Overview

Seminar speakers and the content of seminars will vary on a yearly basis and will be published at the beginning of each semester. Students will be able to attend a minimum of 10 m seminars.

Assessment Strategy

-threshold -Pass (C- to C+) (range 50-59%)Knowledge of key areas/principlesUnderstands the main elements of the subject areaLimited evidence of background studyAnswer focussed on question but also with some irrelevant material and weaknesses in structureArguments presented but lack coherenceHas several factual/computational errorsNo original interpretationOnly major links between topics are described Limited problem solvingSome weaknesses in presentation and accuracy -good -Merit (B- to B+) (range 60-69%)Strong knowledgeUnderstands most but not all of the subject areaEvidence of background studyFocussed answer with good structureArguments presented coherentlyMostly free of factual/computational errorsSome limited original interpretationWell known links between topics are described Problems addressed by existing methods/approachesGood presentation with accurate communication -excellent -Distinction (A- to A**) (range 70-100%)Comprehensive knowledgeDetailed understanding of the subject areaExtensive background studyHighly focussed answer and well structuredLogically presented and defended argumentsNo factual/computational errorsOriginal interpretationNew links between topics are developedNew approach to a problemExcellent presentation with very accurate communication

Learning Outcomes

• Analyse the suitability of methods chosen to obtain results and suggest further methods/experiments to address any weaknesses in the presented research and advance the field

• Communicate ideas effectively and professionally by oral means, adhering to levels and standards used in academia and industry

• Critically appraise a research seminar and select and process the key messages

• Critically compare and relate information coming from a range of presenters and make novel connections between them

• Critically evaluate research seminars with reference to reviews and research articles