Research Methods

Training Module

Lecturers	Piran White, Katherine Selby and Dave Raffaelli
SITS Module Code	2580030
Semester	Autumn
Weighting	10 credits
Status	Compulsory for MSc EEEM, EnvEC and MEM; Optional for PhD
Pre-requisites	Admission to MSc or MPhil/PhD programme

Student workload

Contact hours	Seminars (18 hours)
Examination	None
Private study	82 hours
Total workload	100 hours

Assessment

Coursework (100%), comprising written proposal and/or seminar presentation. For MSc MEM students, the assessment will be weighted entirely on an oral presentation in the week 7 of the spring semester. For MSc EncEc and EEEM students, the assessment will be weighted 50% on the presentation and 50% on the proposal. The presentations will take place in week 7 of the spring semester and the proposals must be submitted to the departmental office by 12 noon on Monday week 8 of the spring semester.

Module summary

This module provides training in general research skills appropriate to the MSc dissertation, and reflects the excellent practice within the Department of Environment and Geography. It covers bibliographic skills, ethical considerations in environmental research, writing proposals, the dissemination of research findings by oral presentation and written communication, research management and team-working skills and career development. These elements will be taught through a series of informal seminars and interactive workshops.

Aims

This module will cover the skills and techniques involved in undertaking environmental research, and provide a foundation for students to develop and plan their dissertations.

Learning outcomes

On completion of the module, successful students will:

be aware of the bibliographic skills required for environmental research and how to source a wide range of data types
be able to construct a written research application
be familiar with the best practise for written and oral communication and poster presentation of research output
be aware of their role in a team and the advantages and constraints of team-working

Synopsis

Week 2	Ice-breaker session (DR)
Week 3	Team-working through an environmental problem (DR)
Week 4	Planning your work and writing project proposals (KS)
Week 5	Bibliographic and data base skills (KS)
Week 6	Ethical considerations in environmental research (DR)
Week 7	Oral presentations (PW)
Week 8	How to write your dissertation (PW)
Week 9	Career development and preparing your CV (KS);
Week 10	Feedback session (PW)