Module overview
This module provides two-thirds of the content for the MRes Wildlife Conservation programme. During it you will develop research skills, as you work closely with a Marwell Conservation Biologist and University of Southampton supervisor to propose a detailed methodology for your research project. You will then have the unique experience of undertaking that extensive research project at one of Marwell Wildlife’s conservation sites, in the UK or abroad. During this process you will have the opportunity to become part of an existing and dynamic team of practicing conservation biologists.
Aims and Objectives
Learning Outcomes
Knowledge and Understanding
Having successfully completed this module, you will be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of:
- Analytical skills to a level sufficient to understand the principles of statistical modelling.
- A wide selection of topics currently at the frontiers of wildlife conservation research and many of the specialist techniques used to investigate them.
Transferable and Generic Skills
Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:
- Synthesise, apply and develop computing, statistical and mathematical skills.
- Design, implement and report on scientific research projects, including a major research project at the forefront of wildlife conservation knowledge.
- Critical use of a range of resources as a source of information, means of communication and data dissemination.
- Be able to design and manage a research project.
- Develop an adaptable and flexible approach to study and work, this is particularly relevant to field work
Subject Specific Intellectual and Research Skills
Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:
- Synthesise and integrate relevant scientific literature.
- Evaluate and apply subject-specific theories, paradigms, concepts and principles in the context of research.
- Critically analyse, synthesise, interpret and summarise complex scientific information.
- Application of methodology to collect, record and analyse data.
- Undertake field investigations in a responsible and safe manner, paying due attention to risk assessment, ethical approval, rights of access, relevant health and safety regulations, and sensitivity to the impact of investigations on the environment and stakeholders.
Syllabus
This module begins in semester 2, with four formative small group tutorials, during which you will develop a log frame research proposal for your project. This will be discussed with your project supervisors. Following approval of your risk assessment (and ethical approval, if required) data collection for your project will then begin.
The project will be linked to on-going conservation science at Marwell Wildlife, and may involve the acquisition of new data, the analysis of existing data in a novel way, or the development and testing of a new method. The project is expected to lead to results which are publishable in the peer-reviewed scientific literature, and outcomes which have a material effect on applied conservation work.
You will submit a project report, in the style of a peer-reviewed paper. You will also present your research and undertake a viva voce exam with your internal examiners.
Learning and Teaching
Teaching and learning methods
Contact time: 4 hours of small group tutorials; regular meetings with project supervisors from Marwell Wildlife and School of Biological Sciences throughout the project (24).
Private study hours: 1172 (this includes: writing the research proposal, data collection and analysing, writing the report)
Total study time: 1200 hours
| Type | Hours |
|---|---|
| Independent Study | 1172 |
| Tutorial | 4 |
| Project supervision | 24 |
| Total study time | 1200 |
Resources & Reading list
Internet Resources
Textbooks
Biggam, J. Succeeding with your Master’s dissertation a step-by-step handbook. Open University Press.
Ruxton, G.D. & Colegrave, N. Experimental design for the life sciences. Oxford University Press.
Bond, A. Your Master’s thesis. Studymates Ltd.
Schimel, J. Writing science: how to write papers that get cited and proposals that get funded. Oxford University Press.
Assessment
Summative
This is how we’ll formally assess what you have learned in this module.
| Method | Percentage contribution |
|---|---|
| Research project Report | 70% |
| Oral assessment and presentation | 10% |
| Diligence and Initiative | 5% |
| Research proposal | 15% |
Referral
This is how we’ll assess you if you don’t meet the criteria to pass this module.
| Method | Percentage contribution |
|---|---|
| Research project Report | 100% |