This module aims to train students, via personal practice under academic supervision, in the execution and presentation of research level geoscience.

(LO1) Knowledge and Understanding:

On completion of this module students should:

a. have gained a leading-edge knowledge of some areas of Geosciences

b. know how to use different modes of scientific communication (journal manuscripts, conference presentations)

(LO2) Intellectual abilities

On completion of this module students should have developed the ability to execute a research level project

(LO3) Practical skills

On completion of this module students should have acquired subject based practical skills, which are varied, according to the project

(LO4) General transferable skills: On completion of this module students should:

a. be capable of executing good quality, ethical scientific practice

b. be able to communicate effectively in a scientific manner using a range of media (manuscript, conference-style oral presentation, blog)

(S1) Problem solving skills

(S2) Teamwork

(S3) Organisational skills

(S4) Communication skills

(S5) IT skills

(S6) Leadership

(S7) Ethical awareness

The content is entirely dependent on the specific project undertaken.

All students are expected to produce:
a literature review paper relevant to each individual project written as a submission to a journal (in this case the Journal of the Geological Society);
a talk to communicate the research undertaken to a mixed audience of UGs, PGTs, Postdocs and Academic staff;
a final dissertation in manuscript format designed for submission to the Journal of the Geological Society.

This module is specifically designed to enable students to develop and demonstrate independent research skills required by QAA benchmarks and Geological Society of London Accreditation. Students will engage on a laboratory-based Masters level research project, which may also involve fieldwork or modelling. Support is given through a small number of lectures, but most importantly by weekly meetings with a research supervisor. In Semester 1, students will complete a literature review targeted at the laboratory/modelling/fieldwork aspects of the independent research they will undertake for their research project. In Semester 2, students will carry out independent research, will give a conference-style, research-level talk, on the outcomes of their studies, and complete a 10,000 word dissertation on their research project in manuscript format.