Overview

A large part of the module will be self-study (with few lectures) and the activities undertaken by the student will vary depending on the type of research project taken to include laboratory, ship-based and/or field work studies. The process of acquiring information will lead to the production of a written plan and risk assessment. Students will integrate the various stages of their literature, experimental, computational and observational research into a scientific paper, poster and oral presentations.

Assessment Strategy

Threshold - (C minus) Be able to keep an adequate record of experimental work. Provide a structured report at an adequate level of presentation. Show an adequate understanding of the methodology and its limitations. Draw unambiguous conclusions from analysis of research results and discuss the conclusions at a rudimentary level. Show basic understanding of reviewer’s comments, and make some changes in accordance with those comments. Communicate the basics of the project orally using visual aids

Good - (B grade) Be able to keep a good record of experimental work. Provide a structured report at a good level of presentation. Show a detailed understanding of the methodology and its limitations. Draw unambiguous conclusions from analysis of research results and discuss the conclusions in context. Show good understanding of reviewer’s comments, and make all necessary changes in accordance with these comments. Communicate the detail of the project orally with effective visual aids.

Excellent - (A grade) Be able to keep an excellent record of experimental work. Provide a structured report at a high level of presentation. Show a comprehensive understanding of the methodology and its limitations. Draw unambiguous conclusions from analysis of research results and effectively discuss the conclusions with a complete overview of the topic. Show full understanding of reviewer’s comments, giving full and explanatory responses to each, making changes and improvements in all areas suggested. Effectively communicate the detail and the importance of the project orally with effective visual aids.

Learning Outcomes

• Be able to plan, organise and complete a series of experiments to test specific hypotheses.

• Be efficient in organising time spent planning and implementing research plan.

• Communicate information about the research outcomes using written reports, verbal presentations and supervisor/ peer discussion.

• Demonstrate the ability to adapt plans and modify work in response to progress meetings/tutorials, peer feedback, and reviewer’s comments.

• Keep accurate and informative records of progress, including experimental data and supervisor discussions.

• Show competence in using and appraising research-relevant literature to inform independent research.