Requisites: AND Pre-requisite: Statistical analysis and research project design. AND Pre-requisite: [Module ENV11109] Scientific Methods

In this module you will design and conduct an independent research project. This may be a field or lab based study, a data analysis project or a piece of qualitative research (e.g. questionnaires). This involves design, development and implementation of a programme of research in a particular field of study relevant to your interests. You will critically analyse data/information generated, and communicate the outcomes in a research paper, which will develop your skills in scientific writing. You are encouraged to develop a project which meets your constraints in terms of location, funding and interests. Projects can be undertaken independently (provided health and safety concerns are met) or in collaboration with organisations locally or around the world.As a full-time (FT) student, you will have one trimester to complete the module. If you are a part-time or distance learning student (PT/DL), you will have 2 trimesters to complete. In either case, you will first develop a project proposal and complete any necessary risk assessments and ethics approvals prior to getting under way with the actual project work. If your project idea cannot be completed in the trimester when you are due to take this module e.g. your focal species is not active at that time of year, you should consult staff as to possible options.

Upon completion of this module you will be able to

LO1: Design a valid research project.

LO2: Generate a hypothesis, and devise suitable protocols in order to test that hypothesis.

LO3: Collect and analyse data, or metadata, in a rigorous manner.

LO4: Exercise appropriate self-reliance, initiative and time management.

LO5: Apply valid investigative principles to the analysis and solution of practical problems.

LO6: Select and evaluate appropriate literature to critically discuss original research findings.