PROJ08018 2019 Environmental Science Research Project Part 1
Students undertake an individual project under staff supervision, completing a laboratory/field/desktop study during Semester 1, which is submitted towards the end of Semester 2. The principles and skills of environmental science are applied to conduct a comprehensive environmental investigation or to resolve an environmental problem. Part 1 covers all data collection, field and laboratory work associated with the research project and is assessed in conjunction with part 2 over the 2 semesters.
Learning Outcomes
On completion of this module the learner will/should be able to;
Manage the organisation of tasks and resources within a set timescale and with the minimum of supervision
Be self-directed in terms of time, motivation and planning and be self-aware, open and sensitive to others
Communicate a detailed knowledge of the methods used for acquiring, interpreting and analysing subject-specific information in an understandable format with a critical understanding of the appropriate contexts and limitations of their use.
Conduct appropriate documented scientific procedures and approved validation and/or quality assurance procedures to accurately gather, record and process scientific/technical information
Demonstrate an in-depth knowledge of the essential facts, major concepts, principles and theories associated with chosen area of research.
Demonstrate an ability to exercise independent judgement and to engage in scientific dialogue with peers and technical / professional parties
Employ appropriate data analysing, synthesising and summarising skills in a scientific work setting
Module Assessment Strategies
During the delivery of this module, self-learning is encouraged among students. A framework is established whereby the student presents the significance of the project and the proposed work plan early in the Module. Weekly meeting are encouraged between student and supervisor and weekly reports are required to monitor progress in all aspects of the project. In the second semester a darft literature review is submitted and the student presents preliminary findings and conclusions. This approach enables the student to take timely corrective action, in the event of failure to achieve the required standard, before the results significantly impact on the final grade
Indicative Syllabus
Plan / design and communicate (to an audience of peers and lecturers) a project to investigate some aspects of the environment or to resolve an environmental problem which may be either laboratory or field or desk top based.
Conduct an appropriate literature review relevant to the proposed environmental investigation / project.
Execution of Project (a)Prepare analytical reagents, collect representative samples and conduct a range of laboratory analyses in a competent and safe manner, where appropriate (b) Research scientific data and critically interpret the information (c) Record and collate data and scientific / environmental details of all investigations.
Test hypotheses in a scientific manner
Communicate the findings of research including literature review, methodology (analytical or otherwise) , results, discussion and evaluation of results, conclusions and recommendations
Coursework & Assessment Breakdown
Coursework Assessment
Title | Type | Form | Percent | Week | Learning Outcomes Assessed | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Presentation (oral presentation of project background and work plan) | Coursework Assessment | UNKNOWN | 5 % | Week 5 | 1,2,3,6 |
2 | Continuous Assessment (submission of project plans, draft literature review and weekly reports) | Coursework Assessment | UNKNOWN | 10 % | OnGoing | 1,2,3,4,6 |
3 | Presentation (oralpresentation of preliminary findings | Coursework Assessment | UNKNOWN | 5 % | Week 20 | 3,5,6 |
4 | Written Report Draft submission of final written report | Coursework Assessment | UNKNOWN | 10 % | Week 24 | 1,2,3,4,5,7 |
5 | Individual Project submission of final thesis | Coursework Assessment | UNKNOWN | 70 % | Week 25 | 3,4,5,6,7 |
Module Resources
all resources available via Moodle
None