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SL500161: Research methods training & MSc dissertation

[Page last updated: 27 November 2024]

Academic Year: 2024/25
Owning Department/School: Department of Life Sciences
Credits: 60 CATS credits
Notional Study Hours: 600
Level: FHEQ level 7
Period:
Modular - no specific semester
Assessment Summary: DS 100%
Assessment Detail:
  • PA500386 Work-Based Research Project & Dissertation (DS 100%)
Supplementary Assessment:
Like-for-like reassessment (where allowed by programme regulations)
Requisites:
Learning Outcomes: On completion of this unit the student will be able to:
1. Design a piece of independent research (knowledge and understanding, professional practical skill)
2. Follow the process for obtaining ethical approval for research work (professional practical skill)
3. Critically evaluate the literature associated with a given research topic (intellectual skill)
4. Collect data using appropriate tools and methodologies (knowledge and understanding)
5. Critically analyse data and draw appropriate conclusions / recommendations from these data (intellectual skill)
6. Present information in an appropriate format (personal transferable skill)
7. Develop and practice the skills needed to conduct an independent research project (personal transferable skill; professional practical skill).


Aims: To explore a range of key research designs and methods and use these to design and conduct a short research project in practice.

Skills:
* Planning & organisation (Taught / Facilitated)
* Handling information (Taught / Facilit ated /Assessed)
* Written and verbal communication (Taught / Facilitated /Assessed
* Working with others (Taught / Facilitated)
* Scientific & practical skills (Taught / Facilitated /Assessed)
* Problem solving (Taught / Facilitated /Assessed).

Content:
* Designing a cogent, small-scale research project
* Research Designs and Methods
* Skills for researchers
* Ethical issues in research including ethical approval, governance and sponsorship requirements
* Data Collection and Analysis
* Writing up your research.

Course availability:

SL500161 is Optional on the following courses:

Department of Life Sciences

Notes:

  • This unit catalogue is applicable for the 2024/25 academic year only. Students continuing their studies into 2025/26 and beyond should not assume that this unit will be available in future years in the format displayed here for 2024/25.
  • Courses and units are subject to change in accordance with normal University procedures.
  • Availability of units will be subject to constraints such as staff availability, minimum and maximum group sizes, and timetabling factors as well as a student's ability to meet any pre-requisite rules.
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