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48955-01 - Seminar: Tools and Methods of Natural Sciences Research (3 CP)
| Semester | spring semester 2026 |
| Course frequency | Every spring sem. |
| Lecturers | Franziska Korner-Nievergelt (franziska.korner-nievergelt@unibas.ch, Assessor) |
| Content | We will perform a small study (student projects) in natural sciences. The study involves all steps from finding a question, designing the study, collecting data, analysing the data and discussion of the results. At the end of the course, the study results will be presented. In addition to the student projects, short introductions to different tools and methods used in ecological research are introduced including data analysis using R. The lectures also introduce structured decision making including formal decision analysis with applications in nature conservation with focus on wildlife conservation. Guided experience-oriented learning. Students develop their study step by step. Every step is discussed among the peers and with the lecturers. Short introductions to specific methods currently used are given. Some sessions of the course will take place outdoors. |
| Learning objectives | The students - understand the principles of increasing common knowledge using scientific methods; - can structure a scientific research study including formulating hypotheses and expectations, design the study, analyse and discuss the data; - can critically discuss observed patterns in data including observer bias; - have an overview of common methods to study biodiversity from lab experiments to citizen science; - know how to apply a linear model with R; - can structure a transformation process of scientific results into decision in nature conservation. |
| Bibliography | Tba in class. |
| Comments | Schedule spring semester 2026: on Mondays, 10.15 - 14.00h: 09. & 23 March; 20. April; 04. & 18. May; 08. June 2026. Field trip on Saturday, 09. May 2026 (keep the entire day free of other commitments!!!) 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 2026. No other module allocation possible. This seminar is offered by MSD. Dr. Franziska Korner-Nievergelt is a senior researcher of the research group " Landscape Ecology and Ecosystems Conservation"/Dep. of Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Univ. of Basel. |
| Admission requirements | Only for MSD students (incl. MSD preparation semester). NO other students admitted. |
| Course application | Course enrollment on online services 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 14-täglich | Monday | 10.15-14.00 | Alte Universität, Seminarraum -201 |
| Comments |
Schedule spring semester 2026: see list of dates. Field trip on Saturday, 09. May 2026 (keep the entrire day free of other commitments!!!) |
Dates
| Date | Time | Room |
|---|---|---|
| Monday 09.03.2026 | 10.15-14.00 | Alte Universität, Seminarraum -201 |
| Monday 23.03.2026 | 10.15-14.00 | Alte Universität, Seminarraum -201 |
| Monday 20.04.2026 | 10.15-14.00 | Alte Universität, Seminarraum -201 |
| Monday 04.05.2026 | 10.15-14.00 | Alte Universität, Seminarraum -201 |
| Saturday 09.05.2026 | 08.15-18.00 | - Siehe Bemerkung, -- |
| Monday 18.05.2026 | 10.15-14.00 | Alte Universität, Seminarraum -201 |
| Monday 08.06.2026 | 10.15-14.00 | --, -- |
| 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 lecturer. |
| 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 |