Developing effective research questions, collecting and analysing appropriate data, and communicating research outcomes are challenges that face everyone in the environmental and social sciences. Based on an exploration of how scientists describe and quantify natural ecosystems and human behaviour, this course uses a problem-focused approach to introduce fundamental research concepts. The course is partly structured around the issue of kangaroo culling in the ACT. During the course you will develop and test strategies for researching vegetation description and estimating the size of animal populations. 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 also develop skills 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 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 a written report or oral presentation focusing on comparative field-based techniques (10% 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

• three quantitative short reports focusing on analysis and interpretation of environmental datasets (5% each, 15% total);
• a statistics revision quiz (5%);
• 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, 20%),
• an in-class questionnaire critique that aims to develop an understanding of the principles of survey design (8%);
• a report on constructing questionnaires and planning analyses that aims to integrate understanding of analytical and survey methods (12%);
• A brief report prepared for a non-science audience, framed around analysis of questionnaire data generated during the semester, aimed at developing skills in writing for non-technical audiences (20%);
• an end of semester exam (20%).

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