Developing effective research questions, collecting and analysing appropriate data, and communicating research outcomes are challenges that face anyone working in the environmental and social sciences. Based on an exploration of how scientists describe and quantify natural ecosystems and human behavior, this course uses a problem-focused approach to introduce fundamental research concepts.  You will develop and test strategies for researching issues ranging from catchment revegetation to kangaroo population size and impacts, and societal responses to such issues. You will be introduced to the philosophies of research, measurement and sampling; learn how to describe ecosystems and quantify aspects of those systems; and learn how to design and conduct surveys to provide data for social science studies. You will be introduced to, and gain practice in, the use of basic analytical techniques ranging from simple graphical exploration and interpretation to the application of basic statistical tests, as well as strategies for effectively communicating methods and results.

Learning in this course is achieved through a combination of lectures and field- and computer-based practical exercises. Field-based exercises provide first-hand experience in methods for collecting environmental data (particularly on flora and fauna), and in the design and implementation of experiments and surveys, as well as providing data for the major assignment. Field-based exercises and analyses also engage with research conducted by Fenner School academics and scholars. Computer-based activities provide the opportunity to work with data collected in the field and provide experience in data exploration and analysis. Assessment is designed to provide you with the opportunity to develop research skills by utilising and reflecting upon data collection, analysis and communication techniques covered in the course to explore local environmental and social issues.

Honours Pathway Option

Subject to the approval of the course convenor, HPO students will be required to demonstrate greater depth in the philosophy and practice of measurement and analysis in the environmental and/or social sciences. This understanding will be facilitated in a small research project conducted under direct supervision of the convenor. HPO students will attend one additional one-hour tutorial session each fortnight, and submit an alternative major assignment focusing on comparative field-based techniques (25% of overall assessment).

On satisfying the requirements of this course, students will have the knowledge and skills to:

1. understand and interpret quantitative research results reported within scientific literature
2. understand the principles of sampling techniques in the environmental and social sciences
3. explore and summarise data to identify effects and trends
4. demonstrate a capacity to communicate research results effectively to the scientific and non-technical audiences

Assessment will be based on:

• two short reports focusing on analysis and interpretation of field datasets (2 pages maximum, 25%).
• a scientific journal article based upon interpretation of field-based fauna and flora data that aims to provide the opportunity to integrate knowledge of measurement, analysis and presentation to a scientific audience (5 pages, 25%; under-graduate students only), OR
• a scientific journal article based upon interpretation of field-based fauna and flora as well as analysis of sampling methodologies and comparative methods that aims to provide the opportunity to integrate knowledge of measurement, analysis and presentation to a scientific audience (5 pages, 25%; post-graduate students only).
• a brief article to practice communicating research findings from field-based practical exercises to a non-technical audience (2 pages, 15%).
• a group exercise to provide experience in the design and conduct of surveys as well as analysis and communication of survey findings (25%).
• an individual reflection upon data collection, classification and analysis techniques that will be based upon student-led description and characterisation of human behaviour and environmental variability (10%)

65 Contact hours, comprising lectures, workshops and field excursions.

with SREM1006 or SRES1003