Research Methods for the Biosciences

Scientific research is a proven and powerful tool for discovering the answers to biological questions. As such, today's students need to be well-versed in experimental design, analysis, and the communication of research. Furthermore, they must appreciate how all of these aspects are interlinked--how, for example, statistics can be used to inform the design of a particular experiment. As a resource which skillfully integrates all of the key aspects relating to biological research, Research Methods for the Biosciences is the perfect guide for undergraduates.

The exceptionally clear layout takes students through choosing a project and planning their research; collecting, evaluating, and analyzing their data; and finally reporting their results. Research methods, which can often seem abstract, are brought to life through the use of examples taken from real undergraduate research. Friendly guidance and advice is provided throughout the text, and little prior knowledge or mathematical experience is required. Since statistics is a subject best learned through doing, frequent worked examples appear throughout Part Two 'Handling your data', showing step-by-step how to carry out the various statistical tests. In addition, online software walkthroughs and video screencasts clearly demonstrate how to use software such as SPSS, Minitab, and Excel to carry out statistical analyses.


Online Resource Centre

The Online Resource Centre to accompany Research Methods for the Biosciences features:

For students:
DT New video screencasts showing how to carry out statistical tests using software
DT Statistical software walkthroughs for SPSS, Excel, and Minitab
DT Additional statistical tests not included in the main text
DT Full details of calculations given in the in-text boxes
DT Interactive and printable decision tree, to help you design your experiment
DT Interactive and printable risk assessment form
DT Integrative exercises to help students test their understanding of the topics in the book

For lecturers:
DT A test bank of questions
DT Figures from the book available to download

Debbie Holmes, Senior Lecturer, University of Worcester,Peter Moody, Senior Lecturer in Computing, University of Worcester,Diana Dine, Senior Lecturer, University of Worcester,Laurence Trueman, Senior Lecturer in Applied Sciences, University of Worcester

Debbie Holmes, Diana Dine, Peter Moody, and Laurence Trueman are all senior lecturers in the Department of Applied Sciences, Geography and Archaeology at the University of Worcester. Between them, the authors have wide experience of teaching across a broad range of biological and environmental science-based subject areas, and developing web-based resources to support their undergraduate teaching.

Planning an experiment
1. Where do I begin?
2. Planning your experiment
3. Questionnaires, focus groups, and interviews
4. Research, the law, and you
Handling your data
5. What to do with raw data
6. An introduction to hypothesis testing
7. Which statistical test should I choose?
8. Hypothesis testing: do my data fit an expected ratio?
9. Hypothesis testing: associations and relationships
10. Hypothesis testing: do my samples come from the same population? Parametric data
11. Hypothesis testing: do my samples come from the same population? Non-parametric data
Reporting your results
12. Reporting your research