Outline

Overview

This unit provides foundational skills essential for doing research in biology and for critically judging the research of others. We consider how biology is practiced as a quantitative, experimental and theoretical science. We focus on the underlying principles and practical skills you need to explore questions and test hypotheses, particularly where background variation (error) is inherently high. In so doing, the unit provides you with an understanding of how biological research is designed, analysed and interpreted using statistics. Lectures focus on sound experimental and statistical principles, using examples in ecology and other fields of biology to demonstrate concepts. In the practical sessions, you will design and perform, analyse (using appropriate statistical tools) and interpret your own experiments to answer research questions in topics relevant to your particular interest. This unit of study provides a suitable foundation for senior biology units of study.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit	Life and Environmental Sciences Academic Operations
Credit points	6
Prerequisites ?	BIOL1XXX or MBLG1XXX or ENVX1001 or ENVX1002 or DATA1X01 or MATH1XX5 or ENVI1003
Corequisites ?	None
Prohibitions ?	BIOL2922 or BIOL3006 or BIOL3906
Assumed knowledge ?	BIOL1XXX or MBLG1XXX
Available to study abroad and exchange students	Yes

Teaching staff

Coordinator	Januar Harianto, januar.harianto@sydney.edu.au
Lecturer(s)	Clare McArthur, clare.mcarthur@sydney.edu.au
	Mathew Crowther, mathew.crowther@sydney.edu.au
	Januar Harianto, januar.harianto@sydney.edu.au

Assessment

The census date for this unit availability is 2 September 2024

Details
Criteria

Type	Description	Weight	Due	Length
Supervised exam ?	Final written exam Extended answers.	40%	Formal exam period	2 hours
Outcomes assessed:
Online task	Online quizzes (Weeks 1 – 3) Formative quizzes, completed via Canvas.	0%	Week 03	10 - 15 minutes per quiz
Outcomes assessed:
Online task	Experimental design and analysis evaluation task Online quiz, completed in Canvas.	15%	Week 04	20 minutes
Outcomes assessed:
Assignment	Written scientific report (Report 1) Report based on univariate study design. See Canvas for details.	25%	Week 09 Due date: 27 Sep 2024 at 23:59	Maximum 10 pages.
Outcomes assessed:
Skills-based evaluation	Group dataset submission (Report 2) Upload your group dataset. Due dates vary, see Canvas for details	5%	Week 11 Due date: 18 Oct 2024 at 23:59	One spreadsheet document
Outcomes assessed:
Assignment	Written scientific report (Report 2) Report based on multivariate study design. See Canvas for details.	15%	Week 13 Due date: 01 Nov 2024 at 23:59	Maximum 4 pages
Outcomes assessed:

Assessment summary

All assessments are compulsory and failure to attend, attempt, or submit will result in the award of an AF grade.

Detailed information for each assessment can be found in your lab manual or in Canvas.

Module 1: Experimental design and analysis evaluation task.
Module 2: Individual written report.
Module 3: Group data set of project and individual written report.
Exam: Extended answer questions only, during exam period.

Note: Written reports and the exam are compulsory and failure to attend, attempt, or submit will result in the award of an AF grade.

If a second replacement exam is required, this exam may be delivered via an alternative assessment method, such as a viva voce (oral exam). The alternative assessment will meet the same learning outcomes as the original exam. The format of the alternative assessment will be determined by the unit coordinator.

Assessment criteria

The University awards common result grades, set out in the Coursework Policy 20 21 (Schedule 1).

As a general guide, a high distinction indicates work of an exceptional standard, a distinction a very high standard, a credit a good standard, and a pass an acceptable standard.

Result name	Mark range	Description
High distinction	85 - 100	outstanding
Distinction	75 - 84	excellent
Credit	65 - 74	good
Pass	50 - 64	satisfactory
Fail	0 - 49	When you don’t meet the learning outcomes of the unit to a satisfactory standard.

For more information see sydney.edu.au/students/guide-to-grades.

For more information see guide to grades.

Late submission

In accordance with University policy, these penalties apply when written work is submitted after 11:59pm on the due date:

Deduction of 5% of the maximum mark for each calendar day after the due date.
After ten calendar days late, a mark of zero will be awarded.

This unit has an exception to the standard University policy or supplementary information has been provided by the unit coordinator. This information is displayed below:

If not otherwise stated, 5% per day

Academic integrity

The Current Student website provides information on academic integrity and the resources available to all students. The University expects students and staff to act ethically and honestly and will treat all allegations of academic integrity breaches seriously.

We use similarity detection software to detect potential instances of plagiarism or other forms of academic integrity breach. If such matches indicate evidence of plagiarism or other forms of academic integrity breaches, your teacher is required to report your work for further investigation.

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI) and automated writing tools

You may only use generative AI and automated writing tools in assessment tasks if you are permitted to by your unit coordinator. If you do use these tools, you must acknowledge this in your work, either in a footnote or an acknowledgement section. The assessment instructions or unit outline will give guidance of the types of tools that are permitted and how the tools should be used.

Your final submitted work must be your own, original work. You must acknowledge any use of generative AI tools that have been used in the assessment, and any material that forms part of your submission must be appropriately referenced. For guidance on how to acknowledge the use of AI, please refer to the AI in Education Canvas site.

The unapproved use of these tools or unacknowledged use will be considered a breach of the Academic Integrity Policy and penalties may apply.

Studiosity is permitted unless otherwise indicated by the unit coordinator. The use of this service must be acknowledged in your submission as detailed on the Learning Hub’s Canvas page.

Outside assessment tasks, generative AI tools may be used to support your learning. The AI in Education Canvas site contains a number of productive ways that students are using AI to improve their learning.

Learning support

Simple extensions

If you encounter a problem submitting your work on time, you may be able to apply for an extension of five calendar days through a simple extension.  The application process will be different depending on the type of assessment and extensions cannot be granted for some assessment types like exams.

Special consideration

If exceptional circumstances mean you can’t complete an assessment, you need consideration for a longer period of time, or if you have essential commitments which impact your performance in an assessment, you may be eligible for special consideration or special arrangements.

Special consideration applications will not be affected by a simple extension application.

Using AI responsibly

Co-created with students, AI in Education includes lots of helpful examples of how students use generative AI tools to support their learning. It explains how generative AI works, the different tools available and how to use them responsibly and productively.

Support for students

The Support for Students Policy 2023 reflects the University’s commitment to supporting students in their academic journey and making the University safe for students. It is important that you read and understand this policy so that you are familiar with the range of support services available to you and understand how to engage with them.

The University uses email as its primary source of communication with students who need support under the Support for Students Policy 2023. Make sure you check your University email regularly and respond to any communications received from the University.

Learning resources and detailed information about weekly assessment and learning activities can be accessed via Canvas. It is essential that you visit your unit of study Canvas site to ensure you are up to date with all of your tasks.

If you are having difficulties completing your studies, or are feeling unsure about your progress, we are here to help. You can access the support services offered by the University at any time:

Support and Services (including health and wellbeing services, financial support and learning support)
Course planning and administration
Meet with an Academic Adviser

Weekly schedule

WK	Topic	Learning activity
Multiple weeks	Module 1: fundamentals of study design and analysis	Lecture (12 hr)
	Module 2: applying good univariate experimental design and analysis in answering biological research	Lecture (6 hr)
	Module 3: applying good multivariate experimental design and analysis in a complex biological world	Lecture (8 hr)
	Module 1: developing workflows in the research process	Practical (12 hr)
	Module 2: answering real-world univariate biological research questions	Practical (15 hr)
	Module 3: applying multivariate analyses to complex real-world systems	Practical (12 hr)

Attendance and class requirements

Students are expected to participate in at least 80% of the timetabled activities for all units of study in their degree, unless granted an exemption by the Associate Dean. To meet the learning outcomes of this Unit of Study, students are required to attend a minimum of 9 labs/practicals out of 12 as defined in the unit of study outline. A student may fail this unit of study where inadequate attendance results in learning outcomes not being met.

Study commitment

Typically, there is a minimum expectation of 1.5-2 hours of student effort per week per credit point for units of study offered over a full semester. For a 6 credit point unit, this equates to roughly 120-150 hours of student effort in total.

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes are what students know, understand and are able to do on completion of a unit of study. They are aligned with the University's graduate qualities and are assessed as part of the curriculum.

Outcomes
Graduate qualities

At the completion of this unit, you should be able to:

LO1. Understand the process of experimental design and analysis in biological research
LO2. Understand the concepts of the frequentist approach to statistics and null hypothesis testing
LO3. Understand the characteristics of data amenable to classic parametric statistics, non-parametric and permutational statistics
LO4. Understand the philosophical difference between the frequentist approach, and information-theory and Bayesian approaches
LO5. Appreciate classic parametric statistics and their application in biological research
LO6. Appreciate the principles underpinning the common techniques for analysing multi-variate data
LO7. Design, analyse with appropriate software, and interpret simple experiments with uni- and multi-variate data, developed from initial biological questions and observations
LO8. Evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of biological research, in terms of experimental design, analysis and interpretation
LO9. Communicate concisely and with clarity the process, outcomes and implications of biological research, verbally and in plain written English

Graduate qualities

The graduate qualities are the qualities and skills that all University of Sydney graduates must demonstrate on successful completion of an award course. As a future Sydney graduate, the set of qualities have been designed to equip you for the contemporary world.

GQ1	Depth of disciplinary expertise Deep disciplinary expertise is the ability to integrate and rigorously apply knowledge, understanding and skills of a recognised discipline defined by scholarly activity, as well as familiarity with evolving practice of the discipline.
GQ2	Critical thinking and problem solving Critical thinking and problem solving are the questioning of ideas, evidence and assumptions in order to propose and evaluate hypotheses or alternative arguments before formulating a conclusion or a solution to an identified problem.
GQ3	Oral and written communication Effective communication, in both oral and written form, is the clear exchange of meaning in a manner that is appropriate to audience and context.
GQ4	Information and digital literacy Information and digital literacy is the ability to locate, interpret, evaluate, manage, adapt, integrate, create and convey information using appropriate resources, tools and strategies.
GQ5	Inventiveness Generating novel ideas and solutions.
GQ6	Cultural competence Cultural Competence is the ability to actively, ethically, respectfully, and successfully engage across and between cultures. In the Australian context, this includes and celebrates Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, knowledge systems, and a mature understanding of contemporary issues.
GQ7	Interdisciplinary effectiveness Interdisciplinary effectiveness is the integration and synthesis of multiple viewpoints and practices, working effectively across disciplinary boundaries.
GQ8	Integrated professional, ethical, and personal identity An integrated professional, ethical and personal identity is understanding the interaction between one’s personal and professional selves in an ethical context.
GQ9	Influence Engaging others in a process, idea or vision.

Outcome map

Learning outcomes	Graduate qualities
Learning outcomes

Responding to student feedback

This section outlines changes made to this unit following staff and student reviews.

Module 1 assessment has been changed to quizzes to provide meaningful feedback to students. Report due dates have also been shifted to give students more time to complete Report 2 without overlapping the STUVAC period. We emphasise that it is important to attend lectures in real time, as they are directly and immediately relevant to the prac work.

Additional information

Simple extensions

The University Coursework Policy (2021 amended 26 May 2023) on simple extensions (Part14.81 pp 58) is given below for reference.

While this unit of study will follow all University processes around the granting of simple extensions, where Unit Coordinator approval is requried, the only valid reasons considered will include: death of relative, close personal friend or pet; sudden change of carer’s duties due to illness, injury or misadventure. Paid or volunteer employment, other assessments or computer/software malfunctions are not appropriate grounds for simple extensions.

You should plan your work to submit by the stated due date. Do not assume your request will automatically be granted or get in the habit of requesting a simple extension on every assessment.

From University Coursework Policy 2021 (amended 26 May 2023)

81 Simple extensions – tasks other than assignments or examinations

A unit of study co-ordinator, who is satisfied that it is appropriate to do so, may permit a student to submit a non-examination task other than a task to which section 81A applies up to five calendar days after the due date with no penalty.
Such permission is an informal arrangement between the unit of study co-ordinator and the student which does not: (a) affect the student’s entitlement to apply for special consideration under this policy; (b) alter any time limits or other requirements relating to applications for special consideration; or (c) constitute an academic decision for the purposes of the University of Sydney (Student Academic Appeals) Rule 2021. Note: Any faculty resolution or local provision forbidding the granting of simple extensions is inconsistent with this policy.
In industry and community project units, the project supervisor will have the responsibilities of the unit of study coordinator specified in subclauses 81(1) and 81(2).

81A: Simple extensions – assignment tasks

The provisions of this clause will apply from the beginning of Semester 2, 2022 until the Academic Board determines that it is no longer necessary.
The special considerations unit may permit a student who has suffered illness, injury or misadventure to submit an assignment task up to five calendar days after the due date with no penalty if: Coursework Policy 2021 Page 59 of 103 (a) the student applies for the extension through the special consideration student portal; (b) the assignment is not a group work assignment; (c) the release time of the assignment is greater than 10 working days; and (d) the student provides a declaration in the form prescribed in Schedule 4 of the Assessment Procedures 2011.
An extension under this clause is an informal arrangement which does not: (a) affect the student’s entitlement to apply for special consideration under this policy; (b) alter any time limits or other requirements relating to applications for special consideration; or (c) constitute an academic decision for the purposes of the University of Sydney (Student Academic Appeals) Rule 2021. Note: Any faculty resolution or local provision forbidding the granting of simple extensions is inconsistent with this policy.
An application for an extension under this clause will not constitute an application for special consideration. A student seeking special consideration must submit a separate application

Work, health and safety

We are governed by the Work Health and Safety Act 2011, Work Health and Safety Regulation 2011 and Codes of Practice. Penalties for non-compliance have increased. Everyone has a responsibility for health and safety at work. The University’s Work Health and Safety policy explains the responsibilities and expectations of workers and others, and the procedures for managing WHS risks associated with University activities.

Note: completion of the Canvas Module, "Zoonosis Awareness" is compulsory for this unit.

Disclaimer

The University reserves the right to amend units of study or no longer offer certain units, including where there are low enrolment numbers.

To help you understand common terms that we use at the University, we offer an online glossary.

Current students

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Support for students

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Attendance and class requirements

Study commitment

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Additional information

Additional information

Work, health and safety

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

Media

Student links

About us

Connect

Current students

BIOL2022: Biology Experimental Design and Analysis

Semester 2, 2024 [Normal day] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Support for students

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Attendance and class requirements

Study commitment

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Additional information

Additional information

Work, health and safety

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

Media

Student links

About us

Connect