2023/24 Taught Postgraduate Module Catalogue

SOEE5020M Research Project

60 creditsClass Size: 250

Module manager: Stephen Stackhouse
Email: SOEE5020@leeds.ac.uk

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

Year running 2023/24

This module is not approved as an Elective

Objectives

- Identify and develop a research question within the field of the programme of study;
- demonstrate the ability to execute a sustained programme of original research;
- show in-depth understanding of a major theme or argument in the chosen subject, including an independent critical engagement with the topic chosen;
- identify and apply the conceptual understandings and practical research skills necessary for the thorough and coherent exploration of their chosen topic,
- making use of appropriate primary and/or secondary sources and tools of analysis;
- complete a well structured and fully-argued piece of written work of around 9,000 words, meeting standard requirements of academic writing, such as the review and referencing of relevant primary and secondary sources.

Skills outcomes
The module places considerable emphasis on:
- recognising and using subject-specific theories, paradigms, concepts and principles;
- analysing, synthesising and summarising information critically, including prior research;
- collecting and integrating several lines of evidence to formulate and test hypotheses;
- applying original insight to an academic issue;
- applying knowledge and understanding to address familiar and unfamiliar problems;
- recognising the moral and ethical issues of investigations and appreciating the need for professional codes of conduct;
- planning, conducting and reporting on investigations, including the use of secondary data;
- collecting, recording and analysing data using appropriate techniques in the field and laboratory;
- undertaking field and laboratory investigations in a responsible and safe manner, paying due attention to risk assessment, rights of access, relevant health and safety regulations, and sensitivity to the impact of investigations on the environment and stakeholders;
- referencing work in an appropriate manner;
- developing the skills necessary for self-managed and lifelong learning (eg working independently, time management and organisation skills);
- identifying and working towards targets for personal, academic and career development;
- developing an adaptable and flexible approach to study and work.

The module places moderate emphasis on:
- receiving and responding to a variety of information sources (eg textual numerical, verbal, graphical);
- communicating appropriately to a variety of audiences in written, verbal and graphical form.

Syllabus

Students follow a programme of original research under the guidance of a staff member appointed as their supervisor.
This will include:
- project definition
- project plan
- reading and review of literature
- development of hypotheses/ research questions
- academic report and journal article writing
- desk/ secondary research
- data collection
- analysis of results
- conclusions
- suggestions of wider implications and suggestions for future research. Skills workshops led by the Programme Managers will be held throughout the course of the academic year, including the following:
- finding library and internet sources
- academic practice and avoiding plagiarism
- writing a research proposal
- ethics and risk assessment

Teaching methods

Delivery type	Number	Length hours	Student hours
Workshop	6	2.00	12.00
Supervision	5	0.50	2.50
Lecture	1	1.50	1.50
Private study hours			584.00
Total Contact hours			16.00
Total hours (100hr per 10 credits)			600.00

Private study

584 hours covering all aspects of research project.

Opportunities for Formative Feedback

Supervision discussion, optional shut-up and write sessions, optional drop-in sessions

Methods of assessment

Coursework

Assessment type	Notes	% of formal assessment
Written Work	9,000 word Project Report (journal article)	100.00
Research Proposal	Research Proposal	0.00
Total percentage (Assessment Coursework)		100.00

Research Proposal is formative.

Reading list

The reading list is available from the Library website

Last updated: 14/12/2023

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