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 | RESEARCH METHODS | ||
Code | ENVS444 | ||
Coordinator |
Professor J Wheeler Earth, Ocean and Ecological Sciences Johnwh@liverpool.ac.uk |
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Year | CATS Level | Semester | CATS Value |
Session 2021-22 | Level 7 FHEQ | First Semester | 15 |
Aims |
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The module aims to train students in the following: scientific, journal-style writing; the initial development of a research problem and the definition, presentation and defence of a research proposal; practical use and application of a small number of lab-based analytical anad data-analytical techniques of broad relevance to the "Advanced Geology and Geology-Physical-Geography Project" module |
Learning Outcomes |
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(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. |
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(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. |
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(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. |
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(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. |
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(S1) Organisational skills |
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(S2) Communication skills |
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(S3) IT skills |
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(S4) International awareness |
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(S5) Ethical awareness |
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(S6) Leadership |
Syllabus |
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Seminars One to Two Seminars Three to Five Seminar Six Seminar Seven 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: X-ray diffraction analysis (Crowley, Utley, Worden) |
Teaching and Learning Strategies |
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Teaching Method 1 – Discussion Groups (seminars) Teaching Method 2 - Laboratory Work (workshops) |
Teaching Schedule |
Lectures | Seminars | Tutorials | Lab Practicals | Fieldwork Placement | Other | TOTAL | |
Study Hours |
30 |
30 | |||||
Timetable (if known) | |||||||
Private Study | 120 | ||||||
TOTAL HOURS | 150 |
Assessment |
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EXAM | Duration | Timing (Semester) |
% of final mark |
Resit/resubmission opportunity |
Penalty for late submission |
Notes |
Exam on research-level analysis of a published paper requiring the student to read the paper (recommended 30 minutes) and then answer set questions on the paper (recommended 90 minutes). This exam mu | 120 minutes. | 40 | ||||
CONTINUOUS | Duration | Timing (Semester) |
% of final mark |
Resit/resubmission opportunity |
Penalty for late submission |
Notes |
Defence of Research Proposal (oral asessment of the submitted research proposal) This assessment is part of initial training for independent project and there are no re-sits. However, in special ci | Interview: 15 minute | 20 | ||||
Research Proposal written in the form of a NERC small grant application This assessment is part of initial training for independent project. There is a resit opportunity. Standard UoL penalty a | 4 A4 pages | 40 |
Recommended Texts |
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Reading lists are managed at readinglists.liverpool.ac.uk. Click here to access the reading lists for this module. |