module specification

This module will enable students to reinforce the skills necessary to carry out a scientific programme requiring significant research.  It will allow students to demonstrate the final development of their subject knowledge, skills and understanding through extended research based on laboratory, literature or field work. This research will lead to the presentation of a detailed written report.

The aims of this module are aligned with the qualification descriptors within the Quality Assurance Agency’s Framework for Higher Educations Qualifications. This module aims to encourage students to reflect and build upon their subject knowledge and expertise by means of a specific investigation requiring significant research. During the course of the module they will develop the skills necessary to plan, carry out, analyse and report upon the results of an experimental or analytical programme on a scientific topic. The module gives students the opportunity to attain achievement of a high level of personal development by working independently with the minimum necessary supervision. This module aims to provide students with the qualities and transferable skills necessary for employment requiring: the exercise of initiative and personal responsibility; decision-making in complex and unpredictable contexts; and, the learning ability needed to undertake appropriate further training of a professional or equivalent nature.

Formative feedback is provided on a weekly basis in the lecture/seminar sessions. These sessions are comprised of students working in similar areas of research which provides the opportunity for both peer and lecturer formative feedback. Students are supported by their supervisor with whom they are encouraged to facilitate regular contact. Students prepare interim reports, for which summative feedback is provided. Summative feedback is also provided on completion of the dissertation via assessment of the report, oral exam, and supervisors mark for process.

The research programme will be carried out in consultation with a supervisor who will normally be an academic staff member of the School of Human Sciences.

Successful completion of ST5060

Students will reflect upon their scientific background and intended academic outcome in choosing the subject for their dissertation. LO1

Students carry out an experimental project, preceded by an appropriate directed literature survey, within an area of staff expertise in the School of Human Sciences. Students are expected to work independently throughout the project. LO2
Analysis, appraisal and presentation of the results. LO3
Work will be communicated both as a fully documented scientific report and in an oral presentation LO4 
Practical work:  Application of scientific knowledge and experimental skills to the design and execution of a subject-based practical project. LO5
Progress report writing including ability to plan and develop ideas. LO6

Students will be guided in the use of directed reading and other learning resources in order to seek, handle and interpret information. In the written report, they will be required to produce a synthesis of their own and published findings.  Students will work as individuals on the design and execution of their projects but they are expected to take the initiative in maintaining regular contact with their supervisor.  They will be encouraged to think critically about their findings and, where appropriate, to provide solutions through the design of related experiments or alternative approaches to research. Students are presented with opportunities to gain peer and lecturer formative feedback on their projects and Graduation Statements within small group seminar sessions that take place throughout the year.
Students’ study responsibilities are articulated in the Staff/Student Agreement, which is available via the School Web site.

On successful completion of this module students will be able to:
1. Gather background information on a particular scientific topic and use this to plan a programme of work directed to a specific aim.
2. Carry out a plan of work, modifying it as necessary in response to analysis of results.
3. Reflect upon the outcomes of the work and, using scientific creativity, propose additional research desirable to further clarify the area.
4. Present a written report of the project in an appropriate scientific form and defend the work undertaken and its written presentation during an oral interview.
5. Work safely with due regard to the Department's Codes of Practice (practical work only).
6. Demonstrate their personal development by demonstrating an ability to plan, develop and reflect upon ideas as well as attend, and be well prepared for, supervisor meetings.

The interim report is (10% of overall mark 800 words) for students to provide a formal update on their progress to date and any challenges they have encountered up to that point.

Ethical approval (essential pass/fail component) includes the completion of participant consent form, risk assessment, PAR-Q form (if required) and the ethics document all of which must be approved by the current ethics approval process. Failure to pass this component will lead to an early reassessment opportunity. Should the reassessment be failed the student will not be permitted to continue with their project.

The supervisor's mark (5% of overall mark) for process awarded at the end of the module to assess the student’s ability to plan, develop and reflect upon their ideas as well as attend, and be well prepared for, supervisor meetings.

The final dissertation (65% of overall mark, 6000 words) is assessed independently by at least two members of staff, excluding the project supervisor(s). In awarding a mark the examiner takes into account the achievement of the student in terms of the results obtained, the clarity of presentation and layout, and the standard of the discussion including the student’s consideration of the wider context of the investigation. If the two marks differ significantly, the final report is reassessed by a third examiner. An oral examination (20% of overall mark, 15 minutes), carried out by one of the readers of the final report in the presence of the project supervisor, assesses the students ability to give a verbal account of his/her work, to think and reflect critically on the work, and to communicate effectively. An overall aggregate mark of 40% or more is required to pass the module. All assessment instruments must be attempted. There is an attendance requirement for the delivered sessions.

Textbooks:

Core text:
Peck, J., and Coyle, M (2012) Write it Right, The Secrets of Effective Writing. 2nd edn. London: Palgrave Macmillan.

Other texts:
Bell, J. with Waters, S (2014) 6th ed. Doing Your Research Project: a guide for first time researchers. Maidenhead: McGraw-Hill Education.
Holtom, D., and Fisher, E (2014) Enjoy Writing your Science Thesis, 2nd edn. London: Imperial College Press.
Peck, J., and Coyle, M (2012) The Student’s Guide to Writing, (3rd edn.) London: Palgrave Macmillan.
Thomas, J. R., Nelson, J. K. and Silverman, S. J. (2011) 6th ed. Research methods in physical activity. Champaign, IL: Human Kinetics.

Journals (all available via the Library)
International journal of qualitative methods
The Cochrane database of systematic reviews
Measurement in physical education and exercise science

Website
The following link is to the StudyHub where you will find key aspects of studying at University – from making notes to managing your time – from critical thinking to producing your dissertation: information and advice plus places to go and things to do and reflect upon;
http://learning.londonmet.ac.uk/studthub