MSci Research Project in Natural Sciences with Specialisation in Archaeology - ARC00091M

«Back to module search

Module will run

Occurrence	Teaching period
A	Spring Term 2022-23 to Summer Term 2022-23

Module aims

This module represents the climax of the entire MSci Natural Sciences programme. It brings together knowledge that has been accrued and skills that have been developed during the previous three years. The interdisciplinary project is a research investigation that generates new knowledge. (The applied methodology may itself be either mature or less well established.)

Natural Sciences projects have a strong interdisciplinary focus that reflects the students’ individual pathwaysthrough the degree programme.

The aim of this module is to develop and demonstrate the ability to design, plan, carry out and report on an interdisciplinary research project.

Module learning outcomes

• retrieve, analyse, synthesise and evaluate relevant literature and other information relating to the project topic (journal articles, websites, textbooks, research group seminars)

• retrieve/devise an appropriate research methodology and develop it into a detailed project plan and timetable

• investigate an area of the Natural Sciences in a systematic way using appropriate experimental, observational and/or theoretical techniques

• work independently and organise effectively to achieve the project’s goals

• apply an agreed methodology to re-test an existing hypothesis or to a new situation/scenario/regime in order to generate new knowledge

• systematically and legibly record the work as it is carried out in a paper-based or electronic notebook

• report the project outcome and evaluate its success in a substantial word-processed report and in an oral discussion with the examiners

Module content

Students will be allocated/have the opportunity to develop an interdisciplinary MSci project taking their subject specialism and preferences into account. Projects will involve working in a research group on a topic devised by you and your supervisor. Primary and/or secondary data can be used for the purposes of the research project.

The students write a project report (which includes a literature review).

Indicative assessment

Task	% of module mark
Essay/coursework	90
Oral presentation/seminar/exam	10

Special assessment rules

None

Additional assessment information

Interdisciplinarity is embedded throughout and will be assessed in an integrated fashion. 

Indicative reassessment

None

Module feedback

MSci research project supervisors provide regular feedback on project progress throughout the academic year.

Informal verbal feedback on the project and performance during the oral presentation will be given by the panel present during the oral presentation. 

Indicative reading

Will depend on the project being carried out - research literature