Natural Sciences

In this module you will work on a real research project linked to a research group from across the University. You will often work  alongside other project students and  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 project supervisor, and director of studies or programme director, by electing to take module NSCM002 (project extension) in your fourth year.

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 practising researcher, but which are also highly valued in many other professions.

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

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 on average three days per week in background reading, discussions and laboratory demonstrations (making a total of 6 days). You will write a brief literature review of the project area to append on an abstract for submission towards the end of Term 2.

Project Work: In 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 58 hours of additional research, reading and preparation for assessments throughout the duration of the project.

Analysis and write up: In 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 abstract and literature review (submission end of Term 2) and preparing a poster display of your work (for presentation in Term 3). The assessment will take the form of a discussion of the display (see details of assessment below). 

Four 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 count for 100% of the final mark and will be capped at 40%.

Reading list for this module:

• 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

Yes

• ELE page: http://vle.exeter.ac.uk/course/view.php?id=4872
• Web of Science
• Scopus