Unit information: Research Skills in 2017/18

Unit name	Research Skills
Unit code	MENGM0016
Credit points	20
Level of study	M/7
Teaching block(s)	Teaching Block 4 (weeks 1-24)
Unit director	Professor. Knowles
Open unit status	Not open
Pre-requisites	None
Co-requisites	None
School/department	School of Physics
Faculty	Faculty of Science

Description including Unit Aims

This unit will equip students with the skills necessary to plan an original research project in the area of nuclear science and/or engineering. The unit will address both academic research skill and the skills required of a professional in the nuclear industry.

Aims:

1. To ensure that students have the research skills to undertake a research project
2. To ensure that student are aware of the particular issues of working in the area of nuclear science and engineering
3. To enable students to plan a research project.

Intended Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of the unit, the students will be able to:

1. Complete a literature survey in preparation for a major piece of research.
2. Plan a research project in the area of nuclear science and engineering demonstrating awareness of the risks involved
3. Identify specific skills they require to complete the project and acquire them through independent study

Teaching Information

6 hours lectures on research skills

6 hours seminars from visiting speakers on professional values in the nuclear industry

Students will be assigned a project supervisor and project title at the start of the unit and will have a 30 minute discussion meeting with their project supervisor every 2 weeks

Assessment Information

Formative assessment

Students will receive formative feedback through meetings with their supervisor for the unit. (formative feedback on the project plan will also help prepare students for the research project)

Summative assessment

• Attendance to lectures given by external speakers is compulsory. Students who do not attend may fail the entire unit.
• Literature Review - 3000 words (70%)
• Research project plan (30%)

Reading and References

Students are advised individually by their project supervisor(s) on appropriate references depending on their project.