Study information

MSci Research Project 2

Module titleMSci Research Project 2
Module codeNSCM001
Academic year2020/1
Credits60
Module staff

Professor Marc Goodfellow (Convenor)

Duration: Term123
Duration: Weeks

11

11

Number students taking module (anticipated)

20

Module description

In this module you will continue to work on the research project you started in Year 3 (NSC3002). For the remaining duration of the project will become a member of the research group.

You will gain a valuable insight into scientific research, but will also have an opportunity to make a real contribution to this research.

This module constitutes the second part of a two-part 90-credit project extending over Stages 3 and 4 of the MSci programme, where NSC3002 constitutes the first part. In addition, the project may be further extended, subject to agreement from your project supervisor, and director of studies or programme director, by electing to take module NSCM002 (project extension) in your fourth year.

Module aims - intentions of the module

The aim of this module is to allow you to bring together the knowledge, expertise and skills you have acquired to address a real problem in a research environment. This module aims to foster the skills in open-ended problem solving you will need as a practicing researcher, but which are also highly valued in many other professions.

Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)

ILO: Module-specific skills

On successfully completing the module you will be able to...

  • 1. Keep a professional record of the research, including electronic data
  • 2. Produce a conference proceedings paper containing original results and analysis, of the type typically used to present work at scientific conferences
  • 3. Produce a scientific oral presentation introducing the field of research, outlining the research objectives, the methodology undertaken, the results and conclusions
  • 4. Defend the results of the project orally in a fluent and coherent form

ILO: Discipline-specific skills

On successfully completing the module you will be able to...

  • 5. Solve problems using initiative, imagination and creativity
  • 6. Develop advanced data analysis and presentation skills
  • 7. Act in a professional, safe and ethical manner

ILO: Personal and key skills

On successfully completing the module you will be able to...

  • 8. Communicate effectively by means of oral and written presentations
  • 9. Practise highly effective individual time management

Syllabus plan

Project Work 1: In the Autumn Term you will spend an average of three days per week on project work (making a total of 33 days).

Project Work 2: In the Spring Term you will spend a further 33 days' work on further analysis and preparation of a conference proceedings paper (submission end of Term 2) and oral scientific presentation (to be given at the Natural Sciences undergraduate conference in the Summer Term).

Learning activities and teaching methods (given in hours of study time)

Scheduled Learning and Teaching ActivitiesGuided independent studyPlacement / study abroad
4841160

Details of learning activities and teaching methods

CategoryHours of study timeDescription
Scheduled Learning and Teaching22Weekly meetings with project supervisor
Scheduled Learning and Teaching46266 days of project work
Guided independent study116Additional research, data analysis, reading and preparation for module assessments

Formative assessment

Form of assessmentSize of the assessment (eg length / duration)ILOs assessedFeedback method
Oral review of laboratory notebooks and project progressWeekly five minute oral assessment of progress by project supervisorAllOral

Summative assessment (% of credit)

CourseworkWritten examsPractical exams
45055

Details of summative assessment

Form of assessment% of creditSize of the assessment (eg length / duration)ILOs assessedFeedback method
Conference proceedings paper455 pages max 11 font1-2, 6, 8-9Individual marksheet
Oral conference presentation2015 minutes + 5 minutes for questions3-4, 6-9Individual marksheet
Assessment of good research practice35Ongoing supervisory monitoring of progress1, 4-7, 9Individual marksheet

Details of re-assessment (where required by referral or deferral)

Original form of assessmentForm of re-assessmentILOs re-assessedTimescale for re-assessment
Conference proceedings paperConference proceedings paper1-2, 6, 8-9August ref/def
Oral conference presentationOral conference presentation3-4, 6-9August ref/def
Assessment of good research practiceAssessment of good research practice1, 4-7, 9August ref/def

Re-assessment notes

Three assessments are required for this module. The re-assessment will be the same as the original. The mark given for a re-assessment taken as a result of deferral will not be capped and will be treated as it would be if it were your first attempt at the assessment. The mark given for a re-assessment taken as a result of referral will be capped at 50%.

Indicative learning resources - Basic reading

  • McMillan, K, Weyers, J, "How to Write Essays and Assignments" , Pearson Education Skills Set (2009), ISBN: 978-0273726951
  • McMillan,K, Weyers, J, "How to Write Dissertations and Project Reports" , Pearson Education (2009), ISBN: 978-0273726937
  • Bowden, J, "Writing a report: how to prepare, write and present effective reports" 8th, How To Books Ltd (2008), ISBN: 978-1845282936

Indicative learning resources - Web based and electronic resources

Key words search

Individual research projects

Credit value60
Module ECTS

30

Module pre-requisites

NSC3002 MSci Research Project 1

Module co-requisites

None

NQF level (module)

7

Available as distance learning?

No

Origin date

28/02/2013

Last revision date

07/07/2020