Learning Outcomes:
On sucessful completion of this module, students should have improved their skills in
(1) analysis and appraisal of scientific research work
(2) planning and managing a project
(3) communicating scientific ideas, both verbal and written
(4) understanding the ethics relating to ownership of ideas and discoveries and how to correctly acknowledge scientific work
(5) becoming an independent learner
(6) understanding the value and impact of scientific research on society
(7) working as part of a team.
Indicative Module Content:
Week 1
Monday or Wednesday – 1pm: Introduction to the philosophy and structure of the module.
Friday – 9am: Introduction to career development and issues around group work. You must be mindful of your career development throughout your studies in UCD and this lecture will raise that awareness and give you some useful guidance.
Week 2
Monday or Wednesday – 1pm: Preparing to engage in the module – this lecture will cover in more detail some of the key tasks that you will be required to undertake. It will cover how to learn, making observations, report structure, referencing sources of information & making presentations.
Friday – 9am: Using the library for success in SCI10010. This is a very important lecture as it will show you how to effectively use library resources to source information for the project (described below) that is the key task in this module.
Tutorials
Students are assigned to a tutorial group with 5-6 members within one of 5 subject areas (biology, physics, chemistry, maths, geology). A tutor (scientist) will be in charge of each group and tutorials will begin in Week 3. The purpose of the tutorials is to engage you in scientific discussions and guide you through a number of assignments as follows:
• Prepare a summary of a scientific paper (submit by Week 6)
• Undertake group project research
• Prepare project report (submit Week 12)
• Make presentation on the project (Week 11)
• Prepare 2 Learning & Reflective Journal entries