Course content

The course introduces scientific methods and quantitative thinking in biological studies for bachelor students. In a series of lectures, seminars and practical hands-on activities students are learning:

1) to ask precise, theory-based and data-driven questions about biological systems and

2) to understand the role of mathematical, computational and statistical tools to formulate and answer these questions.

Students are involved in project-based learning where they acquire skills in analysing and interpreting biological data and presenting results of biological studies both for a specialist and a broad audience. These projects are based on data from the research conducted at the department of Biology from NTNU. The course also provides training in the statistical software R. Topics covered throughout the semester span key areas of biology—including cell and molecular biology, physiology, ecology, and evolution—addressing questions at various levels of biological organization, from cells and molecules to ecosystems.

Learning outcome

Knowledge:

After completing the course, the student should:

• Understand the principle of the scientific method.
• Understand the difference between verbal, theoretical and statistical models.
• Understand the use of mathematics and statistics in scientific studies in biology.
• Understand the link between study design and statistical analyses.

Skills:

After completing the course, the student will be able to:

• Develop scientific questions and testable hypotheses for specific biological problems.
• Interpret the results of scientific studies in biology.
• Read and critically evaluate scientific literature in biology.
• Present results of biological studies for a broader audience.
• Perform simple statistical analyses and simulations using R.

Learning methods and activities

Learning methods and activities

• Lectures, seminars and discussions
• Obligatory group project with oral and written presentation and active course participation

More about the group project

• A group of 6 students work together.
• Select a topic within the list of suggested topics.
• Each group develop its own research question and hypotheses.
• Conduct statistical analysis to test hypotheses.
• Present results and conclusions orally and via a media piece.

Compulsory assignments

• Mandatory attendance

Specific conditions

Recommended previous knowledge

Background knowledge in general biology

Required previous knowledge

At least two of the introductory biology courses: BI1001, BI1002, BI1003, BI1006, BI1007 (BI1004), or equivalent introductory courses in biology from the cell to ecosystem level.