Overview

The scientific method and logic; the research matrix; introduction to the research process; experimental and study design; collection, entering and analysis of data in small scale projects; consideration of different kinds of research suitable for MSc dissertations; dissertation planning; specific techniques used in research; assessment of ethics and risk in research; dissemination of research findings; writing for different audiences; the why and how of fieldwork; training in R, ArcGIS, Excel, Netlogo & environmental evidence.

Assessment Strategy

-threshold -A sufficient level of involvement in many aspects of the experimental process. Outputs show evidence of use of resources provided for the module but with little sourcing of external content. Best practice note written in an inaccessible style or format OR contains significant superfluous detail. Policy briefing document omits important relevant detail OR contains superfluous detail. Poster shows limited evidence of appropriate data management and analytical skills and the limited understanding of how to present results to a scientific audience. Omissions in understanding and knowledge of the topic are evident. Research matrix contains all the necessary elements but incomplete in content and/or shows flaws in scientific logic. Connection to the dissertation proposal is not very clear. The oral presentation of the dissertation proposal is incomplete in content or logic. Evident flaws in oral presentation skills (beyond the usual issues of nervousness). -good -A reasonable level of involvement in many aspects of the experimental process.Evidence of supplementary reading, original information and some critical thought in all aspects of the module.Best practice note written in an accessible style or format OR contains some superfluous detail.Policy briefing document omits certain relevant detail OR contains minor superfluous detail.Poster shows evidence of appropriate data management and analytical skills and the ability to display results to a scientific audience, with minor omissions or errors. Shows good understanding and knowledge of the topic. Research matrix clearly demonstrates an understanding of the scientific process and is logically connected to the dissertation proposal. The oral presentation of the dissertation proposal is complete clearly thought through and presented. The above two with minor faults in logic and presentation. -excellent -A full involvement in all aspects of the experimental process.Policy brief or practitioners' note, poster and oral presentation all very well developed, showing excellent understanding and depth of knowledge of the chosen topic. In all aspects of the module, evidence of substantial supplementary reading, sound collection and use of original information, and much critical thought.Best practice note written in an easily accessible style or format and contains no superfluous detail.Policy briefing document is effective in conveying all relevant information with no superfluous detail.The poster is well designed, presents evidence of ability to analyse data and present results to a high degree of expertise, and is a concise, precise and accurate summary of the small project findings.The research matrix is complete in content and logic with no errors and omissions. How it serves as a foundation for the dissertation proposal is clearly evident in the presentation. The oral presentation is complete and contains no omissions, leaving the audience with a clear understanding of what is proposed, why it is being done and how the research will be conducted.

Learning Outcomes

• Demonstrate an understanding of the logic underpinning the scientific method

• Demonstrate the ability to convey the results of a scientific study to both scientist and non-scientist audiences

• Demonstrate the practical and theoretical skills to devise, plan, conduct and analyse experiments or a natural resource management study for various purposes.