Data Science for Life and Environmental Scientists (SCIE3360)

Course overview

Large data sets are becoming increasingly common in both the life and environmental sciences. They are also vital for addressing global challenges such as biodiversity loss, climate change and global pandemics. Consider for example satellite data capturing global coral reef biodiversity, worldwide daily temperatures measured over decades, or genome sequences of thousands of viruses.

This course will provide you with the tools to handle, visualise and analyse such large data sets. Topics covered include data processing (cleaning, exploring & wrangling), an overview of key data types and structures (e.g., spatial, textual, and genomic data), key concepts of data visualisation, an introduction to machine learning, and a primer in simulations. A major focus of this course will be on reproducible research and communication. Throughout the course we will use the programming language R. No prior knowledge of programming or advanced statistics (beyond STAT1201) is assumed.

Course requirements

Assumed background

Basic statistical concepts, as taught for example in STAT1201.

Prerequisites

You'll need to complete the following courses before enrolling in this one:

STAT1201 or equivalent.

Course contact

Course staff

Timetable

The timetable for this course is available on the UQ Public Timetable.

Aims and outcomes

To equip students with the knowledge, tools and confidence to explore, wrangle, visualise and analyse large biological and environmental datasets. 

Learning outcomes

After successfully completing this course you should be able to:

Assessment

Assessment summary

A hurdle is an assessment requirement that must be satisfied in order to receive a specific grade for the course. Check the assessment details for more information about hurdle requirements.

Assessment details

Quizzes

• Online

Mode

Written

Category

Quiz

Weight

10%

Due date

1) Quiz 1 6/03/2026 2:00 pm

2) Quiz 2 20/03/2026 2:00 pm

3) Quiz 3 2/04/2026 2:00 pm

4) Quiz 4 24/04/2026 2:00 pm

5) Quiz 5 8/05/2026 2:00 pm

6) Quiz 6 22/05/2026 2:00 pm

Other conditions

Time limited.

See the conditions definitions

Learning outcomes

L01, L02, L03, L04

Task description

Submission guidelines

Mini-quizzes will be online on Blackboard.

Online submission via Blackboard only by the due date and time. Refer to Blackboard for the submission details. 

Deferral or extension

You may be able to apply for an extension.

The maximum extension allowed is 28 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.

If you are granted an approved extension to the quiz you will need to contact the Course coordinator to ensure the quiz is available for you to complete by your new approved due date.

Late submission

A penalty of 10% of the maximum possible mark will be deducted per 24 hours from time submission is due for up to 7 days. After 7 days, you will receive a mark of 0.

You are required to submit assessable items on time. If you fail to meet the submission deadline for any assessment item, then 10% of the maximum possible mark for the assessment item (assessment ‘marked from’ value) will be deducted as a late penalty for every day (or part day) late after the due date. For example, if you submit your assignment 1 hour late, you will be penalised 10%; if your assignment is 24.5 hours late, you will be penalised 20% (because it is late by one 24-hour period plus part of another 24-hour period). 

Project 1

• Hurdle
• Identity Verified
• In-person

Mode

Written

Category

Project

Weight

40%

Due date

16/04/2026 2:00 pm

To be completed during the Practical in Week 7.

Other conditions

Time limited, Secure.

See the conditions definitions

Learning outcomes

L01, L02, L03

Task description

Hurdle requirements

Submission guidelines

The code produced for this project needs to be submitted via Turnitin only at the end of class time.

Online submission by Turnitin only by the due date and time. Refer to Blackboard for the submission link. No hard copy or assignment cover sheets are required. Submission via email is not accepted.

Deferral or extension

You may be able to defer this exam.

If a deferral is approved, students may work on and submit work on an alternative project, under identical conditions.

See the Additional assessment information section further below for information relating to extension and deferral applications.

Late submission

The code produced for this project needs to be submitted via Turnitin only at the end of class time.

Practical Portfolio

Mode

Written

Category

Computer Code

Weight

10% Pass/Fail

Due date

29/05/2026 2:00 pm

Learning outcomes

L01, L02, L03, L04

Task description

Submission guidelines

This portfolio needs to be submitted during the last week of semester.

Online submission only by the due date. No hard copy or assignment cover sheets required.

Deferral or extension

You may be able to apply for an extension.

The maximum extension allowed is 28 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.

See the Additional assessment information section further below for information relating to extension and deferral applications.  

Late submission

This assessment is graded on a pass/fail basis, and there is no system for applying "mark" penalties. If the assessment item is not submitted by the submission due date, it will be considered a non-submission resulting in a zero shown as a "fail" result.

Project 2

Mode

Written

Category

Project

Weight

40%

Due date

12/06/2026 2:00 pm

Learning outcomes

L01, L02, L03, L04

Task description

Submission guidelines

The project report needs to be submitted during examination week 1.

Online submission by Turnitin only by the due date and time. Refer to Blackboard for the submission link. No hard copy or assignment cover sheets are required. Submission via email is not accepted.

Deferral or extension

You may be able to apply for an extension.

The maximum extension allowed is 28 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.

See the Additional assessment information section further below for information relating to extension and deferral applications.

Late submission

A penalty of 10% of the maximum possible mark will be deducted per 24 hours from time submission is due for up to 7 days. After 7 days, you will receive a mark of 0.

You are required to submit assessable items on time. If you fail to meet the submission deadline for any assessment item, then 10% of the maximum possible mark for the assessment item (assessment ‘marked from’ value) will be deducted as a late penalty for every day (or part day) late after the due date. For example, if you submit your assignment 1 hour late, you will be penalised 10%; if your assignment is 24.5 hours late, you will be penalised 20% (because it is late by one 24-hour period plus part of another 24-hour period). 

Course grading

Full criteria for each grade is available in the Assessment Procedure.

Additional course grading information

Assessment Hurdle:

In order to pass this course, you must meet the following requirements (if you do not meet these requirements, the maximum grade you will receive will be a 3):

You must obtain 50% or more on the Project 1 assessment.

Supplementary assessment

Supplementary assessment is available for this course.

Should you fail a course with a grade of 3, you may be eligible for supplementary assessment.

Refer to the link above for information on supplementary assessment and how to apply. Supplementary assessment provides an additional opportunity to demonstrate you have achieved all the required learning outcomes for a course.

If you apply and are granted supplementary assessment, the type of supplementary assessment set will consider which learning outcome(s) have not been met. Supplementary assessment can take any form (such as a written report, oral presentation, examination or other appropriate assessment) and may test specific learning outcomes tailored to the individual student, or all learning outcomes.

To receive a passing grade of 3S4, you must obtain a mark of 50% or more on the supplementary assessment.

Additional assessment information

Applications for Extensions to Assessment Due Dates

Read the information contained in the following links carefully before submitting an application for extension to assessment due date.

For guidance on applying for an extension, information is available here: https://my.uq.edu.au/information-and-services/manage-my-program/exams-and-assessment/applying-assessment-extension

For the policy relating to extensions, information is available here (Part D): https://policies.uq.edu.au/document/view-current.php?id=184

Please note the University's requirements for medical certificates here: https://my.uq.edu.au/information-and-services/manage-my-program/uq-policies-and-rules/requirements-medical-certificates

Learning resources

You'll need the following resources to successfully complete the course. We've indicated below if you need a personal copy of the reading materials or your own item.

Library resources

Library resources are available on the UQ Library website.

Additional learning resources information

Students need to bring their laptops to classes.

Learning activities

The learning activities for this course are outlined below. Learn more about the learning outcomes that apply to this course.

Policies and procedures

University policies and procedures apply to all aspects of student life. As a UQ student, you must comply with University-wide and program-specific requirements, including the:

• Student Code of Conduct Policy
• Student Integrity and Misconduct Policy and Procedure
• Assessment Procedure
• Examinations Procedure
• Reasonable Adjustments for Students Policy and Procedure
• AI for Assessment Guide
• Recording of Teaching Policy and Procedure

Learn more about UQ policies on my.UQ and the Policy and Procedure Library.