ID2003 Science Methods

Academic year

2023 to 2024 Semester 1

Further information on which modules are specific to your programme.

Key module information

SCOTCAT credits

10

The Scottish Credit Accumulation and Transfer (SCOTCAT) system allows credits gained in Scotland to be transferred between institutions. The number of credits associated with a module gives an indication of the amount of learning effort required by the learner. European Credit Transfer System (ECTS) credits are half the value of SCOTCAT credits.

SCQF level

SCQF level 8

The Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework (SCQF) provides an indication of the complexity of award qualifications and associated learning and operates on an ascending numeric scale from Levels 1-12 with SCQF Level 10 equating to a Scottish undergraduate Honours degree.

Planned timetable

1.00 pm Mon, 1.00 pm Tue, 4.00 pm Thu

This information is given as indicative. Timetable may change at short notice depending on room availability.

Module coordinator

Dr C G M Paxton

Dr C G M Paxton
This information is given as indicative. Staff involved in a module may change at short notice depending on availability and circumstances.

Module Staff

Team taught

This information is given as indicative. Staff involved in a module may change at short notice depending on availability and circumstances.

Module description

This module provides an overview of the rationale, methods, history and philosophy of science. We explore the different definitions of science, the distinction between science and pseudo-science, the design of experiments, critical thinking, errors in reasoning, methods of making inferences and generalisations, the role of personal experience and anecdotes in science, the process of scientific publication and the role of anomalies in science. The module is collaboratively taught by staff from a number of schools in the university providing a useful methodological background for all science students.

Relationship to other modules

Anti-requisites

YOU CANNOT TAKE THIS MODULE IF YOU TAKE ID2005

Assessment pattern

1.5-hour Written Examination = 50%, Coursework = 50%

Re-assessment

2-hour Written Examination = 100%

Learning and teaching methods and delivery

Weekly contact

2 lectures and 1 practical class.

Scheduled learning hours

32

The number of compulsory student:staff contact hours over the period of the module.

Guided independent study hours

68

The number of hours that students are expected to invest in independent study over the period of the module.

Intended learning outcomes

  • Compare science with other ways of obtaining knowledge
  • Engage critically with scientific papers and science presented in the media
  • Understand basic logic, the scientific method and the need for quantification and reproducibility
  • Understand the editorial process leading to the publication of the a scientific paper
  • More effectively design experiments and observational studies