Overview

This module allows students to actively engage in research and the application of policy and practice by addressing relevant issues in global change ecology and biodiversity conservation. This module represents a pivotal moment for networking and professional development.

Execution and written presentation of a suitable scientific project which is devised by the student and an individual academic supervisor and validated by the convenor and/or Programme Director.

A suitable project entails a worthwhile scientific question, of direct relevance to the degree programme being undertaken, and established against the context of framework of current knowledge and concepts, that allows the formulation and testing of one or more hypotheses. This would be expected to involve up to 5 months full-time work, typically including:

2-3 months for data collection from the field, laboratory or computer; 1-2 months for data analysis;

and 1-2 months for writing-up, including correction of the first draft after the comments of the supervisor are received.

All dissertations are subject to ethical approval and risk assessment.

Execution and written presentation of a suitable scientific project which is devised by the student and an individual academic supervisor and validated by the convenor and/or Programme Director.

A suitable project entails a worthwhile scientific question, of direct relevance to the degree programme being undertaken, and established against the context of framework of current knowledge and concepts, that allows the formulation and testing of one or more hypotheses. This would be expected to involve up to 5 months full-time work, typically including:

2-3 months for data collection from the field, laboratory or computer; 1-2 months for data analysis;

and 1-2 months for writing-up, including correction of the first draft after the comments of the supervisor are received.

Assessment Strategy

1. An outline plan (Expression of interest). This should contain a brief summary of the relevant literature, clearly stated objectives and outline methods including analysis methods. The word limit is 1400 words.

2. The written dissertation of up to 8300 words. This should include a summary abstract, introduction, a clear statement of the project objectives, a review of relavant literature, methods, results discussion and conclusion. This is worth 90% of the module mark

A distinction level (70%) thesis will include: An extremely convincing rationale for the project is presented. An extremely clear statement of the research hypotheses or objectives is made. An extremely comprehensive survey of the relevant peer-reviewed literature is presented and expertly understood. All external sources of information are correctly, consistently and accurately referenced using a standard system. The methods employed are entirely appropriate in relation to the aims of the work and resources available. The limitations of the techniques employed are fully recognised. All procedures are described or referenced in full so that the work could be repeated. A substantial amount of relevant data has been collected or sourced allowing additional insight into the study. The selection and use of secondary data is fully valid and justified. A very thorough and correct analysis of all the data is performed allowing all major effects/trends in the data to be identified and verified. All tables and figures are relevant and extremely clear, precise and accurately presented; all can be interpreted without needing to refer to the text. The results are interpreted expertly and objectively in relation to the limitations of the methods and data. Very thorough critical comparisons are made to other published findings in the research area. There is evidence of ability to collate information from a variety of sources to aid interpretation and to perceive novel relationships. All relevant conclusions are drawn and justified. There are no unsupported assertions. The potential value of the work is fully explored and translated into practical recommendations where appropriate.

A merit level (60%) thesis will include A convincing rationale for the project is presented. A clear statement of the research hypotheses or objectives is made. A comprehensive survey of the peer-reviewed literature is presented although some literature of minor importance may have been omitted. All external sources of information are correctly, consistently and accurately referenced using a consistent system1 with only a few inaccuracies. As above although some small improvements in technique could have been made. Procedures are described or referenced in full so that the work could be repeated. An appropriate amount of relevant data has been collected or sourced. The selection and use of secondary data is fully valid and justified. A thorough analysis with only a few small omissions. Techniques are not always entirely appropriate but only minor effects/trends remain unidentified or unverified. All tables and figures are relevant and very clear and precise, some minor inaccuracies present in some but all can be interpreted without needing to refer to the text. The results are interpreted thoroughly and objectively. Good critical comparisons are made to other published findings in the research area. There is evidence of ability to collate information from a variety of sources to aid interpretation. All important conclusions are drawn and justified. There are a few minor unsupported assertions. The potential value of the work is translated into practical recommendations where appropriate.

A pass level (50%) thesis will include: The project rationale is not totally clear and/or may not be entirely convincing. Research hypotheses or objectives are stated, but are imprecise. A fairly thorough survey of literature is presented but some relevant literature has been omitted. Some of the more complex literature cited might not be fully understood. Limited critical judgement about information quality. External sources of information are referenced using a standard system, with only a few minor errors. The methods employed are generally valid although some improvements in techniques could have been made. The methods employed are not entirely understood and/or there is some lack of recognition of their limitations in relation to the aims of the work. Some procedural details are either omitted or not described or referenced fully. The amount of data collected or sourced is acceptable but more data would have produced more robust findings. Some parameters that could realistically have been measured or recorded have not been. The use of secondary data is not always fully justified. Some data sets are inadequately analysed. Some of the techniques used are inappropriate or incorrectly performed. Some important effects/trends remain unidentified or unverified. A large majority of tables and figures are clear and precise, but a few contain inaccuracies so that they are not readily interpreted without referring to the text. Some tables and figures are redundant or irrelevant. The results are interpreted thoroughly although a significant degree of subjectivity is present. Limited critical comparisons are made to other published results in the research area. Limited use is made of other information sources to aid interpretation. The most important conclusions are drawn and justified but there are some notable omissions and/or unsupported assertions. Where appropriate some limited practical recommendations are stated.

Learning Outcomes

• Develop project management skills by planning, executing, and completing a substantial project within defined timelines.

• To apply appropriate research methodologies to address specific questions related to global change and biodiversity management.

• To demonstrate advanced proficiency in designing, conducting, and analysing research and technical work.

• To demonstrate capacity to lead and develop independent work of scientific or technological nature in topics that will advance knowledge and practice in the fields of Global Change, Biodiversity Conservation and Environmental Management.