MCCCD Program Description

Principles and Practice of Scientific Research

Course: CHM195AB

First Term: 2018 Fall

Lec + Lab 2.0 Credit(s) 4.0 Period(s) 4.0 Load
Subject Type: Academic
Load Formula: T - Lab Load

Description: Students will learn the use of the scientific method; how, why and where research is conducted; the ethical protocol in the scientific process; how peer review works, and how to formulate scientifically testable hypotheses and design supporting experiments. Students will apply the scientific method in laboratory and/or field research projects, will learn and use appropriate laboratory techniques, and will communicate research design, data collection, and data interpretation in conventional scientific formats.

MCCCD Official Course Competencies
1. Explain how and why scientific research is conducted. (I) 2. Explain ethical conduct required in doing science. (I) 3. Use strategies to access and read discipline-specific research literature. (II) 4. Critique peer-reviewed scientific articles. (II) 5. Develop strategies to design and conduct a research project. (III) 6. Formulate a scientifically testable hypothesis. (III) 7. Design and conduct experiments that will effectively test a scientific hypothesis. (IV) 8. Collect scientific data with safety and accuracy. (V) 9. Employ appropriate analytical and/or statistical methods to evaluate collected data. (VI,VII) 10. Use oral and written communication methods to present scientific findings. (VIII)
MCCCD Official Course Competencies must be coordinated with the content outline so that each major point in the outline serves one or more competencies. MCCCD faculty retains authority in determining the pedagogical approach, methodology, content sequencing, and assessment metrics for student work. Please see individual course syllabi for additional information, including specific course requirements.

MCCCD Official Course Outline
I. The scientific process A. History B. Application C. Ethical conduct D. Peer Review II. Literature review A. Primary vs secondary sources B. Searching and accessing primary literature C. Reading scientific literature D. Critiquing peer-reviewed articles III. Formulating a research question and hypothesis IV. Experimental design A. Techniques B. Equipment C. Controls V. Data collection A. Safety B. Methods C. Record keeping D. Replication VI. Data analysis VII. Conclusions and future research VIII. Presentation to broader scientific community A. Appropriate format B. Graphical C. Diagrammatic D. Written E. Oral

MCCCD Governing Board Approval Date: May 1, 2018

All information published is subject to change without notice. Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of information presented, but based on the dynamic nature of the curricular process, course and program information is subject to change in order to reflect the most current information available.