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Unit of study_
SCIE4002: Experimental Design and Data Analysis
2025 unit information
An indispensable attribute of an effective scientific researcher is the ability to collect, analyse and interpret data. Central to this process is the ability to create hypotheses and test these by using rigorous experimental designs. This modular unit of study will introduce the key concepts of experimental design and data analysis. Specifically, you will learn to formulate experimental aims to test a specific hypothesis. You will develop the skills and understanding required to design a rigorous scientific experiment, including an understanding of concepts such as controls, replicates, sample size, dependent and independent variables and good research practice (e.g. blinding, randomisation). By completing this unit you will develop the knowledge and skills required to appropriately analyse and interpret data in order to draw conclusions in the context of an advanced research project. From this unit of study, you will emerge with a comprehensive understanding of how to optimise the design and analysis of an experiment to most effectively answer scientific questions.
Unit details and rules
Managing faculty or University school:
Science
| Study level | Undergraduate |
|---|---|
| Academic unit | Mathematics and Statistics Academic Operations |
| Credit points | 6 |
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Prerequisites:
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144 credit points of units of study and including a minimum of 24 credit points at the 3000 or 4000-level and 18 credit points of 3000 or 4000-level units from Science Table A or FMH Table A |
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Corequisites:
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None |
| Prohibitions:
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ENVX3002 or STAT3X22 or STAT4022 or STAT3X12 |
| Assumed knowledge:
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Completion of units in quantitative research methods, mathematics or statistical analysis at least at 1000-level |
At the completion of this unit, you should be able to:
- LO1. create aims and hypotheses and design a rigorous scientific experiment to test an hypothesis
- LO2. describe the key elements which make up a valid experimental design
- LO3. work in a responsible, professional, culturally competent and ethical manner both independently and collaboratively in teams
- LO4. select and apply the appropriate statistical tests to analyse experimental data sets
- LO5. interpret the outcomes of statistical analyses of experimental data and evaluate the hypothesis in view of the results
- LO6. critique design and analysis in scientific literature
- LO7. communicate conclusions effectively using a range of media to a variety of audiences
Unit availability
This section lists the session, attendance modes and locations the unit is available in. There is a unit outline for each of the unit availabilities, which gives you information about the unit including assessment details and a schedule of weekly activities.
The outline is published 2 weeks before the first day of teaching. You can look at previous outlines for a guide to the details of a unit.
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Modes of attendance (MoA)
This refers to the Mode of attendance (MoA) for the unit as it appears when you’re selecting your units in Sydney Student. Find more information about modes of attendance on our website.
