2019/20 Taught Postgraduate Module Catalogue

BLGY5198M Biodiversity and Conservation MRes Research Project 1

40 creditsClass Size: 20

Module manager: Dr Simon Goodman
Email: s.j.goodman@leeds.ac.uk

Taught: 1 Oct to 30 Sep (12mth) View Timetable

Year running 2019/20

This module is not approved as an Elective

Objectives

On completion of this module, students should be able to prepare research proposals, conduct substantial pieces of independent research, and prepare both written and oral reports.

The students will also gain skills in specific practical techniques of value in their proposed careers, including time management and organisation, communication via different methods, awareness of health and safety issues.

Learning outcomes
On completion of this module, students will have:
- Completed a laboratory or field or computer-based independent research project;
- An in-depth understanding of key concepts or issues in a conservation-related field;
- Gained experience in the collation, analysis (including advanced analytical techniques), and presentation of scientific data.
- Prepared and submitted a detailed report in a scientifically acceptable format, including an abstract, introduction, methods, results and discussion.
- Prepared a poster that presents the research results and they will have the confidence to answer questions about the research.
- The competence to read critically scientific papers, interpret data presented in scientific papers and to assess them critically in order to draw appropriate conclusions.

Professional Development Opportunities:
-develop academic specific skills, such as experience of the process and procedures involved in designing and carrying out independent research;
- students will gain experience in generic skills, including time management and organisation, communication via different methods, awareness of health and safety issues.

Skills outcomes
On completion of the module students will be able to plan, implement and report on a research project.

Syllabus

An approximately 3 month practical project (running at the same time as taught modules) on a specific topic in biodiversity and conservation. The research area to be negotiated with staff, sometimes in combination with outside agencies.

Teaching methods

Delivery type	Number	Length hours	Student hours
Supervision	15	2.00	30.00
Seminar	1	0.50	0.50
Private study hours			369.50
Total Contact hours			30.50
Total hours (100hr per 10 credits)			400.00

Private study

This is an independent research module. Each project will vary according to the needs of the particular research question being addressed, with varying emphasis on computer/analytical, Lab. and field-based work. Each student will prepare a preliminary proposal, a written report and a poster, which they will need to 'defend' verbally.

Opportunities for Formative Feedback

- Regular meetings with supervisor(s);
- Project proposal (10%)
- Execution (15%)
- Written report (60%)
- Poster (15%).

Methods of assessment

Coursework

Assessment type	Notes	% of formal assessment
Report	.	60.00
Practical	Performance assessment by supervisor	15.00
Poster Presentation	.	15.00
Research Proposal	Project proposal	10.00
Total percentage (Assessment Coursework)		100.00

Project preparation is assessed via a research proposal. Project outcomes are assessed via a written report and a verbally 'defended' poster. Reports are double marked. The first marker's report assessment includes an additional 15% component relating to performance during the project (no change from the current system).

Reading list

The reading list is available from the Library website

Last updated: 30/04/2019

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