| Course code |
EAS720
|
| Course title |
Basics of ecological research
|
| Course status in the programme |
Compulsory/Courses of Limited Choice
|
| Course level |
Undergraduate Studies
|
| Course type |
Academic
|
| Field of study |
Environmental Engineering and Management
|
| Department responsible |
Vides aizsardzības un siltuma sistēmu katedra
|
| Responsible instructor |
Valters Kārlis - Doktors, Docents |
| Academic staff |
Simanovska Jana - Lektors |
| Volume of the course: parts and credits points |
1 daļa; 4.0 credit points; 6.0 ECTS credits
|
| Course outline |
Introduction. (4 h)
Environmental Indicators. (4 h)
Instrumental methods for analysis of environmental samples. (4 h)
Visit to the Environmental laboratory of the Latvian Environment, Geology and Meteorology Centre. (4 h)
How to search the scientific literature? (4 h)
Statistical Data Processing. (4 h)
Visit to the Latvian Environment, Geology and Meteorology Centre. (4 h)
Scientific communciation. (16 h)
How to prepare a good oral scientific presentation? (8 h)
Biological test methods. (4 h)
Analysis of scientific publications and presentation. (8 h)
|
| Learning outcomes and assessment |
Student has an overview on various alternative environmental impact assessment tools and is able to choose among them the most appropriate in order to tackle the problem identified. - Type of evaluation: Exam. Criteria: Student seeing the outline of the problem, is able to choose an appropriate research method.
Student is able to critically assess the environmental indicators and to define the new indicators. - Type of evaluation: Practical work, exam. Evaluation criteria: Students have assessed existing and defined new environmental indicators describing a particular environmental problem.
Student is able to statistically process the data obtained. - Type of evaluation: Practical work, exam. Evaluation criteria: The student has performed a statistical analysis of the data.
Student is able to find the relevant scientific literature, able to work with the data bases offered by the RTU library. - Type of evaluation: Practical work, exam. Evaluation criteria: The student has found relevant scientific publications in the library of RTU.
Student is able to critically read and analyze scientific publications. - Type of evaluation: Practical work, the course work, exam. Evaluation criteria: The student has prepared a critical review of the selected scientific publication.
Student can present the results of own research in a good way. - Type of evaluation: Practical work. Criteria: The student has prepared and presented a good scientific presentation.
|
| Possibility of distance learning |
Not planned
|
| Language of instruction |
LV EN
|
| Abstract |
The course aims to give students an idea of the basic principles of scientific research. During lectures and practical work students will learn a range of various topics staring with the philosophical insights of science and its role in society, formulation of hypotheses and experimental planning, and ending with the statistical data processing, advanced reading and understanding, as well as elaboration of scientific publications. The course also includes information on instrumental methods to analyze environmental and biological samples, visits to the research centers.
|
Goals and objectives of the course
in terms of competences and skills |
Competences: Understanding of the basic principles and importance of the scientific research, its role in society, environmental indicators. Knowledge how to plan the environmental research, carry out proper measurements, and statistically process the empirical data. ?Know–how for search of scientific publications, reading, preparation of publications. Overview on various research methods employed in the environmental research activities. Skills: Able to plan a scientific study in the level of
|
| Assignments |
During the course student shall prepare a critical review of a chosen scientific publication.
|
| Recommended literature |
1. M. Kļaviņš, Pētnieciskā darba rezultātu noformēšana, Rīga: LU, 2005, 46 lpp.
2. R. A. Day, B. Gastel, How to write and publish a scientific paper, Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 6th edition, 2006, 303 pp.
3. Kate L. Turabian, A Manual for Writers of Research Papers, Theses, and Dissertations, Seventh Edition: Chicago Style for Students and Researchers (Chicago Guides to Writing, Editing, and Publishing), Chicago and London: University Of Chicago Press; 7th edition, 2007, 466 pp.
4. H. F. Ebel , C. Bliefert , W. E. Russey, The Art of Scientific Writing: From Student Reports to Professional Publications in Chemistry and Related Fields, Wiley-VCH, 2nd edition, 2004, 595 pp..
5. M. J. Katz, From Research to Manuscript. A Guide to Scientific Writing. 2nd edition, Springer: 2009, 205 pp.
6. M. Cargill, P. O`Connor, Writing Scientific Research Articles: Strategy and Steps, Wiley-Blackwell; 1st edition, 2009. pp. 184.
7. M. Alley, The Craft of Scientific Presentations: Critical Steps to Succeed and Critical Errors to Avoid, Springer, 2002, 264 pp.
8. http://www.sciencedirect.com/
9. http://www.springerlink.com/home/main.mpx
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| Course prerequisites |
Specific prerequisites are not required. |
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