Core Module Information
Module title: Research Project

SCQF level: 11:
SCQF credit value: 60.00
ECTS credit value: 30

Module code: ENV11121
Module leader: Robert Briers
School School of Applied Sciences
Subject area group: Life Sciences
Prerequisites

There are no pre-requisites for this module to be added

Description of module content:

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.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.

Learning Outcomes for module:

Upon completion of this module you will be able to

LO1: Design a valid research project.

LO2: Generate hypotheses or research questions, and devise suitable protocols in order to evaluate these.

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.

Full Details of Teaching and Assessment
2025/6, Trimester 2, In Person,
VIEW FULL DETAILS
Occurrence: 001
Primary mode of delivery: In Person
Location of delivery: SIGHTHILL
Partner:
Member of staff responsible for delivering module: Robert Briers
Module Organiser:


Student Activity (Notional Equivalent Study Hours (NESH))
Mode of activityLearning & Teaching ActivityNESH (Study Hours)NESH Description
Online Guided independent study 588 Your initial work will focus on reviewing relevant literature and discussion with your adviser in order to prepare the project proposal. Following on from this, you are expected to structure your time to complete the data-gathering, analysis and write-up aspects of your project work, along with regular communication with your adviser.
Face To Face Project Supervision 12 You will regularly meet or have contact with your advisor (generally weekly, but interval dependent on phase of activity) to discuss progress and get input on project development or specific aspects of the work.
Total Study Hours600
Expected Total Study Hours for Module600


Assessment
Type of Assessment Weighting % LOs covered Week due Length in Hours/Words Description
Final Year Project 10 1~2 Week 3 , WORDS= 2500 words Project proposal - a written project proposal produced following discussion with adviser and any external collaborators. It should include any relevant risk assessments for travel and field work.
Final Year Project 75 3~5~6 Week 13 , WORDS= 8000 Research paper - written output from the research project work, formatted in the style of a published research paper (based on guidelines provided).
Discussion/Participation 15 4 Week 13 HOURS= 0 Performance mark, based on interaction throughout project work. This relates to the degree of professionalism and independence exhibited. The opinion of any external collaborators will help to inform this grade.
Component 1 subtotal: 100
Component 2 subtotal: 0
Module subtotal: 100

Indicative References and Reading List - URL:
ENV11121: Additional Reading: Online Statistic Books