Module Catalogue 2024/25

Pre Requisite Comment

N/A

Co Requisite Comment

N/A

Aims

- To give students the opportunity to carry out a substantial, individual piece of work which addresses
current and future issues in earth science.
- To obtain a deeper understanding of an earth science topic than made possible by following a taught
programme of study.
- To develop independent study skills and prepare an extended individual piece of work.

Outline Of Syllabus

The project might involve the student working within one of the School's established research groups, or
elsewhere in collaboration with another industrial or academic partner. The student will be supervised, throughout their project, by an experienced scientist or engineer.


The supervisor will provide advice on the approaches and methods that are best suited to the research problem. The student will give an early stage presentation in the first Semester outlining their detailed research
plan, followed by their dissertation write up towards the end of the second Semester.

Intended Knowledge Outcomes

Knowledge outcomes are specific to the chosen area of study but include knowledge of the research
and/or design process, where to find information, how to present ideas and final design, and an
understanding of how the project fits within the wider context of Environmental and Earth sciences.

Intended Skill Outcomes

On completion of this module, students will have had opportunities to enhance their skills in the
generation, interpretation and use of data relevant to their discipline. In particular, they will have:
(a) critically assessed the value of data and other information on a topic;
(b) formulated or recognised key hypotheses, and identified key data/information which would allow these
hypotheses to be tested;
(c) in many cases, generated such data, through field, laboratory, or other means, and
(d) presented and summarised such data, and critically appraised their significance, using appropriate
numerical and other techniques.

Teaching Rationale And Relationship

Students will investigate a specific issue in environmental science or earth science and through laboratory,
field and/or desk based analysis produce a dissertation that allows them to pursue their own ideas and to
gain a deeper understanding of the subject.

Assessment Rationale And Relationship

The specialist and generic skills, and the knowledge and understanding practiced and developed during this module are assessed primarily through examination of a written final journal-style paper, with additional supplementary material for their supporting data and information.

The use of a journal style format develops the student’s ability to concisely present their key findings. Complementary skills in project planning and self-assessment, and in communication skills, are practiced and assessed through the first semester oral presentation that also gives further peer and academic feedback at a critical stage within the overall project.

General Notes

N/A