;
  3. Critically evaluate biological research projects and assign priority to biological findings;
  4. Identify the most appropriate analysis for a biological dataset;
  5. Make biological inferences from analyses presented in the primary literature.

Assessment

Final examination: 50%
Continuous assessment: 50%
Note that the continuous assessment will include onine quizzes, analysis of data, design of experiments, presentations and structured debates during tutorial sessions, as well as the evaluation and discussion of publications during tutorials.

Workload requirements

One 1-hour lecture, one 3-hour tutorial and one 1-hour practical per week

See also Unit timetable information

Chief examiner(s)

This unit applies to the following area(s) of study

Prerequisites

BIO1011 and either BIO1022 or BIO1042