Call for Participation

Scientific Data Management Training

29th November -3rdDecember 2019, Cape Coast Ghana

 

The Regional Universities Forum for Capacity Building in Agriculture (RUFORUM), in collaboration with the Directorate of Research Innovation and Consultancy, University of Cape Coast, has opened a call for participation in the training on scientific data management.

Deadline for Applications: 31st October 2019;
Venue: University of Cape Coast, Ghana
Period: 29th November –3rdDecember 2019
Open to: PhD students and staff members of UCC and other Ghanaian universities
Contact: Prof. LK Sam-Amoah (lsam-amoah@ucc.edu.gh; dric@ucc.edu.gh)

Description

Scientific data management enhances the capacity of postgraduate students to meaningful engage in conducting quality research by developing appropriate research proposals, design of studies, collection and analysis of data for meaningful reporting. PhD and MSC students are heavily involved in large scale experiments or surveys that sometimes lead to complex designs and to subsequent messy data. Figuring out how to handle data resulting from such experiments/surveys takes time, and getting appropriate assistance is difficult. The students are also constrained on how to effectively analyze data using appropriate statistical software, interpret the results and communicate well to the target audience.  In recognition of these shortcomings, this course is structured to encompass broad biometrical needs that will equip the postgraduate students with skills required in conducting their research efficiently and effectively. The content incorporated in this course is drawn from broader topics ranging from planning of experiments/surveys, designing and implementing experiments, conducting data analysis for qualitative and quantitative data. The students will also be exposed to key statistical software (Genstat and SPSS) for data analysis and reporting.

Aim
The ultimate aim is to improve efficient flow of agricultural information and research specifically to achieve the following; understand the various biometrical components pertaining to design and analysis of experiments/surveys; apply various statistical techniques correctly at all stages of research and report the results effectively.

Objective
At the end of this course, participants will be able to:

  1. Confidently illustrate fundamental concepts behind experimental/survey designs and statistical data analyses within the context of developing countries;
  2. Apply key statistical concepts such as correlation& regression analysis; categorical data analysis techniques and generalized linear models, etc;
  3. Use statistical software to describe, analyze and model the state of a biological or agricultural system in both a quantitative and qualitative manner;

Methodology
The course will be conducted in a balanced approach, including very little theoretical underpinning, analytical tools, and practical application of the learning to solve real-world problems. Delivery will be mixed mode, including interactive lectures and practicals designed to complement the lecture material. The approach will be participatory, with students expected to be active learners, and to commit themselves to intensive and critical self-study. Assignments will be designed to train and test critical thinking skills. Real life data sets brought by facilitators or drawn from students prior to the start of the course will be used throughout in examples and exercises. The mode of instruction is divided into two parts namely, limited theory/examples and computer exercises. All the exercises will use both SPSS and GenStat Software.

Each participant will be expected to bring a laptop and a set of data. The daily programme will be divided into sections that will allow for an overview of the topics followed by computer-based practicals and discussion on the statistical results. Basic principles followed by computer examples will be introduced first. Participants will analyse their data using techniques already introduced on a daily basis. Discussions on interpretation and presentation of the results will be held every day during the plenary sections.

Certification
Participants who successfully complete the training course will receive a certificate of participation from RUFORUM and University of Cape Coast.

How to Apply
Applications must be submitted by 31st October 2019.If you encounter problems with your application, do not hesitate to contact us. Applications received after this time will not be considered.
Please indicate ‘Application for skills enhancement training_SDM in the subject line of the email.

Profile Requirements
To be considered for a candidate for this training, the applicant must meet the following requirements:

  1. Should be in the following fields: natural sciences, and agriculture
  2. PhD Students and recently recruited staff with Masters or PhD in Ghanaian institutions
  3. Have understanding of basic biometrics applied to quantitative and qualitative data, and in addition, numeracy skills.
  4. Have data sets to analyze
  5. Have a laptop