AP0708 - Applied Sciences Research Project

What will I learn on this module?

This module provides you with a vehicle for developing, refining and applying your research skills in an independent project. Guided by a staff member, you will plan, carry out and report the outcomes of an independent research project to professional standards. You will identify stakeholders in your research and describe the projected impact your research holds for them. In order to prepare you for life as a research professional, assessments emulate authentic professional documentary formats aimed at securing project resources and disseminating your findings to ensure they develop real world impact.

How will I learn on this module?

Your project will take the format of an individual focussed investigation using traditional laboratory methodologies, computational or critical literature review approaches or maybe a combination of these approaches. There is a strong emphasis upon your own independent study, with the support and guidance of academic tutor[s].
Initially, you will explore the literature in your project area and will develop a plan for your investigation that will be reviewed by staff members with feedback given to ensure that sufficient resources and time are available to make significant progress and to confirm a robust experimental approach including a data analysis protocol(s) is in place. In order to make this approach research accessible to all stakeholders, a short lay summary will also be included.
You will spend time collecting experimental data, extending and refining your portfolio of practical laboratory or informatics skills as well as manipulating and analysing your data sets with appropriate tests. You will discuss your findings and their significance with your peers and your tutor(s). You will improve your communication skills by preparing a written report to disseminate your findings in a research paper style.

How will I be supported academically on this module?

At the outset of the module you will be allocated a research supervisor whose research interests are aligned to your own. In a series of one-to-one or small group meetings, you will discuss research ideas with them and they will guide you in a literature survey that will establish a strong understanding of the current state of your chosen research field and a methodological basis for your study. They will provide feedback on your experimental approach ahead of your proposal submission and provide guidance to ensure all aspects of research governance are considered and recorded. Your tutor and members of our technical and research staff will provide training in necessary techniques and complex data analyses. Your tutor(s) will provide rich, structured feedback on your proposal and report documents before their final submission for summative assessment.

What will I be expected to read on this module?

All modules at Northumbria include a range of reading materials that students are expected to engage with. The reading list for this module can be found at: http://readinglists.northumbria.ac.uk
(Reading List service online guide for academic staff this containing contact details for the Reading List team – http://library.northumbria.ac.uk/readinglists)

What will I be expected to achieve?

Knowledge & Understanding:
M-1. Develop a robust experimental design
Intellectual / Professional skills & abilities:
M-2. Identify and advocate the development of an applied research programme
M-3. Record and analyse experimental data to professional standards
M-4. Describe, evaluate and contextualise research findings
Personal Values Attributes (Global / Cultural awareness, Ethics, Curiosity) (PVA):
M-5. Identify and explore the impact of your research on stakeholders

How will I be assessed?

Assessment 1:The rationale for the research programme and the suitability of the experimental design will be assessed in a research proposal presentation (15 minutes + 5mins questions s). 20% module score. MLOs assessed M1-2, M5.
Feedback will be related via a rubric with supplementary notes
Assessment 2: Students’ performance will be continually assessed during the different phases of the project and will be quantified via a rubric addressing personal input, persistence, ingenuity, innovation, productivity, and data management.
MLOs assessed M1, M3. 20% module score.
Assessment 3: The main assessment for the module will be a formal written report written according to professional guidelines and standards. After completion of a laboratory work, a report manuscript (up to 10000 words ) will be submitted for formal academic review (emulating submission of a research paper) ahead of final project submission which contributes 60% of the module score. All MLOs assessed Feedback will be related via a rubric with supplementary notes.

Pre-requisite(s)

N/A

Co-requisite(s)

N/A

Module abstract

This research module represents the pinnacle of your Master’s level learning. It affords you the opportunity to apply and extend your portfolio of skills and techniques to either solve or clarify real world issues or to develop innovations to drive progress in industrial, judicial or healthcare settings. Under the guidance of an academic tutor, you will design and deliver a research programme with free access to the Departments state-of-the-art facilities. You will be supported in two authentic coursework assessments which will directly promote your employability by improving how you write and present in a convincing scientific style. Firstly, you will develop a detailed research proposal to describe and justify a programme of research and the full extent of its anticipated impact by a pitch presentation After you complete your research work, you will develop a written report in the style of a research a paper with authentic academic review providing structured feedback toward your final manuscript submission.

Course info

Credits 60

Level of Study Postgraduate

Mode of Study 1 year full-time
1 other options available

Department Applied Sciences

Location City Campus, Northumbria University

City Newcastle

Start September 2024

Fee Information

Module Information

All information is accurate at the time of sharing. 

Full time Courses are primarily delivered via on-campus face to face learning but could include elements of online learning. Most courses run as planned and as promoted on our website and via our marketing materials, but if there are any substantial changes (as determined by the Competition and Markets Authority) to a course or there is the potential that course may be withdrawn, we will notify all affected applicants as soon as possible with advice and guidance regarding their options. It is also important to be aware that optional modules listed on course pages may be subject to change depending on uptake numbers each year.  

Contact time is subject to increase or decrease in line with possible restrictions imposed by the government or the University in the interest of maintaining the health and safety and wellbeing of students, staff, and visitors if this is deemed necessary in future.

 

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