ECMM901 - Research Project (2023)

Back | Download as PDF
MODULE TITLEResearch Project CREDIT VALUE45
MODULE CODEECMM901 MODULE CONVENERProf Stuart Townley (Coordinator)
DURATION: TERM 1 2 3
DURATION: WEEKS 11 11 0
Number of Students Taking Module (anticipated)
DESCRIPTION - summary of the module content

In this module you will undertake a substantial independent research project in an area specific to the particular MSci stream (Ecology & Evolution, Energy Systems & Control, Environmental Sciences) under the supervision of an expert scientists from the specific discipline. You will apply your mathematical, statistical and computational skills to undertake original and cross-disciplinary research within the mathematical sciences.

 

AIMS - intentions of the module

The project consists of a substantial piece of world-class research in an area of the mathematical sciences. You will select your project from a list of topics provided each year in the relevant discipline. The project will extend your knowledge acquired in formal modules, strengthen your skills in research and report writing, and engage you with modern scientific developments and with potential end-users. You will be immersed in research through attendance of research seminars and colloquia, and a continued review of the relevant mathematical and scientific literature.

 

INTENDED LEARNING OUTCOMES (ILOs) (see assessment section below for how ILOs will be assessed)

On successful completion of this module you should be able to:

 

Module Specific Skills and Knowledge

1 Work independently and creatively on a substantial piece of work in an area of mathematics relevant to modern, topical and high impact science and/or technology and/or policy;

2 Demonstrate a critical appreciation of your chosen specialised topic, appropriate in depth mathematical knowledge relating to that topic, and a mastery of the requisite analytical and computational skills;

 

Discipline Specific Skills and Knowledge

3 Appreciate the inter-relationships between this area and other fields of mathematical sciences and evaluate the particular work in your project within that wider context;

4 Engage with the applications of mathematics in topical and high impact science;

 

Personal and Key Transferable / Employment Skills and Knowledge

5 Demonstrate enhanced skills in oral presentation, technical report writing, task management, independent research, problem formulation, use of IT, data interpretation and communication with non-mathematical experts.

 

SYLLABUS PLAN - summary of the structure and academic content of the module

The Summer Term of the third year will be used for background reading and planning. You will produce a Research Plan (not exceeding 2 pages) showing evidence of background reading and planning, which will be reviewed at the beginning of term 1 of the fourth year by the project supervisor(s). Project work will take place in terms 1 and 2 and should normally occupy around 14 hours per week. You will meet with your project supervisor(s) on a regular basis to discuss your progress. A draft dissertation is due in week 7 of term 2; final dissertation due in week 2 of term 3. In addition, you will immerse yourself in the research culture by engaging with research seminars and colloquia and keeping up to date with contemporary literature as appropriate to your discipline. You will demonstrate your level of engagement through a Research Review report.

 

LEARNING AND TEACHING
LEARNING ACTIVITIES AND TEACHING METHODS (given in hours of study time)
Scheduled Learning & Teaching Activities 22.00 Guided Independent Study 278.00 Placement / Study Abroad 0.00
DETAILS OF LEARNING ACTIVITIES AND TEACHING METHODS
Category Hours of study time Description
Scheduled Learning & Teaching activities 22 Supervision
Guided Independent Study 278 Independent work, Seminars & Reading Literature

 

ASSESSMENT
FORMATIVE ASSESSMENT - for feedback and development purposes; does not count towards module grade
Form of Assessment Size of Assessment (e.g. duration/length) ILOs Assessed Feedback Method
Research Plan 1,000 words (or equivalent) 2-4 Oral feedback
Draft dissertation 8,000 words (or equivalent) 1-4 Written and oral feedback

 

SUMMATIVE ASSESSMENT (% of credit)
Coursework 100 Written Exams 0 Practical Exams 0
DETAILS OF SUMMATIVE ASSESSMENT
Form of Assessment % of Credit Size of Assessment (e.g. duration/length) ILOs Assessed Feedback Method
Research Review Report 20 2,000 words 2, 4, 5 Written feedback
Dissertation 60 8,000 words (or equivalent) 1-5 Written feedback
Poster 10 A1 poster 2, 3, 5 Oral feedback
Presentation 10 15 min presentation incl. 5 min for questions 2-5 Oral feedback

 

DETAILS OF RE-ASSESSMENT (where required by referral or deferral)
Original Form of Assessment Form of Re-assessment ILOs Re-assessed Time Scale for Re-assessment
Coursework: Dissertation Coursework: Dissertation (8,000 words or equivalent) (90%) 1-5 Submit by end of August
Coursework: Poster and presentation Coursework: A1 poster (10%) 2, 3, 5 Submit by end of August

 

RE-ASSESSMENT NOTES

If a module is normally assessed entirely by coursework, all referred/deferred assessments will normally be by assignment.

If a module is normally assessed by examination or examination plus coursework, referred and deferred assessment will normally be by examination. For referrals, only the examination will count, a mark of 40% being awarded if the examination is passed. For deferrals, candidates will be awarded the higher of the deferred examination mark or the deferred examination mark combined with the original coursework mark.

 

RESOURCES
INDICATIVE LEARNING RESOURCES - The following list is offered as an indication of the type & level of
information that you are expected to consult. Further guidance will be provided by the Module Convener

Basic reading:

ELE: http://vle.exeter.ac.uk

 

Reading list for this module:

To be arranged.

 

Reading list for this module:

There are currently no reading list entries found for this module.

CREDIT VALUE 45 ECTS VALUE 22.5
PRE-REQUISITE MODULES None
CO-REQUISITE MODULES None
NQF LEVEL (FHEQ) 7 AVAILABLE AS DISTANCE LEARNING No
ORIGIN DATE Thursday 14 May 2015 LAST REVISION DATE Wednesday 18 January 2023
KEY WORDS SEARCH Mathematical Sciences; Research Project; Dissertation; Presentation.