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 | OCEAN SCIENCES RESEARCH PROJECT | ||
| Code | ENVS377 | ||
| Coordinator |
Dr H Leach Earth, Ocean and Ecological Sciences Leach@liverpool.ac.uk |
||
| Year | CATS Level | Semester | CATS Value |
| Session 2018-19 | Level 6 FHEQ | Whole Session | 30 |
Aims |
|
|
To develop skills in all aspects of research in ocean sciences, including a) literature searching, review and appraisal, b) design of experiments or models, c) practical and computing skills, d) collection and/or manipulation of data, e) construction of scientific hypotheses, f) oral communication and report writing. |
|
Learning Outcomes |
|
|
Plan, organise and undertake a programme of research. |
|
|
Make observations of data, reflect on outcomes and adjust the research |
|
|
Interpret, critically evaluate and present the data. |
|
|
Complete a scientific report of the research planned and undertaken |
|
Syllabus |
|
| 1 |
1 Before end of Summer Semester – Year 2 Students should receive descriptions of research projects provided by staff from the Module Coordinator. Descriptions should not exceed 1 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. Year 3 - Semester 1 Week 1. Students discuss projects with staff and by the end of the week are assigned their projects. Unless students come up with their own ideas which are doable, there will NOT be any new project descriptions at this stage, which means that there could be some disappointed students. Week 2 – Week 6. Students commence background reading and have at least 1 session with their supervisor per week. Towards the end of this period, the discussions should revolve around the nature of the project, objectives, hypotheses to be tested, methods and approach etc. This will allow students to prepare for the next phase of their work. Week 7 – Week 10. Students will prepare a research proposal in NERC format (8 pages), with full background, motivation etc. Students will be guided through this process by their supervisors. Week 11. Student presentations on their proposals Week 12. Submission of research proposals. Year 3 – Semester 2 Week 1 - 8. Students work on their project research and have clear instructions on how to log their work, either electronically or in a lab book. During this time, the students will have regular (twice per week) sessions with their supervisors. It is crucial that they work consistently throughout this period. Week 9. An brief outline of the project report in paper format (to be discussed with the supervisor) is finalised and writing commences in earnest. Week 10. Student presentations and feedback from staff, which should positively feed into their reports. Week 12. Submission of project Reports. Examination Period. Students will be required to attend a short Viva Voce examination on their project work. |
Teaching and Learning Strategies |
|
|
Tutorial - Weekly meetings with module manager |
|
|
Laboratory Work - Research work |
|
Teaching Schedule |
| Lectures | Seminars | Tutorials | Lab Practicals | Fieldwork Placement | Other | TOTAL | |
| Study Hours |
24 Weekly meetings with module manager |
144 Research work |
168 | ||||
| Timetable (if known) | |||||||
| Private Study | 132 | ||||||
| TOTAL HOURS | 300 | ||||||
Assessment |
||||||
| EXAM | Duration | Timing (Semester) |
% of final mark |
Resit/resubmission opportunity |
Penalty for late submission |
Notes |
| CONTINUOUS | Duration | Timing (Semester) |
% of final mark |
Resit/resubmission opportunity |
Penalty for late submission |
Notes |
| Coursework | 8 pages | Semester 1 | 30 | Standard UoL penalty applies | Project Proposal | |
| Coursework | Up to 10,000 words | Semester 2 | 50 | Standard UoL penalty applies | Project Report | |
| Coursework | Variable | Semester 2 | 10 | Standard UoL penalty applies | Diary or Lab book | |
| Coursework | 15 minutes | Semester 2 | 10 | Standard UoL penalty applies | Interview Notes (applying to all assessments) (1) PROJECT PROPOSAL - % of final mark = 30%. A written proposal conforming to research council format including background, aims, proposed methods, expected outcomes and potential impacts. Learning outcomes 1a, 2a,b, 4c,e. (2) DIARY or LAB BOOK - % of final mark = 10%. Details recorded in diary, Learning Outcomes 2a, 4c. (3) PROJECT REPORT. % of final mark = 50%.The report will include introduction, background, methods, results, discussion, conclusions, acknowledgements and references. Learning Outcomes 1a, 2a-e, 3a-c, 4a-c, 4e. (4) INTERVIEW - % of final mark = 10%. The student will be interviewed on the contents of the report. In particular the interviewer, normally the second examiner, will assess whether the candidate can defend and explain the work presented in the report and clarify material within the report which may be ambiguous or incomplete. Learning outcomes 1a, 2a-e, 3a-c, 4a, 4b, 4d. Final year examinations/assessments may be re-sat for failed modules at the next ordinary sitting, normally in the following academic year, except in the case of students with accepted Extenuating Circumstances for whom an August/September attempt is arranged, on the basis as detailed in the Code of Practice on Assessment Appendix I Section 3: https://www.liverpool.ac.uk/media/livacuk/tqsd/code-of-practice-on-assessment/appendix_I_2010-11.pdf | |
Recommended Texts |
|
|
Reading lists are managed at readinglists.liverpool.ac.uk. Click here to access the reading lists for this module. Explanation of Reading List: |
|