Year:11/12
Department:Natural Sciences
Level:Part II (yr 2)
Learning Hours:300
Credit Points:30
Weight:1
Course Convenor:Dr K Davidson
Status:Live
Assessment Rules
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CMod description
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Students taking this course are required to
submit a proposal of the work they wish to undertake and have this approved by
the end of the summer term prior to embarking on their course of study in
October. Modes of assessment are chosen in light of each particular case (a
single 10,000 word dissertation or an equivalent approved piece of work, which
includes an evaluative commentary). There has to be an appropriately qualified
member of staff willing to offer help and guidance to the student.
Curriculum Design: Outline Syllabus
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It is important that you act swiftly in gaining agreement from an academic member of staff to act as your Director of Study. This should take place in the Summer term prior to starting your Independent Research Unit in the following Michaelmas term.
- You should complete a learning agreement form (a copy is included at the end of this handbook) which outlines the work you intend to complete for your independent research unit and get this signed by your Director of Study. Submit this to the Unit by the end of week 7, Summer Term.
- The Submissions Review Committee will meet and consider all learning agreements by the end of the summer term. We will write to you over the summer vacation advising you of the outcome, there will normally be one of two actions needed by you:
- Learning agreement meets the necessary requirements ? proceed with your work on return to the University.
- Further revisions needed ? you will need to make the revisions identified and re-submit the learning agreement by the end of week two, Michaelmas term.
The review committee will consider revised learning agreements and give approval to proceed. If the revisions are not made you will need to identify an alternative course from elsewhere!
Meetings with your Director of Study
Students obviously vary in the amount of guidance and support needed however we estimate that you would normally see your Director of Study for up to 8 half-hour meetings throughout the process of completing your work.
Progress Reports
You will be required to submit two progress reports to BA Part II convenor, these should be short (no more that one page in length) and include: -
- The dates when you met with your Director of Study
- The work completed and the feedback received from your Director of Study
- Any problems encountered with your research and how you intend to overcome these.
The progress report should be submitted to the Lisa Cross:
- The first by the end of week 10, Michaelmas term;
- The second by the end of week 6, Lent Term
Educational Aims: Subject Specific: Knowledge, Understanding and Skills
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This module enables students to carry out a piece of research into a topic of their choice. One of the first things we ask is that the student should identify a potential Director of Study. The Director of Study will usually be involved in the preparatory work that leads up to the completion of the student's learning agreement.
Students will be responsible for gaining the agreement of an appropriately qualified member of staff willing to act as their Director of Study. Guidelines for prospective Directors of Study are available from the department.
Learning Outcomes: Subject Specific: Knowledge, Understanding and Skills
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By the end of the module students should have: -
- Developed effective self-management in terms of time, planning and motivation
- Developed an ability to conduct research into an agreed topic utilising relevant research methods
- Developed a capacity for critical reasoning, analysis and synthesis
- Effectively communicate the outcomes from independent research using an appropriately agreed format
Curriculum Design: Select Bibliography
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