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.

(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

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 natu re 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 projects (formative)

Week Seven – Week Nine:

Students will complete a project form, outlining the aim, objectives, hypotheses and key literature and submit the form in week 9.

Week Ten – Twelve
Students commence their research work.

Year Three – Semester Two

Week One - Eight. Students work on their project research. During this time, the students will have regular sessions with their supervisors. It is crucial that they work consistently throughout this period.

Week 6: Student presentations on their project (formative).

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

Week Twelve. Submission of project Reports.

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 - Biweekly tutorials with module manager
Description - Biweekly meetings with module manager to discuss project progress, associated skills (statistics, figures) and write-up.