2015/16 | Engineering, Mathematics and Physical Sciences Intranet

MODULE TITLE	MSci Research Project 2	CREDIT VALUE	60
MODULE CODE	NSCM001	MODULE CONVENER	Prof Nick Stone (Coordinator)

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

Number of Students Taking Module (anticipated)	20

DESCRIPTION - summary of the module content

In this module you will continue to work on the research project you started in Year 3 (NSC3002). You will work in pairs and for the remaining 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 second part of a two-part 90-credit project extending over Stages 3 and 4 of the MSci programme, where NSC3002 constitutes the first 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. Keep a professional record of the research, including electronic data
2. Produce a conference proceedings paper containing original results and analysis, of the type typically used to present work at scientific conferences

3. Produce a scientific oral presentation introducing the field of research, outlining the research objectives, the methodology undertaken, the results and conclusions

4. Defend the results of the project orally in a fluent and coherent form

Discipline Specific Skills and Knowledge

5. Solve problems using initiative, imagination and creativity
6. Develop advanced data analysis and presentation skills

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. Practise highly effective individual time management

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

Extended hypothesis and project development

Over the summer period between your third and fourth years you will spend ten days enhancing your project outcomes and planning for year 4. This development counts towards the fourth year module NSCM001.

Project Work 1
In the Autumn Term you will spend an average of three days per week on project work (making a total of 30 days).

Project Work 2
In the Spring Term you will spend a further 30 days' work on further analysis and preparation of an individual (not joint) conference proceedings paper (submission end of Term 2) and oral scientific presentation (to be given at the Natural Sciences undergraduate conference in the Summer Term.

LEARNING AND TEACHING

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

Scheduled Learning & Teaching Activities	510.00	Guided Independent Study	90.00	Placement / Study Abroad	0.00

DETAILS OF LEARNING ACTIVITIES AND TEACHING METHODS

Category	Hours of study time	Description
Scheduled Learning and Teaching	20	Weekly meetings with project supervisor
Scheduled Learning and Teaching	490	60 days of project work
Guided independent study	90	Additional research, data analysis, 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 project progress	Weekly five minute oral assessment of progress 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
Conference proceedings paper	45	5 pages max 11 font	1, 2, 6, 8, 9	Individual marksheet
Oral conference presentation	35	20 minutes + 10 for questions	3, 4, 6-9	Individual marksheet
Assessment of good research practice	20	Ongoing supervisory monitoring of progress	1, 4-7, 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
Conference proceedings paper	Conference proceedings paper	1, 2, 6, 8, 9	August ref/def
Oral conference presentation	Oral conference presentation	3, 4, 6-9	August ref/def
Assessment of good research practice	Assessment of good research practice	1, 4-7, 9	August ref/def

RE-ASSESSMENT NOTES

Three assessments are required for this module. The re-assessment will be the same as the original. 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 be capped at 50%.

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:

Scopus

Institutional subscription to scientific journal

Other Resources:

Reading list for this module:

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

CREDIT VALUE	60	ECTS VALUE	30

PRE-REQUISITE MODULES	NSC3002
CO-REQUISITE MODULES	NSCM001

NQF LEVEL (FHEQ)	7	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

NSCM001 - MSci Research Project 2 (2015)