| Unit name | Research Methods in Volcanology |
|---|---|
| Unit code | EASCM0041 |
| Credit points | 30 |
| Level of study | M/7 |
| Teaching block(s) |
Teaching Block 2 (weeks 13 - 24) |
| Unit director | Professor. Cashman |
| Open unit status | Not open |
| Pre-requisites |
None |
| Co-requisites |
None |
| School/department | School of Earth Sciences |
| Faculty | Faculty of Science |
The aim of this 30 credit point unit is to provide students with focused training in the practical aspects of their planned thesis project. Each student will design a proof of concept study, forming a portion of the ultimate thesis, in which a sample data set will be gathered, and all appropriate analyses completed.
The project supervisors will provide close advice and assistance in gathering data and in advising on appropriate numerical treatments. Students will present a written and oral summary of their work so far, and an indication of the next steps in order to move to the Thesis unit (EASCM0043).
Unit aims:
• to develop student’s ability to source, handle and manage data
• to familiarise students with a suite of tools and techniques for analysis, including statistical methods, as appropriate for their research
• to equip them with an understanding of how to contextualise specialist research findings
• to provide a skills platform for independent research
• to understand the extent of the materials (specimens, data) available, their strengths and weaknesses
• to extend abilities in planning and executing research to a high standard
On successful completion of the unit students will be able to:
• Design and plan a research project, determining the materials, methods and resources (including time and money) required for effective completion of an analytical research project
• Demonstrate adequate understanding of issues of experimental design and necessary statistical and other numerical protocols
• Communicate (orally and in written reports) the nature of the project, and why it is important
• Demonstrate practical and analytical skills relevant to the project
• Deliver prescribed research outcomes (agreed with supervisor) in an oral and a written report
Discussions with project supervisors; laboratory or field supervision (as appropriate); one-to-one practical assistance in laboratory and computing methods
Each student will produce a written report presenting the Materials & Methods and Results of this sample case study, written in the style of a scientific paper (approximately 4,000 words), appropriate for submission to Geophysical Research Letters.
They will then make a presentation (oral or poster) to the relevant research group and will be questioned to assess their understanding and progress.
The report is worth 70% of the overall unit mark and the presentation worth 30%.
Various, relating to subject of research project.
