| Unit name | Earth Science Research Methods |
|---|---|
| Unit code | EASCM0063 |
| Credit points | 20 |
| Level of study | M/7 |
| Teaching block(s) |
Teaching Block 1 (weeks 1 - 12) |
| Unit director | Professor. Kohn |
| Open unit status | Not open |
| Units you must take before you take this one (pre-requisite units) |
Completion of years 1-3 of MSci courses in the School of Earth Sciences |
| Units you must take alongside this one (co-requisite units) |
EASCM0010 Earth Science Research Project |
| Units you may not take alongside this one |
N/A |
| School/department | School of Earth Sciences |
| Faculty | Faculty of Science |
Why is this unit important?
The aim of this 20 credit point unit is to provide students with background knowledge and understanding of the specialism they have chosen for their final year research project (EASCM0010). It is the first chance to become embedded in their research groups and to plan in detail the research project that is the core of the MSci degrees.
How does this unit fit into your programme of study?
It is the first part of the independent research which is the distinctive and unique feature of the MSci programmes in Earth Sciences. It builds on skills and knowledge from the first three years of the programmes.
An overview of content
Reading the literature concerning your research project and planning exactly what your project will involve. Preparation of a piece of course work that includes: i) A literature review; ii) A research plan; iii) A non-technical summary of the project that could be readily understood by an interested 14 year old; iv) a risk assessment.
How will students, personally, be different as a result of the unit?
You will take big steps to becoming mature independent scientists. You will learn about the specialized skills you will be using in your chosen project. You will be able to talk knowledgeably about your project to other professional scientists, to the general public and to interviewers when applying for jobs.
Learning Outcomes
At the end of the unit a successful student will be able to:
i) critically evaluate arguments, assumptions, abstract concepts and data to frame appropriate questions to achieve a solution to a problem.
ii) show originality in the application of knowledge and understanding in the planning and conduct of a research project.
iii) produce persuasive and logically-structured documents that are appropriate to the target audience.
iv) manage their own learning environment and working schedule by setting and keeping to deadlines for measurable progress through the unit
Independent work under the supervision of a member of academic staff
Tasks which help you learn and prepare you for summative tasks (formative)
Tasks which count towards your unit mark (summative):
Coursework (100%). Single submission that includes all 4 elements.
1. A literature review (65%)
An outline of the proposed area of research, which describes the main debates and controversies, and contains a reference list (bibliography) of approximately 30 to 40 recent relevant publications. This document should be broader in scope than the specific subject of the research and should not refer forward to research plans. 9 page limit excluding bibliography, figures, tables and title page. There is no unique way to approach the writing of a literature review; the style and scope will be different depending on the nature of your research project. However, some useful tips can be found in this article https://journals.plos.org/ploscompbiol/article?id=10.1371/journal.pcbi.1003149//journals.plos.org/ploscompbiol/article?id=10.1371/journal.pcbi.1003149
2. A research plan (30%). The aim is to explain:
The research plan should follow directly from the literature review and should not repeat any of the same material. 5 page excluding bibliography, figures, tables and title page.
3. A non-technical summary of the project that could be readily understood by an interested 14 year old (5%). Maximum 300 words.
4. A risk assessment (pass or fail).
You will be given strict formatting guidelines that you must adhere to.
When assessment does not go to plan
The University’s Regulations and Code of Practice for Taught Programmes outline the requirements for progression on and completion of degree programmes. Students who miss an exam and self-certify their absence may complete a supplementary assessment for an uncapped mark as if taken for the first time. Resit and supplementary exams are habitually taken during the reassessment period later in the summer. As far as is practicable and appropriate, resit and supplementary assessments will be in the same form as the original assessment but will always test the same intended learning outcomes as the initial missed or failed assessment. In the case of group work, failure by a whole group would result in an appropriate group task being set and reassessed for all group members. If a single student fails a group assessment or is unable to participate for an evidenced reason, an individual reassessment will be set.
There are rigorous and fair procedures in place to support students who are ill or whose studies and assessments are affected by exceptional circumstances.
If this unit has a Resource List, you will normally find a link to it in the Blackboard area for the unit. Sometimes there will be a separate link for each weekly topic.
If you are unable to access a list through Blackboard, you can also find it via the Resource Lists homepage. Search for the list by the unit name or code (e.g. EASCM0063).
How much time the unit requires
Each credit equates to 10 hours of total student input. For example a 20 credit unit will take you 200 hours
of study to complete. Your total learning time is made up of contact time, directed learning tasks,
independent learning and assessment activity.
See the Faculty workload statement relating to this unit for more information.
Assessment
The Board of Examiners will consider all cases where students have failed or not completed the assessments required for credit.
The Board considers each student's outcomes across all the units which contribute to each year's programme of study. If you have self-certificated your absence from an
assessment, you will normally be required to complete it the next time it runs (this is usually in the next assessment period).
The Board of Examiners will take into account any extenuating circumstances and operates
within the Regulations and Code of Practice for Taught Programmes.
