Module Catalogue 2024/25

Pre Requisite Comment

For outgoing exchange laboratory-based projects students are required to have a Stage 2 semester 1 mark of 60% or above and must be approved for the project by the Exchange Coordinator (also Module Leader)

Co Requisite Comment

Students are expected to have a basic knowledge of the language of the host country prior to the module commencing, but all teaching and assessment will be in English.

Aims

This module aims to;
•       provide students with experience of research work (including planning and data management) in a host university and international partner on an original topic relevant to their degree under the supervision of an experienced team.
•       allow students to pull together and apply the body of knowledge and skills acquired from earlier stages of their degree into a capstone experience.
•       develop expertise in a particular area of science relevant to their degree and competence in analytical techniques relevant to the project.
•       explore the provisional nature of knowledge.
•       expand student’s appreciation of the international dimension to scientific research.
•       provide an opportunity for students to present and communicate complex data and ideas in written and oral forms

Outline Of Syllabus

Due to the individual nature of the project there is no formal syllabus.

Intended Knowledge Outcomes

On successfully completing this module students will be able to;

K1 Recognise and critically evaluate the relevant background literature relating to a specific research topic.
K2 Justify the selection of techniques employed to generate and analyse data.
K3 Formulate a hypothesis or research question and develop a strategy to resolve a specific research problem.
K4 Recognise and appreciate the provisional nature of knowledge

Intended Skill Outcomes

On successfully completing this module students will be able to;

S1 Demonstrate competence in the use of a range of techniques relevant to a specific research project.
S2 Plan and manage their time to complete a research project to a deadline.
S3 Record, analyse and critically evaluate research data within the broader scientific context.
S4 Work both independently and as part of a team.
S5 Present scientific data in written and oral formats.
S6 Apply appropriate ethical procedures and health and safety regulations to the specific research work.
S7 Reflect on the research experience.

Teaching Rationale And Relationship

The project develops all knowledge and skills LOs defined above.

Tutorials (Supervisor meetings) encourage increased understanding by application of knowledge and discussion with peers and teachers.

As independent learners students are required to utilise the time available in private study to extend and reinforce their knowledge and understanding through reading the scientific literature and use of other recommended resources (eg: online).

The lectures provide an introduction to the project, health and safety training, guidance on how to produce a scientific report and give an oral presentation suitable for a non-subject specialist audience.

Assessment Rationale And Relationship

The written report (dissertation) is used to assess information literacy, problem solving, data evaluation and written communication of scientific data.

The individual oral presentation assess the student’s presentation skills and ability to communicate and defend the scientific investigation orally.

The competence and professionalism assessment is used to assess the student’s technical competence, time management, ability to work both independently and as part of a team and ability to reflect on the research experience. Awarded by the host project supervisor.

The H&S quiz (PC Examination) is taken by all students.

General Notes

N/A