Module Information
Course Delivery
Delivery Type | Delivery length / details |
---|---|
Lecture | 6 x 3 Hour Lectures |
Practical | 3 x 3 Hour Practicals |
Assessment
Assessment Type | Assessment length / details | Proportion |
---|---|---|
Semester Assessment | Report REPORT: Communicating science: students critically evaluate current media coverage of science topics, analysing the devices used, and prepare press releases on a selected topic. 1000 words | 20% |
Semester Assessment | Report REPORT: Numerical data handling and statistical skills: scientific data report. 2000 words. | 40% |
Semester Assessment | Draft proposal Draft MSc dissertation proposal including research context, rational and a risk assessment. 2000 words. | 40% |
Supplementary Assessment | Resubmit failed elements of coursework. | 100% |
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this module students should be able to:
Locate, summarise, synthesise and critique existing scientific information.
Communicate effectively published research and its results via various relevant media.
Manipulate numerical data and apply relevant statistical techniques.
Operate relevant computer-based methods.
Assess ethical issues and risk in the design of a Master’s level research project.
Design a scientifically robust Master’s research project with a clearly identified aim, achievable objectives and an appropriate sampling strategy.
Brief description
Aims
To introduce and develop a series of generic communication, numeracy and research design skills required at the postgraduate level
Content
Science Communication:
Developing knowledge about how scientific information is communicated using a wide range of formats including effective oral presentation skills, communication with the public (e.g. media techniques, press releases, interview skills).The more qualitative skills sets of discourse analysis and policy interpretation provides vital skills sets required when putting research into practice.
Lecture 1: Introduction to Advanced Research Skills and Communicating Science I: Effective oral and visual communication
Lecture 2: Communicating Science II: Writing effectively
Lecture 3: Understanding communication: discourse and policy analysis
Numerical Skills:
Advanced mathematical and statistical techniques, including data base management, relevant to working with large environmental data sets.
Practical 4: Computer-based skills: Data presentation and managing data sets.
Practical 5: Numerical data handling I: Data analysis.
Practical 6: Numerical data handling II: Statistical analyses and interpretation
Research Design:
Preparing for and designing a Master’s level research dissertation project.
Lecture 7: Defining aims and objectives
Lecture 8: Ethics, risk assessments and sampling strategies
Lecture 9: Subject-specific surgery sessions
Module Skills
Skills Type | Skills details |
---|---|
Application of Number | Students will obtain, present and interpret numerical data where appropriate through the module |
Communication | 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. |
Information Technology | Students will refine and develop their IT skills through use of both commonly available software packages for the presentation and analysis of data. |
Personal Development and Career planning | 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 module, but specifically in the 'Research design’ sessions. |
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 MSc schemes is being pursued by the individual student, gaining subject-specific skills relevant to that particular MSc Scheme. |
Team work | no |
Notes
This module is at CQFW Level 7