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NAT-30002 - Module Specification
School of Geography, Geology and the Environment
Faculty of Natural Sciences

For academic year: 2022/23 Last Updated: 14 February 2023

NAT-30002 - Natural Sciences Research Project
Coordinator: Katie Szkornik Room: WSF28 Tel: +44 1782 7 33614
Lecture Time: See Timetable...
Level: Level 6
Credits: 30
Study Hours: 310
School Office: 01782 733615

Programme/Approved Electives for 2022/23

None

Available as a Free Standing Elective

No

Co-requisites

None

Prerequisites

None

Barred Combinations

None

Description for 2022/23

This module represents the culmination of the 3-year Natural Sciences degree programme and provides students with the exciting opportunity to research in depth an appropriate area of science through independent study, guided by a supervisor. Students will present the findings of their research in the form of a formal, written report and via a 'conference style' poster presentation at a Keele-based conference of the student's choosing.

Aims
The aims of the module are to:
1) enable students to develop a detailed knowledge of key interdisciplinary issues at the forefront of scientific research through carrying out an independent research project in an appropriate area of their choice;
2) critically evaluate and apply appropriate scientific concepts and practical methodologies to address complex scientific questions;
3) analyse data and make judgments on complex scientific issues, and be able to communicate these at an appropriate level to a variety of audiences;
4) enable students to work independently on a research/experimental project and demonstrate their ability to manage their own time.


Intended Learning Outcomes

manage their own time successfully to complete a planned programme of scientific research and report on their findings via a formal, written report: 1
communicate the key findings of their research to a variety of audiences, including their peers: 1,2
make well-informed arguments and judgments on the issue studied, whilst appreciating the limits of current knowledge: 1

Study hours

5 hrs Project Supervision Meetings
5 hrs Conference Attendance
290 hours conducting independent research/experimental project and writing up of research project.


School Rules

None

Description of Module Assessment

1: Dissertation weighted 90%
10,000 word dissertation based on independent field or lab-based research, or secondary data.
10,000 word dissertation based on independent research.

2: Presentation weighted 10%
Individual poster presentation, presented at a 'conference style' event
Students will select and attend an end of year conference, based at Keele, and will present a summary of their research via a poster presentation to a mixed audience comprising of staff, students and external visitors. Students are responsible for ensuring that all requirements for presenting at their chosen conference are met, including any instructions relating to poster size, format, abstract submission and submission deadlines. Students may consult with their dissertation advisor, the Dissertation Tutor , or the Natural Sciences Programme Director for advice about suitable Keele conferences to attend. Marks are awarded for the poster component of this assessment (and not the presentation) however, students who fail to turn up to a suitable conference and present their poster will have their poster mark capped at 40%.

Please note that for the 2022/23 Academic Year programmes may be adapted to operate in accordance with a flexible, digital approach. This means that there may be some changes made to how modules are delivered and assessed. The latest information will be provided to you by your School in module handbooks. We endeavour to give you as much notice as possible of any changes and details about the circumstance in which changes are made to programmes can be found in the Student Agreement, available at: https://www.keele.ac.uk/student-terms-and-conditions/

Last Updated: 14 February 2023