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ESM304Sciences3 Unitsintermediate

Research Methods And Field Trip

This course introduces students to scientific inquiry in environmental science and resource management. It covers research principles, methodologies, and techniques for addressing environmental problems. Students will learn about data collection, analysis, and interpretation, as well as the importance of validity and reliability in research. The course also explores different types of research, including descriptive, correlation, explanatory, and exploratory approaches, and guides students through the research proposal process.

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120h

Study Time

13

Weeks

9h

Per Week

basic

Math Level

Course Keywords

Research MethodsEnvironmental ScienceField TripData AnalysisResearch Design

Course Overview

Everything you need to know about this course

Course Difficulty

Intermediate Level

Builds on foundational knowledge

65%

intermediate

➕

Math Level

Basic Math

🔬

Learning Type

Hands-on Practice

Course Topics

Key areas covered in this course

1

Environmental Research Principles

2

Research Methodologies

3

Data Collection and Analysis

4

Validity and Reliability

5

Research Proposal Development

6

Field Trip Techniques

Total Topics6 topics

Ready to Start

No specific requirements needed

This course is designed to be accessible to all students. You can start immediately without any prior knowledge or specific preparation.

Assessment Methods

How your progress will be evaluated (4 methods)

assignments

Comprehensive evaluation of course material understanding

Written Assessment

tutor-marked assignments

Comprehensive evaluation of course material understanding

Written Assessment

field trip report

Comprehensive evaluation of course material understanding

Written Assessment

final examination

Comprehensive evaluation of course material understanding

Written Assessment

Career Opportunities

Explore the career paths this course opens up for you

Environmental Consultant

Apply your skills in this growing field

Research Scientist

Apply your skills in this growing field

Environmental Manager

Apply your skills in this growing field

Environmental Impact Assessor

Apply your skills in this growing field

Environmental Activist

Apply your skills in this growing field

Industry Applications

Real-world sectors where you can apply your knowledge

Environmental ConsultingGovernment AgenciesOil and Gas IndustryNon-Governmental OrganizationsResearch Institutions

Study Schedule Beta

A structured 13-week journey through the course content

Week

1

Module 1:

6h

Unit 1: Environmental Research as a Way of Thinking

3 study hours

•Understand the role of environmental research in addressing environmental problems.
•Identify questions relevant to environmental research.
•Examine the role of environmental research from different perspectives (e.g., environmental impact assessor, oil and gas worker).

Unit 2: Elements of Research

3 study hours

•Identify the key elements of a research report: abstract, introduction, literature review, methodology, results, discussion, conclusion, references, and appendices.
•Understand the purpose and content of each element.
•Practice writing a concise and informative abstract.

Week

2

Module 2:

3h

Unit 1: Concepts in Environmental Research

3 study hours

•Differentiate between validity and reliability in research.
•Define subjectivity and bias in research.
•Identify and describe different types of research (pure, applied, descriptive, correlation, explanatory, exploratory).

Week

3

Module 2:

3h

Unit 2: The Eight-Step Model of Research Process

3 study hours

•Understand the eight-step model of the research process.
•Learn how to formulate a research problem.
•Conceptualize a research design and construct a data collection instrument.

Week

4

Module 2:

3h

Unit 3: The Role of Data Analysis in Research

3 study hours

•Understand the role of data analysis in research.
•Learn about different data analysis techniques and their applications.
•Identify potential problems in data analysis, such as the modifiable areal unit problem and spurious relationships.

Week

5

Module 3:

3h

Unit 1: The Need for Research Proposal

3 study hours

•Understand the importance of a research proposal.
•Learn how to generate ideas for a research proposal.
•Identify the key components of a research proposal.

Week

6

Module 3:

3h

Unit 2: Research Design

3 study hours

•Understand the different types of research designs (survey and experimental).
•Learn about the characteristics of environmental studies.
•Understand the importance of sampling design and procedures.

Week

7

Module 4:

3h

Unit 1: Validity and Reliability

3 study hours

•Differentiate between validity and reliability.
•Learn how to pretest a data collection schedule.
•Understand the importance of defining terms and concepts in research.

Week

8

Module 4:

3h

Unit 2: Field Trip

3 study hours

•Understand the logistics and instructions for the field trip.
•Prepare for the field trip by reviewing major environmental concepts.
•Learn how to relate facts and concepts from course materials to observations in the field.

Week

9

Module 1:

12h

Unit 1: Environmental Research as a Way of Thinking

6 study hours

•Review Module 1: Environmental Research as a Way of Thinking and Elements of Research
•Revise all TMAs
•Prepare for upcoming examination

Unit 2: Elements of Research

6 study hours

•Review Module 1: Environmental Research as a Way of Thinking and Elements of Research
•Revise all TMAs
•Prepare for upcoming examination

Week

10

Module 2:

12h

Unit 1: Concepts in Environmental Research

6 study hours

•Review Module 2: Concepts in Environmental Research, The Eight-Step Model of Research Process, and The Role of Data Analysis in Research
•Revise all TMAs
•Prepare for upcoming examination

Unit 2: The Eight-Step Model of Research Process

6 study hours

•Review Module 2: Concepts in Environmental Research, The Eight-Step Model of Research Process, and The Role of Data Analysis in Research
•Revise all TMAs
•Prepare for upcoming examination

Week

11

Module 2:

6h

Unit 3: The Role of Data Analysis in Research

6 study hours

•Review Module 2: Concepts in Environmental Research, The Eight-Step Model of Research Process, and The Role of Data Analysis in Research
•Revise all TMAs
•Prepare for upcoming examination

Week

12

Module 3:

12h

Unit 1: The Need for Research Proposal

6 study hours

•Review Module 3: The Need for Research Proposal and Research Design
•Revise all TMAs
•Prepare for upcoming examination

Unit 2: Research Design

6 study hours

•Review Module 3: The Need for Research Proposal and Research Design
•Revise all TMAs
•Prepare for upcoming examination

Week

13

Module 4:

12h

Unit 1: Validity and Reliability

6 study hours

•Review Module 4: Validity and Reliability and Field Trip
•Revise all TMAs
•Prepare for upcoming examination

Unit 2: Field Trip

6 study hours

•Review Module 4: Validity and Reliability and Field Trip
•Revise all TMAs
•Prepare for upcoming examination

This study schedule is in beta and may not be accurate. Please use it as a guide and consult the course outline for the most accurate information.

Course PDF Material

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Study Tips & Exam Preparation

Expert tips to help you succeed in this course

1

Create detailed summaries of each unit, focusing on key concepts and methodologies.

2

Practice writing research proposals based on different environmental scenarios.

3

Review data analysis techniques and their applications in environmental research.

4

Familiarize yourself with case studies discussed in the course material.

5

Practice applying research methods to real-world environmental problems.

6

Create concept maps linking Modules 1-4 research concepts.

7

Review all TMAs and assignments, focusing on areas where you received lower scores.

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