To train students in:

scientific, journal-style writing;

the initial development of a research problem and the definition, presentation and defence of a research proposal;

use of a small number of analytical techniques of broad relevance to Advanced Geology and Geology and Physical Geography Project

(LO1) Knowledge and Understanding

On completion of this module, students should:

have an understanding of the principles and guidelines under which scientific research is pursued and communicated;

have an understanding of a number of analytical techniques and how they are applied to geoscience problems.

(LO2) Intellectual Abilities

On completion of this module, students should have developed the ability to;

devise a strategy for the execution of a research project.

(LO3) Subject Based Practical Skills

None specific. Varies according to the project. And varies depending on which set of workshops (or analytical technqiues) that has been selected by student.

(LO4) General Transferable Skills

On completion of this module student should:

be able to conduct a comprehensive yet selective literature search on a scientific topic;

be able to prepare and defend a scientific research proposal;

have gained insights into ethical behaviour in scientific research;

have gained an appreciation of the use of complex scientific equipment and an understanding of accuracy, precision and sample and data handling.

(S1) Organisational skills

(S2) Communication skills

(S3) IT skills

(S4) International awareness

(S5) Ethical awareness

(S6) Leadership

Seminars One to Two
Scientific practice and philosophy

Seminars Three to Five
Journal style scientific writing

Seminar Six
Preparation of a research proposal

Seminar Seven
Data analysis in the Earth Sciences

Students to attend the following workshops. Note that not all workshops will be offered each year, depending on how many M-level students are registered and what their research project preferences are. These will run on a weekly basis.

Workshop topic 1: 3D visualization
Workshop topic 2: X-ray diffraction analysis (Crowley, Utley, Worden)
Workshop topic 3: Stable isotope analysis (Marshall, Crowley)
Workshop topic 4: Cathodoluminescence microscopy (Crowley and others)
Workshop topic 5: SEM-introduction (Mariani and others)
Workshop topic 6: SEM-EBSD techniques (Mariani and others)
Workshop topic 7: Infrared spectroscopy (Worden and others)
Workshop topic 8: Fluid inclusion microscopy (Worden and o thers)
Workshop topic 9: Photomicroscopy (Kavanagh, Marshall and others)
Workshop topic 10: XRF techniques (Boyle and others, Dept of Geography)
Workshop topic 11: Geomag techniques (Biggin and others)
Workshop topic 12: Wet chemical techniques (ion chromatography, AA, titration)
Workshop topic 13: Physical modelling in geology and geophysics (Potts)
Workshop topic 14: Particle size analysis (Plater and others, Department of Geography and Planning)
Workshop topic 15: Microfossils: preparation, identification and analysis (Marret and Plater, Dept of Geography)
Workshop topic 16: Environmental geomagnetism (Department of Geography and Planning)
Workshop topic 17: Radionuclides and pollutants (Plater, Department of Geography and Planning)
Workshop topic 18: Seismic handling - basics of seismic data interpretation (De Angelis and others)
Workshop topic 19: Optimisation methods for time-series analysis (Holme)
Workshop topic 20: Ear thquake location (Rietbrock)

Teaching Method 1 – Discussion Groups (seminars)
Description: Discussion groups of 1 hour and 30 minutes each relevant to the topics specified in the syllabus
Attendance Recorded: yes
Notes: Seminars are designed as guided discussion sessions on relevant topics

Teaching Method 2 - Laboratory Work (workshops)
Description: 3 hour workshops where students are exposed to both theory of functionality and practical use of scientific equipment and tools important in research
Attendance Recorded: yes