Module Information
Course Delivery
Assessment
| Assessment Type | Assessment length / details | Proportion |
|---|---|---|
| Semester Assessment | Report 2 Numerical data handling and statistical skills: scientific data report. 2000 words. | 40% |
| Semester Assessment | Report 1 Communicating science: students i) prepare a press release on a selected topic; and ii) critically evaluate current media coverage of a science topic, analysing the frames and devices used. 1000 words | 20% |
| Semester Assessment | Report 3 Draft MSc dissertation proposal including research context, rationale, methods, and risk assessment. 2000 words. | 40% |
| Supplementary Assessment | Resubmission of Report 3 Draft MSc dissertation proposal including research context, rationale, methods, and risk assessment. 2000 words. | 40% |
| Supplementary Assessment | Resubmission of Report 1 Resubmit failed elements of coursework. Communicating science: students i) prepare a press release on a selected topic; and ii) critically evaluate current media coverage of a science topic, analysing the frames and devices used. 1000 words | 20% |
| Supplementary Assessment | Resubmission of Report 2 Numerical data handling and statistical skills: scientific data report. 2000 words. | 40% |
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
The module introduces and develops a series of generic skills required at the postgraduate level. Although the main purpose is to introduce and develop advanced research skills, certain skills that will have been introduced in typical undergraduate programmes - such as written English, basic numerical and statistical methods, and computer techniques - remain so fundamental that further practice is warranted. All are relevant to the more specialised DGES MSc schemes. Material from those more specialised streams will be utilised in the practical aspects of this module. The module builds on the recommendations by the UK Research Councils (in particular NERC) to develop a robust program of research skills useful in both the taught and research aspects of the MSc, and to enhance employability.
Content
Science Communication:
Developing knowledge about how scientific information is communicated using a wide range of formats including effective oral presentation skills and communication with the public (e.g. media techniques, press releases, interview skills). These provide vital skills sets required when putting research into practice, and communicating in non-academic contexts.
Session 1: Introduction to Advanced Research Skills and Communicating Science I: Effective oral and visual communication
Session 2: Communicating Science II: Writing effectively
Session 3: ‘Surgery session’ based around the assignment
Numerical Skills:
Advanced mathematical and statistical techniques, including data base management, relevant to working with large environmental data sets.
Session 4: Computer-based skills: Data presentation and managing data sets. Numerical data handling I: Data analysis
Session 5: Numerical data handling II: Statistical analyses and interpretation
Session 6: Surgery session’ based around the assignment
Research Design:
Preparing for and designing a Master’s level research dissertation project.
Session 7: Defining aims and objectives
Session 8: Ethics, risk assessments and sampling strategies
Session 9: ‘Surgery sessions’ based around the assignment, typically involving individual MSc cohorts meeting with relevant teaching staff to discuss dissertation project ideas
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 programme, but specifically in the 'research design' sessions. |
| Research skills | This module specifically addresses the development of research and information literacy throughout the sessions and assignments. |
| Subject Specific Skills | Wherever possible, in-class 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 | N/A |
Notes
This module is at CQFW Level 7