MTH0005 - Science: Skills and Culture (2023)

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MODULE TITLEScience: Skills and Culture CREDIT VALUE30
MODULE CODEMTH0005 MODULE CONVENERProf Nicola King (Coordinator)
DURATION: TERM 1 2 3
DURATION: WEEKS 11 11 0
Number of Students Taking Module (anticipated) 30
DESCRIPTION - summary of the module content
The purpose of this module is twofold: to introduce you to scholarly communication, including creation, exploration, publication and discovery of findings, through a wide range of research and pedagogical activities we exercise in science, computing, engineering and mathematics at the University of Exeter and beyond, as well as to develop an understanding of how academic research is conducted in your chosen degree programme. The module aims to promote academic literacy and to raise awareness about research practice in areas of science, computing, engineering and mathematics. The creative application of knowledge in these fields is key for innovation, and has played a profound role in overcoming some of the big challenges worldwide.
 
The first part of the module aims to provide a broader understanding about academic skills in research practice, including the search for resources, observation and understanding of the objectives and the methodology used, extraction of ideas, ability to think critically and evaluate findings, and the effective interpretation of complex results supported by appropriate dissemination media (Journal publications, blogs, laboratory reports, conference presentations, etc.). While the second part is concerned with developing your research portfolio by undertaking projects through which you will connect with experts, learn, observe and conduct experiments related to your chosen degree programme.
 
This is a highly interactive module, in which you will work in groups to produce reports about academic literacy, dissemination and policy; you will present your views and findings to peers supported with justified and constructive discussions about each topic. You will also be working on an individual project together with experts who will lead and guide you through your progress.
AIMS - intentions of the module

In this module you will develop skills about understanding the nature of research in science, technology, mathematics and engineering, with a consideration of historical, philosophical and social aspects. This will provide you with the scope to learn about the ethos and norms of academic research, including how the quality of research is judged, presented and implemented. You will be able to observe, reflect and wonder about research findings and impact, through which you will gain the ability to understand, debate and critique scholarly arguments in a justified context in order to confirm, dis-confirm or suggest improvements. This will enhance your confidence in communicating research to the wide community including society, such as schools and colleges. This module will also help you to develop an understanding of how disciplinary and interdisciplinary collaborations are vital for an enriching and a satisfactory experience in higher education.

INTENDED LEARNING OUTCOMES (ILOs) (see assessment section below for how ILOs will be assessed)
Module Specific Skills and Knowledge:
1 Describe current areas of scientific research 
2 Analyse and interpret scientific assumptions and results
3 Demonstrate an appreciation and a curiosity about current research and pedagogical activities presented in sciences at the university and beyond
 
Discipline Specific Skills and Knowledge:
4 Critically assess and summarise a scientific article or presentation
5 Demonstrate an appreciation for the historical development of science
6 Recognise ethical frameworks that apply to science
7 Demonstrate an ability to observe scientific experiments and draw conclusions
 
Personal and Key Transferable/ Employment Skills and Knowledge:
8 Communicate effectively and accurately both orally, including through presentations, and in writing 
9 Use the library and a range of online resources to research a topic of interest
10 Operate effectively within a team
 
SYLLABUS PLAN - summary of the structure and academic content of the module
The module offers a range of opportunities that aim to develop knowledge and competence around research and pedagogy in science, by providing:
- insights into the history and the philosophy of science, technology, mathematics and engineering
- an introduction into academic research and methodology
- a demonstration of ethics and principles that govern research and research process
- insights into research project funding 
- Insights into research publication 
 
As part of this module, you will be attending, participating and engaging in different activities including: 
- a series of seminars and workshops 
- outreach activities
- departmental research and pedagogy related activities
 
LEARNING AND TEACHING
LEARNING ACTIVITIES AND TEACHING METHODS (given in hours of study time)
Scheduled Learning & Teaching Activities 41.00 Guided Independent Study 237.00 Placement / Study Abroad 22.00
DETAILS OF LEARNING ACTIVITIES AND TEACHING METHODS
Category Hours of study time Description
Scheduled Learning & Teaching 11 Lectures
Scheduled Learning & Teaching 22 Seminars: scientific research; science education; outreach activities/ Professional skills workshop
Scheduled Learning & Teaching 8
Student Conference/Student poster showcase
Scheduled Learning & Teaching 11
Guided group work and independent work on the project
Research project 11 Working collaboratively with the project lead/supervisor
Guided independent study 237
Further reading, research and preparation
 

 

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
Short report 500-word group report reflecting seminars 1-10 Oral feedback
Research project plan 1000 words 1-10 Written and oral feedback
Draft individual research project dissertation Maximum of 6 pages 1-10 Written and oral feedback
       

 

SUMMATIVE ASSESSMENT (% of credit)
Coursework 70 Written Exams 0 Practical Exams 30
DETAILS OF SUMMATIVE ASSESSMENT
Form of Assessment % of Credit Size of Assessment (e.g. duration/length) ILOs Assessed Feedback Method
Skills portfolio 30
1000-word report including literature review and summary about science communication and literacy reflecting on experience. 
 1-10
Individual marksheet and written comments
Group presentation 20 20 minutes 1-10 Marksheet and oral feedback
Individual research project dissertation 40 Maximum of 6 pages 1-10 Individual marksheet and written comments
Individual presentation 10 10 minutes 1-9 Marksheet and 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
Skills portfolio Skills portfolio (30%) 1-10 August Ref/Def period
Group presentation Individual presentation (20%) 1-9 August Ref/Def period
Individual research project Individual research project (40%) 1-10 August Ref/Def period
Individual presentation
 Individual presentation  (10%) 1-9 August Ref/Def period

 

RE-ASSESSMENT NOTES

RE-ASSESSMENT  NOTES –

Deferral – if you have been deferred for any assessment, you will be expected to complete relevant deferred assessments as determined by the Mitigation Committee. The mark given for re-assessment taken as a result of deferral will not be capped and will be treated as it would be if it were your first attempt at the assessment.

Referral – if you have failed the module overall (i.e. a final overall module mark of less than 40%) you will be required to undertake re-assessments as described in the table above for any of the original assessments that you failed. The mark given for a re-assessment taken as a result of referral will be capped at 40%.

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
Indicative Basic reading:
 
• Reading will be from the scientific literature, press and internet, as directed by the student and module coordinator. 
 
Web-based and electronic resources: 
 
• ELE – College to provide hyperlink to appropriate pages
 
Other resources: 
• Kuhn, T. S. (1996) The Structure of Scientific Revolutions (Chicago: University of Chicago Press, 3rd Ed.).
• Popper, K. (1959 [1935]) The Logic of Scientific Discovery (New York: Basic Books).
• S. Shapin, The Scientific Revolution, Chicago University Press 1998.
• Okasha, S. Philosophy of Science: A Very Short Introduction.
• Resnik, DB (1998) The Ethics of Science. Routledge.
• Rollin, B (2006) Science and Ethics. Cambridge University Press.
• Michael P. Marder (2011) Research Methods for Science, Cambridge University Press

Reading list for this module:

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

CREDIT VALUE 30 ECTS VALUE 15
PRE-REQUISITE MODULES None
CO-REQUISITE MODULES None
NQF LEVEL (FHEQ) AVAILABLE AS DISTANCE LEARNING No
ORIGIN DATE Thursday 29 July 2021 LAST REVISION DATE Thursday 26 January 2023
KEY WORDS SEARCH Research, project, History, sciences, publication, research ethics