AESC40160 Research Project (AESC)

Academic Year 2024/2025

In this final year capstone module students select, plan, design, conduct and report a research project, related to the agri-environment, under the supervision of an academic staff member. The students report and explain the background, objectives, methods, results, interpretations and also applications/implications of their research in a thesis.

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Curricular information is subject to change

Learning Outcomes:

- Develop skills and competence to synthesise scientific information.
- Understand and appreciate the importance of the scientific method and experimental design in answering specific questions.
- Develop organisational, technical and problem-solving abilities in the context of a scientific research project.
- Ability to apply basic data description and analysis tools.
- Achievement in written and oral communication skills.
- Understand the importance of self motivation, application and time management.

Indicative Module Content:

Students identify an individual project from a list of suitable topics and wider research areas provided by the module coordinator, following consultation with the selected supervisor. During the designated period students are expected to devote themselves to their projects (subject to other programme requirements). Students must familiarise themselves with the rules of the laboratory and with health and safety practices. Students will maintain regular contact with their supervisor who will assist by providing practical guidance and advice on the research planning and execution, as well as by reading and commenting on presentation slides and written work.

Student Effort Hours: 
Student Effort Type Hours
Lectures

2
Seminar (or Webinar)

10
Project Supervision

14
Specified Learning Activities

280
Total

306
Approaches to Teaching and Learning:
Students select, plan, design, conduct and write up a research project under the supervision of an academic staff member. Overall guidance and instructions are provided by the module coordinator. Students normally work in pairs or groups during field work.
Formal teaching contacts are limited to organisational sessions with the Module Coordinator and a small number of computer-based practical sessions on data handling, graphing and analysis. 
Requirements, Exclusions and Recommendations

Not applicable to this module.


Module Requisites and Incompatibles
Not applicable to this module.
 
Assessment Strategy  
Description Timing Component Scale Must Pass Component % of Final Grade In Module Component Repeat Offered
Thesis/Dissertation: An undergraduate thesis, for a capstone module (15 ECTS) Week 12 Graded No

70

 No
Participation in Learning Activities: An in-class oral presention Week 10 Standard conversion grade scale 40% No

10

 No
Participation in Learning Activities: The Supervisor's grade component, based on continuous assessment of the student's engagement, initiative and own contribution to the project. Includes an initial Research Plan due in Week 2. Week 1, Week 2, Week 3, Week 4, Week 5, Week 6, Week 7, Week 8, Week 9, Week 10, Week 11, Week 12 Graded No

20

 No

Carry forward of passed components
Yes
 
Resit In Terminal Exam
Summer No
Please see Student Jargon Buster for more information about remediation types and timing. 
Feedback Strategy/Strategies

• Feedback individually to students, post-assessment
• Group/class feedback, post-assessment
• Self-assessment activities

How will my Feedback be Delivered?

Individual and class feedback is given on oral presenations. Self-assessment is encouraged during the project duration, with reference to the grading scheme used for the Supervisor's grade and report.

Name Role
Dr Simon Hodge Lecturer / Co-Lecturer