In this module you will conduct an independent and comprehensive research project under the guidance of a research supervisor, focusing on a topic within ecology, conservation, environmental science, or geography, aligned with your course. The opportunity to engage in personal research is seen as an essential element of academic training in all disciplines, whether this be through desk-based study, practical fieldwork or laboratory work. The primary aim of the research project is to cultivate your proficiency in the organisation, analysis, and presentation of research. The approved investigation may be novel, i.e. one that has not previously been carried out, or it may replicate existing research for comparative or control purposes. It will typically involve some bespoke, project-specific training in practical skills, and will require you to generate research questions, hypotheses and/or theoretical frameworks for your project. It may involve the collection of new data or be based on existing information, and may require you to consider quantitative or qualitative analysis of results, depending on the discipline investigated. You will be expected to showcase your findings through a research seminar and a dissertation written in the form of a scientific paper.
Supervision 16, Lecture 4, Workshop 12
1,500 word summary of thesis Short Writing Piece. Assessment Details: Thesis Summary worth 15%.
5 minutes plus presentation slides Presentation . Assessment Details: Individual Presentation worth 15%.
10,000 words Report. Assessment Details: Research Project Report worth 70%.
Reassessment Method: Single instrument. 100% written assessment (revise and resubmit)
On successfully completing the module, students will be able to:
1) identify a research question and collect and organise data to answer that question
2) Design and carry out a piece of research, identifying and using theories and concepts relevant to their degree course
3) Process and analyse results, placing them in the context of the existing literature
4) Demonstrate enhanced skills in presentation, report writing, time management, and use of the academic literature, in carrying out independent research
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