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| 2. | Description |
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| 2.1 | Aims |
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- To develop critical faculties for evaluating research.
- To develop basic ability to define a research question, plan and execute an investigation to answer that question.
- To understand the structure and elements of a research project in preparation for undertaking relevant research at work.
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| 2.2 | Objectives (teaching) |
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- You will motivate the work in this module yourself by conducting a critical review of the literature, identifying and justifying a research question to be answered, developing and executing a plan of investigation, collecting and analysing observations, drawing appropriate conclusions in comparison with published work and writing a clearly written report. The project development will be progressed in conjunction with frequent meetings with your project supervisor, who will guide you through the process. Your supervisor may assist you to prepare a manuscript for submission to an academic journal.
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| 2.3 | Objectives (planned learning outcomes) |
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| | Knowledge and understanding |
| Having successfully completed the module, you will be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding in the following areas:
- The broad scientific background to your chosen topic.
- Detailed knowledge and understanding in the narrow area of the chosen research topic.
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| | Cognitive (thinking) skills |
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Having successfully completed the module, you will be able to:
- Evaluate research literature critically and synthesise data from a variety of sources.
- Identify and justify a research question, in collaboration with an experienced practitioner.
- Evaluate alternative research strategies an select appropriately within constraints of resources available.
- Evaluate results from your own research critically in relation to other published work and existing theory.
- Draw conclusions from your research and present them is an appropriate format.
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| | Practical, subject-specific skills |
| Having successfully completed the module, you will be able to:
- Write knowledgeably about your chosen topic.
- Design and execute simple research projects.
- Write a clear and comprehensive report of a research study in an appropriate format.
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| | Key transferable skills |
| Having successfully completed the module, you will have:
- Further developed skills in using library and computer resources to investigate available research literature.
- Further developed ability to plan and manage own time and to plan and execute projects in general.
- Further developed skills in written presentation of scientific material.
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| 2.4 | Teaching and Learning Activities |
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| | Teaching methods include |
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| - Individual guidance by project supervisor on literature research, project design and planning, setting up apparatus as required, performing measurements and/or simulations, gathering data, analysis of results and presentation of work.
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| | Learning activities include |
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| - Directed and self-directed literature research and reading
- Directed and self-directed preparation of research design, implementation, analysis and reporting.
- Guided by your supervisor, you will develop your ability to evaluate alternative experimental designs and analysis methods, implement research plans, collect and analyse data, draw conclusions and report your research work.
- Depending on the quality and originality of your work, you may have the experience of preparing a manuscript for submission to an academic journal.
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| 2.5 | Methods of Assessment (summative assessment) |
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| 2.6 | Feedback to students during module study (formative assessment) |
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| - Individual discussions with project supervisor.
- Individual tutorial assistance from co-ordinator as required.
- A meeting is held with the External Examiner early in the project who will provide feedback to student and supervisor.
- A mid-term review is held in July/August at which the project supervisor and a deputy supervisor discuss your progress and plans for the remainder of the project with you. This gives feedback on progress and provides an opportunity to change the direction of the project if necessary.
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| 2.7 | Relationship between the teaching, learning and assessment methods |
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| - The dissertation will test your knowledge and understanding of the chosen research topic as well as the cognitive and practical skills described above. You will be required to synthesise information from a range of sources relevant to your individual research project. You will evaluate data from these sources, evaluate alternative designs and analysis methods critically and justify your choices. You will implement your chosen design by collecting and analysing data critically in relation to published research. You will draw conclusions and report your work in an appropriate format. Successful completion of the work will attest to your project management skills. The quality of presentation of your dissertation will also demonstrate the transferable skills in communication and use of computer packages that you have acquired.
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| 3. | TOPICS COVERED |
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| You will select your project topic from a list published in Semester 1. The topics are related to active research interests of ISVR staff. It may also be possible to devise your own project in discussion with a member of academic staff. |
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| | Other library support |
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| The ISVR E J Richards Library and Hartley Library house many journals and texts in paper and electronic formats that will form the basis of your literature research. Internet resources will supplement the library resources. Inter-library loan facilities are also available. | |
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| | Staff required |
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| In addition to the co-ordinator, all members of academic staff are encouraged to propose research topics and to supervise students if they choose the topic. | |
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| | Teaching space, layout and equipment required |
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| None. | |
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| | Laboratory space required |
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| Requirements will depend on the nature of each research project. Projects are generally accommodated within the ISVR research facilities within the research groups. You can expect to have to share facilities and equipment with other students. | |
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| | Computer requirements |
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| Access to library and Internet resources is required for literature research. Access to computers for analysis of results and preparation of dissertation is also required. The ISVR computer suite currently satisfies these needs. | |
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| | Software requirements |
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| Microsoft Office for preparation of dissertation is required. Access to library and Internet on-line resources is also required. Other specialist simulation software may be required depending on the project. | |
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| | Off-campus activities |
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| None. | |
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| | Part-time/distance learning students |
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| The module is timetabled to facilitate both the full-time and the standard half-time mode of attendance available for the programme. | |
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| | Other |
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| None. | |