Module GEOL4053: Research Project

Department: Earth Sciences

GEOL4053: Research Project

Pre-requisites

Corequisites

Excluded Combinations

Aims

• To develop advanced research skills in Earth Sciences via the completion of a significant piece of individual research.

Content

• The student will undertake a field, laboratory or data based research project in the Earth Sciences normally reflecting the research interests of staff within the department.
• Projects are conceived by students in conjunction with staff, risk assessed and supervised by members of staff.
• Students are expected to attend departmental research seminars to broaden their knowledge of Earth Sciences related topics and improve their presentation skills.
• Training in health and safety issues, risk assessment is also provided.

Learning Outcomes

• Will have acquired subject knowledge and understanding in a focussed area of Earth system science.

• Will have acquired the capability to plan and execute an independent piece of research and communicate the results of this research effectively in scholarly written and verbal forms.
• Will have acquired intellectual and practical skills necessary to plan, conduct and report on a research project.
• Will have acquired intellectual and practical skills to formulate and test concepts and hypotheses.
• Will have acquired intellectual and practical skills to collect accurate data, or to source appropriate data.
• Will have acquired intellectual and practical skills to synthesise information/data from a variety of sources.
• Will have acquired intellectual and practical skills to critically analyse, evaluate/interpret data.
• Will have acquired intellectual and practical skills in citation and appropriate use of the literature.

• Receive and respond to a variety of information sources.
• Innovative and creative approaches to problem solving.
• Communicate effectively to a variety of audiences in written, verbal and graphical forms.
• Prepare, process, interpret and present data using appropriate qualitative and quantitative techniques and information technology packages.
• Use initiative and identify individual and collective goals and responsibilities.
• Develop skills necessary for self-managed lifelong learning (including independent working, time management).
• Identify and work towards targets for personal and academic development.

Modes of Teaching, Learning and Assessment and how these contribute to the learning outcomes of the module

• Students will receive a one hour introductory lecture, and will participate in a series of 2-3 hour workshops on presentation skills, writing skills, and careers.
• Students will participate in at least 6 one hour supervisor meetings with the research supervisor(s) that cover the research topic, time-management, planning, and research skills.
• The research project is summatively assessed via the production of a written report and a seminar, usually in the presence of one of the external examiners.

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Summative Assessment

Formative Assessment

Two presentations, one presentation abstract.