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Duration
Identical coursesResearch Methods (B-KUL-G00E5A)
Cannot be taken as part of an examination contractAims
This course aims at aiding students in their pursuit to become active geoscience researchers by sharpening their generic research skills. Questions that will be dealt with in this course are: What makes good science? How to design a research project? How to process quantitative data?
The principles underlying processing of empirical data (statistical analysis and uncertainty quantification of measurements) will be explained and put into practice. In addition to lectures, there will be practical sessions during which various data sets and published papers will be analysed. No specific software is needed. The calculations may be carried out in R, Python, Excel, or any other programming environment of choice.
After following this course, students should be able to put theory into practice while acquiring and analyzing their own data as part of their MSc thesis project. They should be able to propose a feasible empirical model of patterns in their measurements, i.e., an explanation that does not violate basic mathematical, physical, and statistical rules, as well as identify fundamental design errors in published empirical equations. They should also be able to design a research project. The final assignment comprises a preliminary version of a proposal for the MSc thesis topic of choice, to be written after consultation with the supervisor.
Previous knowledge
Basic mathematics and statistics, as taught in most bachelor programs. Programming experience is a distinct bonus.
Is included in these courses of study
Activities
1.5 ects. Research Methods: Lectures (B-KUL-G00E5a)
Content
Lectures on analytical techniques of broad relevance to geology students, illustrated with applications to geological problems. Both exploratory (inductive) and confirmatory (deductive) approaches will be discussed. Other topics include measurement theory, metadata, data types and their sample spaces, permissible and impermissible operations, dimensional analysis, error propagation, practical guidelines for developing empirical models, least-squares estimation and uncertainty quantification.
Course material
Study cost: Not applicable (The information about the study costs as stated here gives an indication and only represents the costs for purchasing new materials. There might be some electronic or second-hand copies available as well. You can use LIMO to check whether the textbook is available in the library. Any potential printing costs and optional course material are not included in this price.)
Handouts, scientific papers, lecture notes
1.5 ects. Research Methods: Practicals and exercises (B-KUL-G00E6a)
Content
Analysis of geological data sets; review of published equations and selected research papers (oral presentation); design of research project; demonstrations.
Course material
Handouts, digital data sets
Format: more information
Literature review - Presentation