Module JXH-3001:
Research Project

Module Facts

Run by School of Human and Behavioural Sciences

40.000 Credits or 20.000 ECTS Credits

Semester 1 & 2

Organiser: Dr Tommie Du Preez

Overall aims and purpose

The research project module has been developed to give you the opportunity to carry out the research project that you proposed in Year 2. You will already have a supervisor and an outline of your research project and so the purpose of this module is to give you the opportunity for independent study, where you will carry out all aspects of your own research project – from ethical approval, data collection and data analysis to presenting your research findings and submitting your final written work. This modules allows you to produce an original piece of research work and integrate knowledge and skills developed throughout your undergraduate studies.

Course content

Supervisory support will form an important part of the teaching method, but ultimately, most of the learning will be student-centred. In this module you will gain experience obtaining ethical approval on your project, before collecting primary data, designed to help answer a research question of particular interest to you and the field. In addition to the supervisory support that you receive, the module teaching staff will provide workshops on gaining ethical approval, how to prepare a verbal/poster presentation and how to present your data in your presentation and final written report. One to one statistics support will also be provided by a postgraduate student. This module provides the opportunity to put into practice the competencies that you have gained throughout your undergraduate studies and across a range of disciplines e.g. subject specific expertise and statistical analytical skills, as well as transferable skills such as critical thinking and being able to disseminate findings effectively.

Assessment Criteria

threshold

Most criteria are met to an adequate standard; there may be a wide range in the quality of different components of the research project

good

Most criteria are met to a good standard; there may be a wide range in the quality of different components of the research project

excellent

All components of the research project are met to an excellent standard.

Learning outcomes

  1. Plan and conduct study designs that test a specific research question and hypotheses;

  2. Gain a basic awareness of ethical issues;

  3. Select, execute and interpret appropriate statistical tests;

  4. Interpret their research findings in relation to current knowledge and indicate how these might inform practice;

  5. Students who successfully complete this module will, with the support of a supervisor, be able to:

    Demonstrate an ability to use relevant literature to justify a specific research question and associated hypotheses;

  6. Communicate their research project in poster or oral format, demonstrating an ability to answer questions about the project following the presentation;

  7. Present a written report that effectively communicates the completed, viable, research project and their understanding of it.

Assessment Methods

Type Name Description Weight
INDIVIDUAL PRESENTATION poster/verbal presentation - Content & Presentation

Students will complete either a verbal presentation or poster presentation at the Year 3 Student Conference. Verbal presentations will be 10 minutes plus 5 minutes for questions. Students completing a poster presentation will be asked to give an overview of their work and answer questions from their supervisor and verifier. All presentations should demonstrate an in-depth knowledge of the research project.

 20.00
Written assignment, including essay WRITTEN PROJECT

Students are required to produce a written report that effectively communicates the completed, viable, research project and their understanding of it (word count 5,000 - 6,000 words).

 80.00

Teaching and Learning Strategy

Hours
Individual Project

Supervisory support will form an important part of the teaching method, but ultimately, most of the learning will be student-centred. Module organisers will also provide workshops on gaining ethical approval, how to prepare a verbal/poster presentation and how to present your data in your presentation and final written project. Statistics support will be available from postgraduate students.

 400

Transferable skills

  • Literacy - Proficiency in reading and writing through a variety of media
  • Numeracy - Proficiency in using numbers at appropriate levels of accuracy
  • Computer Literacy - Proficiency in using a varied range of computer software
  • Self-Management - Able to work unsupervised in an efficient, punctual and structured manner. To examine the outcomes of tasks and events, and judge levels of quality and importance
  • Exploring - Able to investigate, research and consider alternatives
  • Information retrieval - Able to access different and multiple sources of information
  • Critical analysis & Problem Solving - Able to deconstruct and analyse problems or complex situations. To find solutions to problems through analyses and exploration of all possibilities using appropriate methods, rescources and creativity.
  • Safety-Consciousness - Having an awareness of your immediate environment, and confidence in adhering to health and safety regulations
  • Presentation - Able to clearly present information and explanations to an audience. Through the written or oral mode of communication accurately and concisely.
  • Management - Able to utilise, coordinate and control resources (human, physical and/or financial)
  • Argument - Able to put forward, debate and justify an opinion or a course of action, with an individual or in a wider group setting
  • Self-awareness & Reflectivity - Having an awareness of your own strengths, weaknesses, aims and objectives. Able to regularly review, evaluate and reflect upon the performance of yourself and others

Subject specific skills

  • research and assess paradigms, theories, principles, concepts and factual information, and apply such skills in explaining and solving problems
  • critically assess and evaluate data and evidence in the context of research methodologies and data sources
  • describe, synthesise, interpret, analyse and evaluate information and data relevant to a professional or vocational context
  • plan, design, execute and communicate a sustained piece of independent intellectual work, which provides evidence of critical engagement with, and interpretation of, appropriate data
  • develop a sustained reasoned argument, perhaps challenging previously held assumptions
  • demonstrate effective written and/or oral communication and presentation skills
  • work effectively independently and with others
  • take and demonstrate responsibility for their own learning and continuing personal and professional development
  • undertake fieldwork with continuous regard for safety and risk assessment.
  • demonstrate evidence of competence in the scientific methods of enquiry, and interpretation and analysis of relevant data and statistical outputs.
  • communicate succinctly at a level appropriate to different audiences.
  • demonstrate effective robust data collection methods

Pre- and Co-requisite Modules

Pre-requisites:

Courses including this module

Compulsory in courses:

Optional in courses: