This module is not currently running in 2024 to 2025.
To provide students with an understanding of academic research and an ability to identify and utilise appropriate strategies and techniques for the purpose of individual investigation, research and practice within a subject specific area of their course route. This module will prepare students to undertake the dissertation module in Stage 2 of their course.
40 hours to include workshops and lectures, directed independent learning, and the preparation of a research proposal under supervision from an academic within the subject area of their pathway.
Non-contributory on all SAC Conservation postgraduate taught courses
Participation and engagement – no formal assessment. Nevertheless, the students will be expected to submit various forms in preparation to their dissertation, such as a project preference form, risk assessment and ethics forms etc., as well as a project proposal form and present their project proposal and budget to their peers and staff (typically last week of February). The latter two components will serve as a basis for assessing the level of funding support the school is able to provide individual students in pursuing their dissertation project (stage 2).
• Biggam, J. (2011) Succeeding with your Master's Dissertation: a Step by Step Handbook, Open University Press, (2nd edition).
• Pechenik, J. and Lamb, B. (1996) How to Write About Biology. Prentice Hall; New Ed edition
• Robson, R. and McCartan, K. (2016). Real World Research: A Resource for Users of Social Research Methods in Applied Settings. John Wiley & Sons (4th Ed.)
On successfully completing the module students will be able to:
1. Demonstrate research attitudes, knowledge, and skills applicable to their intended research focus.
2. Understand the protocols and styles required for citing articles in peer-reviewed journals and other sources of published/unpublished work in the specific field of research.
3. Identify relevant and feasible areas of research in relation to Conservation discourses and priorities for the purpose of individual investigation.
4. Identify major research approaches and methodologies and their relevance and appropriateness to research.
5. Design a project in liaison with staff which will provide suitable scope for research in the dissertation.
6. Critically apply research ethical guidance, approaches and methods, and project management techniques, in the design and planning of a research programme approved for research in the postgraduate dissertation.
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