Research Project in Environmental Science
| Code | School | Level | Credits | Semesters |
| BIOS3034 | Biosciences | 3 | 40 | Full Year UK |
- Code
- BIOS3034
- School
- Biosciences
- Level
- 3
- Credits
- 40
- Semesters
- Full Year UK
Summary
Final year BSc research projects in Environmental Science are undertaken over semesters 5 and 6 as one 40 credit module. The principal module activities will be (i) setting up and carrying out a practical research study and analysing the results critically, (ii) presentation of a research seminar to staff and peers and (iii) the submission of a final report in the form of a scientific paper. There is considerable flexibility over the balance of information sources on which the research is based, with hands-on practical work and third-party sources (the open literature, databases etc.) being equally acceptable. Whatever source of information is used, a clear critical analysis is required.
Target Students
BSc/MSciEnvironmental Science and BSc/MSci Environmental Biology
Classes
- Three 6-hour tutorials each week for 3 weeks
- One 8-hour seminar
- One field studies each week for 20 weeks
This is a project module; students work in the laboratory/field etc. and on a 1-1 basis with supervisors. There are two sessions timetabled near the start of the autumn term and a day of seminar presentations at the end. Other activities are scheduled directly with the supervisor and/or technical staff as appropriate to the needs of the project.
Assessment
- 70% Report 1: A written report (4000 words) in the form of a research paper
- 15% Oral Presentation 1: An oral presentation (10 minutes presentation and 5 minutes Q and A) about the project
- 15% Supervisor's Assessment 1: Project supervisors assessment of the student performance and professional skills
Assessed by end of spring semester
Educational Aims
This module enables students to: 1. Plan research work in co-operation with their supervisors and the technical staff. 2. Manage their time effectively. 3. Assimilate new practical and intellectual skills associated with the subject of their project. 4. Present their work to an audience of staff and student peers. 5. Write a final report, in the form of a scientific paper, in accordance with editorial guidelines. The written work is assessed using the School's Qualitative Assessment Criteria for essays and reports; the seminar is assessed using the qualitative criteria for oral presentations.Learning Outcomes
• The students will be able to critically analyse and interpret published information and data.
• The students will be able to acquire substantial quantities of information systematically, process it effectively, and draw appropriate conclusions.
• The students will be able to undertake appropriate experimental design and statistical analysis.
• Where relevant, the students will be able to undertake practical experimental work using appropriate equipment and instruments.
• The students will be able to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
• The students will be able to organise and manage their working time, schedule tasks, and meet deadlines.