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48955-01 - Seminar: Tools and Methods of Natural Sciences Research (3 CP)
| Semester | spring semester 2024 |
| Course frequency | Every spring sem. |
| Lecturers |
Priscilla Carrillo Barragan (priscilla.carrillobarragan@unibas.ch, Assessor)
Patricia Holm (patricia.holm@unibas.ch) |
| Content | We will mix lectures, case studies, and self-organized work shadowing to gain knowledge about selected methods and approaches of the natural sciences. P. Carillo Baragán will provide input on the scientific method in general and on specific methods, occasionally with the help of guest speakers. In addition, students will collect methodological expertise during work shadowing and literature work. The seminar will focus on methods which are relevant for sustainable development topics. |
| Learning objectives | The students - understand the difference between a scientific and a non-scientific approach to a question; - can formulate scientific hypotheses and can distinguish them from a question or idea; - know about the difference between (I) empiricism and rationalism , (II) induction and deduction, (III) an observation and an experiment, (IV) descriptive and experimental approaches; - understand the influence of observer, equipment, and experimental design on the outcome of an experiment; - understand the importance of positive / negative controls and standards; - know natural science methods from fields that are important in the context of sustainability, such as molecular species identification, characterising air pollution, microplastics pollution, ecotoxicological assays, obtaining palaeoenvironmental data, and others; - and know what kind of information these methods can provide and are aware of their limitations. |
| Bibliography | Tba in class. |
| Comments | Practical blocs on 13. March and 17. April 2024: 14:15 - 18:00; and 18. May: field trip, entire day, details according to announcement. All MSD students have to attend a methods course in natural science within the IRS module. By default they have to attend this course (48995: Tools and Methods of Natural Sciences Research). Students with a natural science background who can demonstrate that they already have the knowledge taught in this course may take an alternative class according to the details recorded in the medium-term syllabus/spring semester 2023. No other module allocation possible. This seminar is offered by MSD. Dr. P. Carillo Baragán is a post doc staff member of MGU (Mensch-Gesellschaft-Umwelt), Dep. of Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Natural Sciences. Prof. Dr. P. Holm is part of the teaching committee MSD and leads the research group MGU. |
| Admission requirements | Only for MSD students (incl. MSD preparation semester). NO other students admitted. |
| Course application | Course enrollment on MOnA should be completed by the beginning of the teaching period (withdrawal possible until Monday of week five). |
| Language of instruction | English |
| Use of digital media | No specific media used |
| Interval | Weekday | Time | Room |
|---|---|---|---|
| unregelmässig | See individual dates | ||
| Comments |
13.03. and 17.04.24 until 18:00h. One field trip: 18. May 24 (keep the entire day free for this field trip). |
Dates
| Date | Time | Room |
|---|---|---|
| Wednesday 28.02.2024 | 14.15-15.45 | Vesalianum, Seminarraum (O2.02) |
| Wednesday 06.03.2024 | 14.15-15.45 | Vesalianum, Seminarraum (O2.02) |
| Wednesday 13.03.2024 | 14.15-18.00 | Botanik, Praktikumsraum U1.003 |
| Wednesday 20.03.2024 | 14.15-15.45 | Vesalianum, Seminarraum (O2.02) |
| Wednesday 27.03.2024 | 14.15-15.45 | Botanik, Praktikumsraum U1.003 |
| Wednesday 03.04.2024 | 14.15-15.45 | Vesalianum, Seminarraum (O2.02) |
| Wednesday 10.04.2024 | 14.15-15.00 | Vesalianum, Seminarraum (O2.02) |
| Wednesday 17.04.2024 | 14.15-18.00 | Botanik, Praktikumsraum U1.003 |
| Wednesday 24.04.2024 | 14.15-15.45 | Vesalianum, Seminarraum (O2.02) |
| Saturday 18.05.2024 | 08.00-18.00 | - Siehe Bemerkung, -- |
| Wednesday 22.05.2024 | 14.15-15.45 | Vesalianum, Seminarraum (O2.02) |
| Wednesday 29.05.2024 | 14.15-15.45 | Vesalianum, Seminarraum (O2.02) |
| Modules |
Module: Interdisciplinary Research in Sustainability (Master's Studies: Sustainable Development) |
| Assessment format | continuous assessment |
| Assessment details | Regular attendance, active participation, readings, oral presentation and written report: Details according to announcement by assessor. |
| Assessment registration/deregistration | Reg.: course registration, dereg: cancel course registration |
| Repeat examination | no repeat examination |
| Scale | 1-6 0,1 |
| Repeated registration | as often as necessary |
| Responsible faculty | University of Basel |
| Offered by | Departement Umweltwissenschaften |