Research Methods in Natural Sciences

Catalog description

This course focuses on providing students with the essential elements of scientific research and matters associated with the scientific method; experimental and non-experimental research design; and statistical data analyses. Students will become familiar with the current methodologies, tools, and instruments of modern research, such as sampling, test design, data collection reporting, and the scientific writing process. In addition, each student will develop a proposal to conduct an original research project in the field of natural sciences. This proposal will then be used as the basis for an independent research project in SCIN499. The University recommends that students do not attempt this course until they have completed all required courses for the natural sciences major and all required courses in the biology or earth science concentration. (Biology concentration prerequisites are BIOL240, BIOL241, EVSP416, SCIN202, and SCIN211. Earth Science concentration prerequisites are GEOG200, SCIN138, and SCIN261.)