Module Code - Title:
PH6011
-
EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN AND RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
Year Last Offered:
2025/6
Hours Per Week:
Grading Type:
N
Prerequisite Modules:
Rationale and Purpose of the Module:
To educate students in the general methodology of research and the principles and practice of proper design and analysis of experiments.
Syllabus:
The nature of scientific research. The scientific method: experimentation, scientific evidence and theory. Types of research projects. Planning a research project; the research question. Quantitative and qualitative techniques. Planning of experiments: reviewing the scientific literature; choosing the techniques and the experiments. Prerequisites for experimental measurements. Standard procedures and methodology; choice and use of instrumentation. Accuracy, precision calibration and measurement standards. Reproducibility, repeatability and confirmation. Recording and initial analysis of data: interpretation of results; follow-up experiments; comparison with theory and previous results. In-depth analysis: quantitative methods of analysis. Use graphical methods and statistical methodology. Development of theory. Adjustments to experimental approach: critical experiments; organization, record-keeping and data format; laboratory notebooks; organization of digital records. Reporting results.
Learning Outcomes:
Cognitive (Knowledge, Understanding, Application, Analysis, Evaluation, Synthesis)
On completion of this module students will be able to demonstrate the following:
1. Understand the nature of scientific research.
2. Describe the scientific method
3. Discuss experimentation, scientific evidence and theory.
4. Organise an experimental research project.
5. Maintain proper laboratory notebooks and digital records.
6. Review the scientific literature in a selected area.
7. Use standard procedures and methodology of research
8. Use computational methods and statistical methodology.
9. Confirm experimental repeatability, interpret results and develop theory.
Affective (Attitudes and Values)
On completion of this module students will be able to demonstrate the following:
Discuss the importance of methodology in scientific research.
Psychomotor (Physical Skills)
On completion of this module students will be able to demonstrate the following:
Perform experiments requiring precise measurement.
Use scientific apparatus for observation and measurement.
How the Module will be Taught and what will be the Learning Experiences of the Students:
Students will learn via online lectures, tutorials and problem based private study.
Research Findings Incorporated in to the Syllabus (If Relevant):
Prime Texts:
I Valiela (2009)
Doing Science: Design, Analysis, and Communication of Scientific Research
, Oxford University Press
S. S. Carey (2011)
A Beginners Guide to Scientific Method
, Wadsworth Cengage
Learning
P. Laake, H. B. Benestad and B. R. Olsen (2007)
Research Methodology in the Medical and Biological Sciences
, Academic Press
Other Relevant Texts:
Programme(s) in which this Module is Offered:
Semester(s) Module is Offered:
Autumn
Module Leader:
Noel.Buckley@ul.ie