| Delivery Type | Delivery length / details |
|---|---|
| Other | 30 Hours. Ten x 3 hour classroom sessions, with follow-up project work to total 200 hours |
| Assessment Type | Assessment length / details | Proportion |
|---|---|---|
| Semester Assessment | Five in-course projects, as follows. 1. Communicating science: students critically evaluate immediately current media coverage of science topics, analyzing the devices used, and prepare press releases on a selected topic (15%). 2. Numerical data handling and statistical skills: statistical exercises and report (15%). 3. Computer-based skills: exercises based on manipulation of scientific data and report (25%). 4. Health and Safety assessment (laboratory and field work) (15%). 5. Research Design, planning and execution: prepare a brief funding proposal on an assigned project (30%) | 100% |
| Supplementary Assessment | Resubmit failed elements of coursework. |
On successful completion of this module students should be able to:
*Seek, locate, abstract, synthesise and handle existing scientific information.
*Manipulate numerical data and apply relevant statistical techniques.
*Operate relevant computer-based methods.
*Identify and evaluate the hazards associated with working in field and laboratory environments.
*Critically analyse and evaluate previous work.
*Focus on new research that is needed, to meet commercial needs or to set agendas in work; plan and execute new programmes of research and testing.
*Communicate effectively the research and its results via various relevant media.
| Skills Type | Skills details |
|---|---|
| Application of Number | Students will obtain, present and interpret numerical data where appropriate through the module, and specifically as part of the 'Numerical data handling' and 'Computer-based skills' sessions and exercise. |
| Communication | Communication skills, and the importance of effective communication in science, are developed specifically through the 'Communicating science' sessions, whilst oral presentation skills are practiced in the 'Evaluating research' session. Written communication skills are assessed as part of the various module assignments. |
| Improving own Learning and Performance | A large amount of independent study is required for this module. A considerable degree of self-motivation is required from the students in order to meet deadlines for continuous assessment. The development of learning and self management strategies is necessary in order to meet both the long- and short-term goals set by this course. |
| Information Technology | Students will refine and develop their IT skills through use of both commonly available software packages for the presentation and analysis of in-course work, and also more specialist packages as appropriate to the specific M.Sc. courses being pursued. |
| Personal Development and Career planning | This module develops student research skills, which are transferable in nature. Students receive an insight into a range of potential career opportunities, both within and outside academia, through the various sessions of this module and their associated exercises. |
| Problem solving | Problem solving skills are developed throughout the programme, but specifically in the 'Research design and project management' and 'numerical data handling' sessions and their associated exercises. |
| Research skills | This module specifically addresses the development of advanced research skills throughout the sessions and exercises. |
| Subject Specific Skills | Wherever possible, project work will utilise material drawn from topics relevant to whichever of the M.Sc. schemes is being pursued by the individual student, gaining subject-specific skills relevant to that particular M.Sc. Scheme. |
| Team work | Students will develop their team work skills through role play in the tender document oral presentations ('Evaluating research' session), and the 'Communicating science - Ethics and the media' session. |
This module is at CQFW Level 7