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BIOL40130

Academic Year 2024/2025

Research Project (Global Change) (BIOL40130)

Subject:
Biology
College:
Science
School:
Biology & Environment Science
Level:
4 (Masters)
Credits:
30
Module Coordinator:
Dr Florence Renou-Wilson
Trimester:
Autumn
Mode of Delivery:
On Campus
Internship Module:
No
How will I be graded?
Letter grades

Curricular information is subject to change.

The research project is an important element of the Masters in Global Change as it involves the planning, execution and communication of a research question that the student wishes to investigate in depth. Students can discuss with researchers potential topics which will be accepted following consultation with the selected supervisor and the module co-ordinator. A period of 16 weeks will be devoted entirely to the project work. Students will maintain regular contact with their supervisor, who will assist by guiding the project, reading and commenting on written work, and providing advice as necessary.

About this Module

Learning Outcomes:

The thesis research module has been designed for you to achieve some of the following learning outcomes of the MSc Global Change Programme:
1. Perform environmental research in a confident manner by applying relevant tools in data collection, management, analysis and reporting.
2. Describe some aspect of the environment which is impacted by global change and understand the implications and possible mitigation and adaptation measures.
3. Evaluate the interaction between policies and the quality of the environment in its multiple biotic, abiotic and cultural-economic dimensions.
4. Understand and promote the development of policy in terms of adaptation and mitigations for natural and managed ecosystems, thereby supporting sustainable livelihoods.
5. Communicate policy-relevant evidence to diverse target audiences in an unambiguous way.

Acquired skills on completion of the module:
- Develop organisational and writing skills
- Locate, synthesise and critically review scientific information and data from a wide range of sources and construct and defend reasoned conclusions
- Design and undertake research using appropriate data collection and analysis methods
- Ability to use and interpret a wide range of datasets
- Communicate findings, ideas and solutions clearly and effectively
- Address the gap between science and policy
- Develop strategies for continuous professional development and continue self-directed learning required to enhance their career ambitions

Student Effort Hours:
Student Effort Type Hours
Specified Learning Activities

150

Autonomous Student Learning

600

Total

750


Approaches to Teaching and Learning:
The thesis is an independent exercise requiring a large amount of effective autonomous reading, researching, analysis, writing which will be supported by specific task-based learning activities. The students will be guided in their research project by their supervisor and the module coordinator.

Requirements, Exclusions and Recommendations
Learning Requirements:

None

Learning Exclusions:

None

Learning Recommendations:

None


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

Not yet recorded.


Carry forward of passed components
No
 

Remediation Type Remediation Timing
In-Module Resit Prior to relevant Programme Exam Board
Please see Student Jargon Buster for more information about remediation types and timing. 

Feedback Strategy/Strategies

• Feedback individually to students, on an activity or draft prior to summative assessment
• Feedback individually to students, post-assessment

How will my Feedback be Delivered?

Feedback is provided to the students on a draft of their research proposal as well as on a draft of their final thesis. A final feedback sheet of the grading of the thesis is available to the student.