MSc Key Skills and Literature Review

Learning Outcomes

Learning Outcomes

Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:

• Researching literature
• Development of testable hypotheses
• Better manage your research project using time management and interpersonal techniques
• Write a well-structured scientific report
• Development of suitable scientific method
• Design poster presentations suitable for a scientific audience
• Oral presentation
• Write articles that communicate research effectively to non-specialist audiences
• Formulate research project objectives in the context of existing work
• Poster Presentation
• Prepare for job or PhD applications
• Plan and execute coastal fieldwork
• Structure an academic literature review
• Critical evaluation
• Write a clearly-justified research proposal
• Critically research, evaluate and synthesise the findings of peer-reviewed publications
• Communicating with non-specialist audiences
• Technical writing
• Teamworking
• Deliver a research seminar suitable for a scientific audience

Lectures, workshops and fieldwork sessions covering the material in this course take place throughout Semesters 1 and 2. Self-study materials are also available in some cases. Sessions cover the following areas:

Communication and research skills:

• Writing research papers
• Presenting research seminars
• Preparing poster presentations
• Writing a research proposal
• Writing an academic literature review
• Communicating research to wider audiences

IT and data analysis:

• Introduction to MATLAB
• Introduction to Surfer
• Data presentation

Professional skills:

• Career development (CVs, job application, interview technique)
• Professional skills (negotiation, time management etc.)

Fieldwork:

• Boatwork covering physical, chemical, biological oceanographic and marine geological techniques
• Chartwork.

Teaching and learning methods

Communication and Research Skills: These sessions provide students with training and experience in writing research papers, preparing academic literature reviews, producing research proposals and presenting results in seminars, posters and communication with the wider public.

IT & Data Analysis: These sessions cover the fundamentals of data presentation and general introductions to Matlab and Surfer.

Professional Development: These sessions provide advice on applying for job and PhD opportunities and training in 'personal effectiveness' techniques useful for the MSc project.

Boatwork: MSc boatwork activities are intended to familiarise students with a range of techniques and equipment used in physical, chemical and biological oceanography and marine geology, while also exercising team working skills and exploring features of estuarine oceanography.

A wide range of support can be provided for those students who have further or specific learning and teaching needs.

Summative

Summative assessment description

Repeat Information

Repeat type: Internal