Module Catalogue 2026/27

Pre Requisite Comment

While there are no pre-requisites, it is worth noting that the module NES2504 prepares second year students for their final year research project

Co Requisite Comment

N/A

Aims

The module provides students with the opportunity to practice their use of the scientific method by completing either an evidence-based analytical review or a research project. The form of research undertaken will be appropriate to the research question under investigation and should bear reasonable reflection on the career interests and aspirations of the student. The research project module will encourage students to consolidate their organisational skills by giving them the responsibility for designing and running their own project through the preparation of an initial project proposal, carrying out laboratory, field or desk-based investigations and writing up their findings as a substantive report. They will be able to apply and consolidate skills learnt in a number of other modules. Students will have the opportunity to develop their literature and research skills in a project that focuses on a particular aspect of research that interests them. Students will elect to undertake this project under the supervision of a member of academic staff. Where appropriate, practices of group projects i.e., team-based supervision will be encouraged (including place-based projects), however each student will have one named academic supervisor responsible for direct supervision and assessment. Students will have the opportunity to take responsibility for their own project and further develop their organisational and scientific writing skills.

Outline Of Syllabus

Working independently the students will refine a research project with their supervisor. Students will research the scientific literature relevant to their chosen subject area and for a research project will also identify or develop appropriate methodology and identify suitable analyses to be used in their research project. For research projects students will undertake independent research to test their hypotheses. Students will produce a full write-up of their project and prepare and deliver an oral presentation on their literature or research project as part of a ‘Scientific Conference’. The syllabus will build upon research skills and careers orientated training from Stage 2.

Intended Knowledge Outcomes

At the end of the module students will be able to demonstrate advanced knowledge of appropriate analytical or experimental research and data analysis techniques, in laboratory, field or research vessel environments, or desk-based study, and apply them to their research project design.

Intended Skill Outcomes

At the end of the module it is expected students will be able to conduct an independent literature or research project investigation and present their conclusions in the form of a scientific paper and scientific conference presentation.

Teaching Rationale And Relationship

Lectures will introduce the module, and enable to students to develop their critical evaluation skills. The initial lectures will inform students of the format of their final project report and scientific conference presentation.
Research project work will be supported by drop-in clinics where students can receive additional advice and
guidance on any aspect of their research project work beyond that provided by their academic supervisor.

Where appropriate for the individual research question under investigation, the research project will allow students to conduct an analytical, field, laboratory, or desk-based research project that will further increase their organisational, time management and planning skills through conducting an independent literature-based or scientific investigation. It will give students the opportunity to put into practice and data analytical skills developed at previous stages of study, which may include planning and costing an investigation; devising a suitable methodology and approach; collecting, analysing and interpreting data and presenting their work in a concise format.

Assessment preparation and completion will allow students to fully prepare for their formative and summative
assessments. They will have the opportunity to consolidate and build upon knowledge gained throughout their degree programmes.

Assessment Rationale And Relationship

The project introduction allows the student to demonstrate their ability to research and synthesise information in a concise and impactful form and receive feedback on their academic writing skills.

The final Research Project report is presented in the form of a 5-6000-word systematic literature review, a data-based scientific paper or an equivalent form of delivery (e.g., policy brief) which allows the student to demonstrate their scientific writing and critical thinking skills.

The abstract gives students an opportunity to receive feedback prior to their oral presentation, which allows the student to show that they can communicate effectively by summarising an in-depth investigation

General Notes

N/A