2015/16 | Engineering, Mathematics and Physical Sciences Intranet

MODULE TITLE	MSci Research Project 1	CREDIT VALUE	30
MODULE CODE	NSC3002	MODULE CONVENER	Prof Ken Haynes (Coordinator)

DURATION: TERM	1	2	3
DURATION: WEEKS	0	11	3

Number of Students Taking Module (anticipated)	20

DESCRIPTION - summary of the module content

In this module you will work on a real research project linked to a research group from across the University. You will work in pairs and for the duration of the project will become a member of the research group.

You will gain a valuable insight into scientific research, but will also have an opportunity to make a real contribution to this research.

This module constitutes the first part of a two-part 90-credit project extending over Stages 3 and 4 of the MSci programme, where NSCM001 constitutes the second part. In addition, the project may be further extended, subject to agreement from your personal tutor, by electing to take module NSCM002 (project extension) in your fourth year.

AIMS - intentions of the module

The aim of this module is to allow you to bring together the knowledge, expertise and skills you have acquired to address a real problem in a research environment. This module aims to foster the skills in open-ended problem solving you will need as a practicing researcher, but which are also highly valued in many other professions.

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. Evaluate in detail the subject area of the project and execute competently the agreed project work
2. Demonstrate your knowledge of the general requirements of safety regulations in your practical work

3. Identify any specific hazards associated with your particular project and/or its environment, describe the associated procedures for safe working, and explain the rationale for such procedures

4. Appropriately complete risk assessment forms as applicable to your particular project

Discipline Specific Skills and Knowledge

5. Solve problems analytically and systematically
6. Produce scientific reports based on accurate and objective record keeping and critical evaluation of results;

7. Act in a professional, safe and ethical manner

Personal and Key Transferable / Employment Skills and Knowledge

8. Communicate effectively by means of oral and written presentations
9. Manage time and resources, using appropriate strategies and with the support of a project supervisor, to complete work to schedule

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

The hours of work specified below are the core project hours; the additional hours needed to correspond to 30 credits are spent individually analysing results, writing reports, etc.

Background In weeks 1-2 of Term 2 you will spend three days per week in background reading, discussions and laboratory demonstrations. You will write a brief literature review of project area to append on abstract for submission towards the end of Term 2.
Project WorkIn weeks 3-9 of Term 2 you will spend an average of three days per week on project work, making a total of 21 days. You will also be expected to perform 100 hours of additional research, reading and preparation for assessments throughout the duration of the project.
Analysis and write upIn weeks 10-11 of Term 2 you will spend an average of three days per week (making a total of 6 days) on writing an individual abstract (submission end of Term 2) and jointly preparing a poster display of your work (for presentation in Term 3). The assessment will take the form of a discussion of the display with each student in turn (see details of assessment below).
Extended hypothesis and project developmentOver the summer period between your third and fourth years you will spend ten days enhancing your project outcomes and planning for year 4. These hours are counted towards the fourth year module NSCM001.

LEARNING AND TEACHING

LEARNING ACTIVITIES AND TEACHING METHODS (given in hours of study time)

Scheduled Learning & Teaching Activities	200.00	Guided Independent Study	100.00	Placement / Study Abroad	0.00

DETAILS OF LEARNING ACTIVITIES AND TEACHING METHODS

Category	Hours of study time	Description
Scheduled Learning and Teaching	13	Weekly meetings with project supervisor
Scheduled Learning and Teaching	187	27 days of project work
Guided independent study	100	Additional research, reading and preparation for module assessments

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
Oral review of laboratory notebooks and project progress	Weekly five minute oral assessment of notebooks by project supervisor	All	Oral

SUMMATIVE ASSESSMENT (% of credit)

Coursework	55	Written Exams	0	Practical Exams	45

DETAILS OF SUMMATIVE ASSESSMENT

Form of Assessment	% of Credit	Size of Assessment (e.g. duration/length)	ILOs Assessed	Feedback Method
Extended conference abstract including brief literature review	20	1,000 words	1, 5, 6, 8	Individual marksheet
Conference poster	35	A0 size scientific	1, 5-8	Individual marksheet
Oral defence of poster	30	10 minute individual oral examination	1, 2, 5, 7, 8	Individual marksheet
Assessment of good research practice	15	Ongoing supervisory monitoring of progress	1-9	Individual marksheet

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
Extended conference abstract including brief literature review	Extended conference abstract including brief literature review	1, 5, 6, 8	August ref/def
Conference poster	Conference poster	1, 5-8	August ref/def
Oral defence of poster	Oral defence of poster	1, 2, 5, 7, 8	August ref/def
Assessment of good research practice	Assessment of good research practice	1-9	August ref/def

RE-ASSESSMENT NOTES

Four assessments are required for this module. The re-assessment will be the same as the original. The mark given for a 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. The mark given for a re-assessment taken as a result of referral will count for 100% of the final mark and 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

Basic reading:

McMillan, K, Weyers, J, "How to Write Essays and Assignments" , Pearson Education Skills Set (2009), ISBN: 978-0273726951

McMillan,K, Weyers, J, "How to Write Dissertations and Project Reports" , Pearson Education (2009), ISBN: 978-0273726937

Bowden, J, "Writing a report: how to prepare, write and present effective reports" 8th, How To Books Ltd (2008), ISBN: 978-1845282936

ELE: http://vle.exeter.ac.uk/

Web based and Electronic Resources:

Web of Science

Scopus

Other Resources:

Reading list for this module:

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

CREDIT VALUE	30	ECTS VALUE	16

PRE-REQUISITE MODULES	None
CO-REQUISITE MODULES	None

NQF LEVEL (FHEQ)	6	AVAILABLE AS DISTANCE LEARNING	No
ORIGIN DATE	Thursday 14 May 2015	LAST REVISION DATE	Thursday 08 October 2015

KEY WORDS SEARCH	Individual research projects

Natural Sciences

NSC3002 - MSci Research Project 1 (2015)