Plan research into the latest developments in Animal Science:
The importance of the research process, what are the goals of research, why is the research important, what question does it hope to answer, is it the starting point or will it lead to further developments; how to write a literature review (compare and contrast different authors' views on an issue; group authors who draw similar conclusions; criticise aspects of methodology; note areas in which authors are in disagreement; highlight exemplary studies ; highlight gaps in research ; show how the study relates to previous studies ; show how the study relates to the literature in general ; concluding summary of what the literature says); purpose of the literature review (to define and limit the problem being worked on; to place the study in an historical perspective; to avoid unnecessary duplication; to evaluate promising research methods; to relate findings to previous knowledge and suggest further research).

How to design a research methodology:
Explanation of the methods to be used when researching and developing the report; explanation of the research methods to be used to collect the information; explanation of the extent and level of detail to be gone into; is the project original or based on secondary research; are questionnaires, interview transcripts, etc to be used (in the appendices).
Risk assessments and the ethical considerations of animal research. Ethics committees, format and minutes.

How to collect data:
Difference between quantitate and qualitative data: qualitative (to gain an understanding of underlying reasons and motivations; to provide insights into the setting of a problem, generating ideas and/or hypotheses for later quantitative research; to uncover prevalent trends in thought and opinion; a small number of non-representative cases; Unstructured or semi-structured techniques e.g. individual depth interviews or group discussions; non-statistical data analysis) versus quantitative (to quantify data and generalise results from a sample to the population of interest; to measure the incidence of research focus in a chosen sample; can be followed by qualitative research to explore some findings further; large number of cases representing the population of interest; structured data collection techniques; statistical analysis of data collected; findings are conclusive and descriptive in nature).

How to analyse data:
Importance of statistical analysis; use in communicating research findings, support of hypotheses and giving credibility to research methodology and conclusions; importance of understanding statistics so that they can inform; evaluation of the credibility and usefulness of information; use of results to make appropriate decisions.

Statistical tests and when to apply them:
Descriptive tests (mean, median, mode, Variance, SD), investigating normality of data, T-tests, Spearman Rank, ANOVA, Chi-Squared, regression analysis, correlation, P Values and their significance
Students will be expected to show an understanding of the techniques of data analysis but will not be required to generate scientific data for this module.

The assessment for this module will be a single assessment with a 100% weighting.

The first and final assessment (100% weighting) will take the form of a 2000-word project proposal and methodology plan including risk assessment and ethical considerations, details of resources required, a testable hypothesis and a worked example of an appropriate statistical analysis using dummy or preliminary data. (Learning outcomes 1 2 and 3)

Early in the term students will be expected to give a presentation outlining their initial ideas for projects, and this will receive formative feedback.

Barnard, C.J. (2011). Asking Questions in Biology: a guide to hypothesis testing, experimental design and presentation in practical work and research projects. 4th Ed. Benjamin Cummings. E-book.

Hailman, JP & Strier, KB (2006) Planning, Proposing and Presenting Science Effectively: A Guide for Graduate Students and Researchers in the Behavioural Sciences and Biology. Cambridge University Press; 2 edition

Knisely, K. (2009). A Student Handbook for Writing in Biology. 3rd Ed. Sinauer Associates.

Ruxton, G.D. and Colegrave, N. (2010). Experimental Design for the Life Sciences. 3rd Ed. Oxford University Press, Oxford.

Group teaching rooms
Internet linked PCs
Learning resource centre
Virtual Learning Environment (Moodle)
Flip cameras
Video and screen capture software

1. Gather, synthesis and evaluate current research in an area of animal science and justify an area for further research. (Knowledge and Understanding, Learning, Problem Solving).
2. Plan and produce an ethical and scientifically valid, testable hypothesis, rationale and aim for an investigative project in the animal science sector. (Enquiry, Problem Solving, Application).
3. Plan and justify an appropriate method of data collection and demonstrate correct analysis and statistical tests for planned data. (Enquiry, Analysis, Communication).

"Classroom sessions that will deliver theory via a range of methods such as traditional lectures, group activities, guest speakers, individual tasks, questioning, role play, modelling, kinaesthetic activities and short research tasks to develop underpinning knowledge and understanding; Tutorial and seminar sessions to promote and encourage discussion and debate of topical issues and practical sessions into data collection and analytical techniques.

There will also be a formative element of understanding and discussing the statistical techniques and software to be used.

On top of this it is expected that students will partake in independent learning for this module. This will include, but is not limited to, preparation for classroom sessions , extending classroom and practical notes via extended reading and research, completion of tasks leading from classroom sessions and VLE based tasks and research, planning and production of assignments.

Students will have access to an appropriate virtual learning environment (VLE) where they can access a range of sources to support their studies through this module.
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