Course Overview
The goal of Research Design and Implementation is to provide students with the tools and knowledge to effectively design, implement, and use research as the basis for making appropriate decisions in designing and implementing restoration activities. To meet this goal, we will discuss some fundamental concepts including: science, the scientific method, reliable knowledge, poor science, and experimental design. We'll examine how to ask 'why' questions, how to design appropriate research/monitoring plans to address these questions, and how to package this information (including project budgets) into an informative, scientifically defensible proposal on a chosen ecological restoration activity. This course is designed to strengthen critical thinking skills when reviewing current information and when formulating new activities in ecological restoration. The course is a discussion-based course where concepts and ideas are discussed among the students and by the students.
Prerequisite(s)
- Acceptance into the Ecological Restoration degree program or by departmental approval.
Credits
3.0
Registration requirements
Departmental approval is required to register for this course. You must have approval from the department to register. Students accepted into a program can register directly.
Domestic fees
$917.73
International fees are typically 3.4 times the domestic tuition. Exact cost will be calculated upon completion of registration.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion, students will be able to:
- Demonstrate the key concepts of 'asking the right questions' and formulating appropriate objectives.
- Explain several current and historic views of the growth of knowledge and scientific methods.
- Outline several major conceptual limitations of research tools, such as hypothesis testing, experimental design, and data analysis techniques.
- Differentiate between 'good science' and 'poor science' (using critical thinking skills) when developing research design, restoration activities, and post-restoration monitoring.
- Develop a research proposal that is scientifically defensible and professional by:
- Demonstrating thorough research and publication review techniques.
- Developing appropriate methodologies for the identified research questions.
- Investigating and developing funding proposals and project budgets.
- Using clear and concise language in appropriate technical style.
- Designing a research plan and formal proposal that is scientifically rigorous and that meets professional standards.
Effective as of Fall 2009
Related Programs
Research Design & Implementation (RENR 8301) is offered as a part of the following programs:
- Indicates programs accepting international students.
- Indicates programs eligible for students to apply for Post-graduation Work Permit (PGWP).
School of Construction and the Environment
- Ecological Restoration
Bachelor of Science Full-time/Part-time
Course Offerings
Fall 2026
Below is one offering of RENR 8301 for the Fall 2026 term.
CRN 48088
Dates
Sep 10 - Dec 10 Loading
- CRN 48088
- $917.73 Domestic fees
Class meeting times
| Dates | Days | Times | Locations |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sep 10 - Dec 10 | Thu | 13:00 - 16:00 | Burnaby |
Duration
15 weeks
Instructor
TBD
Course outline
Course outline TBD — see Learning Outcomes in the interim.
Important information
- This course is reserved for Ecological Restoration program. Please contact Anita Lai at anita_lai@bcit.ca or 604-432-8465 to request permission for registration.
Confirmation
Required
To proceed with registration and add this course to the cart, please confirm:
No approval yet? Request approval You must have approval from the department to register. Students accepted into a program can register directly.
Status
If you have any questions about this course, please contact us.
Programs and courses are subject to change without notice. Find out more about BCIT course cancellations.