module specification

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

This module aims to encourage you to reflect and build upon your subject knowledge and expertise by means of a specific investigation requiring significant research. During the course of the module, you 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 you 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 you 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.

Prerequsite SP5065
Available for Study Abroad? NO

Students will reflect upon their scientific background and intended academic outcome in choosing the subject for their dissertation (LO 1)

Students will carry out an experimental project, preceded by an appropriate directed literature survey, within an area of staff expertise in the School of Human Sciences (LO 2)

Analysis, appraisal and presentation of the results (LO 3)

Work will be communicated both as a fully documented scientific report and in an oral presentation (LO 4)

Practical work: Application of scientific knowledge and experimental skills to the design and execution of a subject-based practical project (LO 5)

Progress report writing including ability to plan and develop ideas (LO 6)

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.

Formative feedback is available on a frequent basis. 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.

LO1. Gather background information on a particular scientific topic and use this to plan a programme of work directed to a specific aim.

LO2. Carry out a plan of work, modifying it as necessary in response to analysis of results.

LO3. Reflect upon the outcomes of the work and, using scientific creativity, propose additional research desirable to further clarify the area.

LO4. 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.

LO5. Work safely with due regard to the Department's Codes of Practice (practical work only).

LO6. Display 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 (10% of overall mark, 800 words) is for students to provide a formal update on their progress to date including any challenges they have encountered up to that point and to outline their plan for completing their research project.

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 for process (5% of overall mark) is 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 a written scientific paper on a chosen health sciences topic.

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.

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