Overview

Throughout the academic year it is the responsibility of the student to seek adequate tutorial guidance for the preparation and completion of the MSci research project. You should agree an appropriate level, and timing, of tutorial support with your supervisor. Scheduled lectures, meetings and workshop sessions will also be provided. Helpful feedback tutorial support in Semester 1 and 2 forms an important foundation. Ample opportunity for verbal formative feedback will be present in these sessions. This formative feedback can be supplemented by one pre-marked draft of the Research Project or individual sections. In order to obtain pre-marked feedback it is imperative that the supervisor has sufficient time (e.g., 2-3 weeks).

Assessment Strategy

-threshold -(C) Insufficient to fulfil the associated learning outcomes • Deficiencies in Knowledge even of key areas/principles • No evidence of understanding, even of main areas • No evidence of background study • Answer relies on tangential material and lacks a coherent structure • No arguments presented • Many factual/computational errors • No original interpretation • No links between topics are described • No attempt to solve problems • The presentation is very weak containing many inaccuracies -good -(B) Strong knowledge • Understands most but not all • Evidence of background study • Focussed answer with good structure • Arguments presented coherently • Mostly free of factual/computational errors • Some limited original interpretation • Well known links between topics are described • Problems addressed by existing methods/approaches • Good presentation with accurate communication -excellent -(A) Comprehensive knowledge • Detailed understanding • Extensive background study • Highly focussed answer and well structured • Logically presented and defended arguments • No factual/computational errors • Original interpretation • New links between topics are developed • New approach to a problem • Excellent presentation with very accurate communication

Learning Outcomes

• Demonstrate a range of communication skills appropriate to the outcomes of postgraduate study

• Critically appraise ideas and empirical findings in order to formulate research hypotheses that address a chosen research question

• Identify and demonstrate skills that underpin the independent management of empirical research within their chosen area of study

• Maintain adequate contact with their supervisor and contribute proactively to tutorials and project management sessions

• Obtain ethical approval for a research study

• Provide evidence of a critical and analytical approach to the collection, organisation and interpretation of scientific data