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 and data-analytical techniques of broad relevance to the "Advanced Geology and Geology-Physical-Geography Project" module

(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) 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

This module commences with discussion-led seminars on what is research and how to define of a research project.

There are discussion-led seminars on writing research proposals, writing literature reviews and scientific papers and giving research presentations.

These are followed by workshops on a variety of analytical techniques such as SEM, X-ray spectroscopy, X-ray imaging, X-ray diffraction, laser particle size analysis, and thermal analysis.

There are also workshops on plotting and data analysis and using AI in geoscience.

Teaching Method 1 – Discussion Groups (Seminar)
Description: Discussion groups of up to 3 hours, each relevant to the topics specified in the syllabus. Seminars are designed as guided discussion sessions on relevant topics
Attendance Recorded: yes

Teaching Method 2 - Workshops (Seminar)
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