Module Details

The information contained in this module specification was correct at the time of publication but may be subject to change, either during the session because of unforeseen circumstances, or following review of the module at the end of the session. Queries about the module should be directed to the member of staff with responsibility for the module.
Title OCEAN SCIENCES RESEARCH PROJECT
Code ENVS377
Coordinator Prof C Mahaffey
Earth, Ocean and Ecological Sciences
Claire.Mahaffey@liverpool.ac.uk
Year CATS Level Semester CATS Value
Session 2019-20 Level 6 FHEQ Whole Session 30

Aims

To develop skills in all aspects of research in ocean sciences, including:

literature searching, review and appraisal,

design of experiments or models,

practical and computing skills,

collection and/or manipulation of data,

construction of scientific hypotheses,

oral communication and report writing.


Learning Outcomes

(LO1) Plan, organise and undertake a programme of research.

(LO2) Make observations of data, reflect on outcomes and adjust the research design if necessary.

(LO3) Interpret, critically evaluate and present the data.

(LO4) Complete a scientific report of the research planned and undertaken

(S1) Acquiring, analysing and assessing data

(S2) Scientific writing

(S3) Communicating results


Syllabus

 

Before end of Summer Semester – Year Two

Students should receive descriptions of research projects provided by staff from the Module Coordinator. Descriptions should not exceed one page including diagrams and references, but should be detailed enough to allow the students to understand the aims, methods and outcomes of the proposed projects and allow them to do some reading as well.
Timings in Year Three are approximate and may be adjusted to avoid clashes with deadlines in other modules and due to movement of the Easter break.

Year Three - Semester One

Week One:

Students initially meet their supervisor early in the semester to discuss projects. Unless students develop their own ideas for a feasible project, there will NOT be any new project descriptions at this stage.

Week Two – Week Six:

Students commence background reading and have around one session with their supervisor per week. Discussions should revolve around the natur e of the project, objectives, hypotheses to be tested, methods and approach and so on. This will allow students to prepare for the next phase of their work.
Week Six. Student presentations on their proposals

Week Seven – Week Nine:

Students will prepare a short report (3 pages) outlining the aims, hypotheses and objectives. Students will be guided through this process by their supervisors.

Week Nine Submission of research proposals.

Week Ten – Twelve
Students commence their research work.

Year Three – Semester Two

Week One - Eight. Students work on their project research and have clear instructions on how to log their work, either electronically or in a lab book. During this time, the students will have regular sessions with their supervisors. It is crucial that they work consistently throughout this period.

Week Nine. A brief outline of the project report in paper format (to be discussed with the supervisor) is fi nalised and writing commences in earnest.

Week Ten. Student poster presentations and feedback from staff, which should positively feed into their reports.

Week Twelve. Submission of project Reports.


Teaching and Learning Strategies

Teaching Method 1 – Supervisory Meetings
Description: Approximately weekly to fortnightly meetings with project supervisor
Attendance Recorded: Yes, kept by supervisor and signed by student and supervisor at each meeting.

Teaching Method 2 - Laboratory Work or computer-based activity
Description: Research work
Attendance Recorded: Not yet decided


Teaching Schedule

  Lectures Seminars Tutorials Lab Practicals Fieldwork Placement Other TOTAL
Study Hours     24

144

    168
Timetable (if known)              
Private Study 132
TOTAL HOURS 300

Assessment

EXAM Duration Timing
(Semester)
% of
final
mark
Resit/resubmission
opportunity
Penalty for late
submission
Notes
             
CONTINUOUS Duration Timing
(Semester)
% of
final
mark
Resit/resubmission
opportunity
Penalty for late
submission
Notes
Project Proposal Standard UoL penalty applies for late submission. This is an anonymous assessment. Assessment Schedule (When) :Semester 1  8 pages    30       
Project Report Standard UoL penalty applies for late submission. Assessment Schedule (When) :Semester 2  Up to 10,000 words    60       
Diary or Lab book Standard UoL penalty applies for late submission. Assessment Schedule (When) :Semester 2  Variable    10       

Recommended Texts

Reading lists are managed at readinglists.liverpool.ac.uk. Click here to access the reading lists for this module.