RFW 271 Applied Research Project is an introduction to the basic principles and methods of research with an emphasis on natural resource and ecosystem management. The objective of this course is to assist each student in completing an applied research project that has both a field-based data collection component and a literature-based research component. With assistance from a Faculty Advisor, students will select an approved research topic and complete a number of assignments including writing a research proposal and developing a final report. The research results and recommendations will be presented at the SEG student conference. This course spans the fall and winter semesters.
Prerequisites: Completion of first year courses with a minimum grade of 60%
Accessibility Services Notice
Students who would like an academic accommodation and who have a documented disability should contact Accessibility Services, if they have not already done so.Course Details| Total number of weeks | 15 |
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| Total Credits | |
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| Total Hours | 15 |
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Typical hours per week breakdown| Lecture | 1 |
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Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this course, the learner will be able to:
- Demonstrate the fundamentals of conducting an applied investigation through the application of scientific research skills that include the: a) identification and description of an original research project, b) use of an academic research library/database effectively, c) identification of key players in government, industry, and/or stakeholder groups (if appropriate), d) description and application of methods for assessing the scientific validity of information, e) application of safe and ethical field research activities and protocol, f) collection of accurate data and information; and g) maintenance of records of research findings and activities in an appropriate format
- Communicate applied research in prescribed written formats, including the: a) creation of an annotated bibliography, b) development of draft work, c) completion of an original research proposal; and building from this proposal, and d) completion of a final report that meets technical/scientific standards
- Communicate applied research in a prescribed oral format, including the completion of a verbal presentation during the annual student conference
- Demonstrate professionalism through your: a) completion of all tasks, individually and independently, and with integrity, b) demonstration of a respectful and appropriate attitude when interacting with others involved in the research project, including industry representatives and community stakeholders, faculty advisors, and peers, c) demonstration of personal responsibility for communicating with faculty advisor and RFW 271 instructor, and d) attendance and presence in class, and by asking critical questions and remaining current on course objectives and research activities
Teaching and Learning Approach
This course will be taught using a combination of online lecture, class discussion, and major assignments.Learning Resources
References will be specific to each student’s topic. Faculty advisors will suggest resources and students will be
responsible for finding relevant material from a variety of sources.
Required Texts:
McMillan, V. E. 2021. Writing Papers in the Biological Sciences. Bedford/St. Martin’s.
Available at the bookstore
Required Supplies and Equipment:
· Will vary with topic chosen.
· Students will need to provide their own transportation to the field sites, if data from outside of program labs is to
be collected.Detailed Course Content, Topics, and Sequence Covered
1. What is research? Types of research, you as a researcher, writing as a Tool
2. Questions and exploring the background – online and on-the-ground resources Job Hazard Analyses
3. Scoping a project, experiments, scientific method/protocol, research paper vs. review
4. Working with references
5. Anatomy of a research proposal
6. Making Sense of the work so Far...
7. Polishing the proposal
8. Data visualisation and analyses (mandatory)
9. Data visualisation and analyses part 2 (optional)
10. Creating a research proposal poster (mandatory)
11. Help with your analyses (optional)
12. Creating a useful draft report (mandatory)
13. Creating a good presentation (mandatory)
14. Pulling it all together
15. End of year oral presentations (mandatory)Assessment
| Title | Learning Outcomes | Value |
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| Task 1: Completion of Major Assignments - (20%), report (30%), presentation (10%) | proposal | 60% |
| Task 2: Completion of Lab Assignments (misc. throughout both semesters) | | 40% |
| Total | 100% |
Grading Table
Standard Academic and Career Programs Grading Table
| Percentage |
Letter Grade |
GPA |
| 90-100 |
A+ |
4.33 |
| 85-89 |
A |
4.00 |
| 80-84 |
A- |
3.67 |
| 76-79 |
B+ |
3.33 |
| 72-75 |
B |
3.00 |
| 68-71 |
B- |
2.67 |
| 64-67 |
C+ |
2.33 |
| 60-63 |
C |
2.00 |
| 55-59 |
C- |
1.67 |
| 50-54 |
P |
1.00 |
| 0-49 |
F |
0.00 |
| |
DNW |
0.00 |
See the Academic Calendar for General Information including how to withdraw from course(s) and other regulations.
Disclaimer
Information contained in this course outline is correct at the time of publication. Content of the course is revised on an ongoing basis to ensure relevance to changing educational, employment and market needs. The instructor will endeavor to provide notice of changes to students as soon as possible. The instructor reserves the right to add or delete material from courses.