Advances in scientific knowledge have always depended on critical measurement, analysis and presentation of results - in a society that increasingly demands transparency and rigour in decision making, the need for 'robustness' in science is becoming of paramount importance. The primary emphasis in this course will be on the principles of measurement, the similarities of experimental design and methods of information collection between various branches of science, including ecology, biology and psychology, and science communication.

Students will explore ways in which experiments and field investigations can be made 'robust' - by collecting and critically examining information about wildlife, plants and humans and the environments in which they occur. Topics introduced in the course will include the concepts of scale and pattern, philosophy and systems of measurement and errors, and the collection and use of qualitative information. Analysis of results will involve the graphical exploration, development of statistical methodology to facilitate good scientific decision making and effective presentation of results to technical and lay audiences. Field-based case studies will support students to integrate the lecture and reading material as well as providing "real world" examples of research and effective team work. Canberra Urban Parks and Places or Environment ACT will support data collection during field-based case studies.

Computer-based quizzes to demonstrate student learning of underlying theories of measurement, graphical/statistical summaries and correlation (2-3 quizzes, 30%), A scientific journal article to demonstrate ability to integrate knowledge of measurement, analysis and presentation to a scientific audience. (5 pages, 30%), A "plain English" article to demonstrate ability to communicate research findings to a lay audience. (2 pages, 10%), A small research project or literature review which replaces the final component of the course (30% of overall assessment).