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Computers, data collection, experimental design and statistical anlysis

 

Marking scale: Pass with distinction = >80%; Pass with credit = 60-80%; Pass = 40-60%; Fail = <40%

 

Language: English

Prerequisites: English language test: 450 points in written International TOEFL test or 4.5 in academic IELTS test.

 

Duration: 3 weeks

Location: Cantho University

 

Objectives

After completion of the course students should be able to:

·         Use effectively the principal computer programs necessary for planning and execution of experiments, data collection and analysis and report writing

·         identify and formulate critical and relevant questions for scientific research and analysis

·         design and conduct research studies concerned with the production of local feed resources, evaluation of feeds, feeding systems, recycling of wastes

·         collect and collate research data and identify and apply the most appropriate statistical techniques for analysing the data

·         be familiar with and capable of applying the various methodologies available for the collection of qualitative and quantitative data at farm, village and district level

Content

Each student is provided with a lap-top computer and appropriate software. The students learn to use the different software programmes that are appropriate for recording, analysis, presentation and publishing of their research. Each student designs, plans and conducts a small research project, collects and analyzes the data statistically, and writes a report. Students become familiar with procedures for the analysis of data by descriptive statistics, analysis of variance and covariance, correlation and regression, nonlinear parameters and transformations.

 

Implementation

Scheduled activities                           Hours                          Compulsory
Lectures                                     approx. 36                               no
Exercises and discussions         approx.  96                              yes
Examination and evaluation     approx.   8                                yes

Individual studies, not scheduled

Literature studies                       approx. 24                               no

 

Literature
Required reading is made available on CD-ROM and as URLs on the World Wide Web.

 

Examination
Approved
written examination and/or oral presentation of practicals, approved presentation of project work.