AP0700 - Graduate Science Research Methods

What will I learn on this module?

This module will provide you with an opportunity to develop your skills in the use and understanding of relevant literature and in both quantitative and qualitative methods. You will learn how to evaluate and contribute to the scientific literature and to interpret and disseminate scientific information. You will appreciate the desirable properties of research design and be able to select an experimental design appropriate to a given system and create the design matrix. You will learn how to assess the kinds of scientific data and tests of hypotheses and will be able to select, apply, and interpret the output from statistical methods of data analysis, and to evaluate the results of statistical analyses as applied to a given data set. Using contemporary science stories, you will develop scientific communication skills in systematic searching, summary writing and critical analysis of the underpinning primary research.

How will I learn on this module?

The module will be delivered each week by a combination of guidance lectures coupled with workshop sessions using examples relating to the lecture material. In the workshops, you will practice the skills learnt in lectures with the benefit of immediate feedback and / or additional guidance from the tutor using additional exercises and examples - these will form the basis for 2 hour workshops. The workshops will allow you to work at your own pace, combining individual and group work to ensure your confidence with all of the material and exercises in an engaging and supportive environment.

How will I be supported academically on this module?

You will be given lecture materials, workshop exercises and directed reading to inform both self-directed learning and in-class activities. You will develop skills in working independently and in small groups whilst under the guidance of a lecturer, ensuring on a week-by-week basis your confidence with each set of new skills and methods. The module blackboard site will be utilised as a repository for lecture and workshop materials allowing you to practice techniques for the statistics exam.

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: You will
1.Understand the hypothetico-deductive process and the processes contributing to its presentation in a variety of publication types. (Component 2)
2.Know the desirable properties of research design and power and be able to critically assess literature in this context. (Component 2)
Intellectual / Professional skills & abilities:
3.Find, appraise and disseminate scientific information. (Component 2)
4.Select, apply, and assess the output from statistical methods of data analysis, including appropriate presentation of data. (component 01 )
5.Construct an experimental design appropriate to a given system to create the appropriate quantitative or qualitative design matrix. (component 01)

How will I be assessed?

Component 01 – statistics exam. An ICT based exam will assess your understanding and ability to choose and perform appropriatestatistical tests, methods and the ability to display and summarise the information appropriately.
(MLO’s 4, 5)
Component 02- assignment (2000 words). You will compose a critical evaluation of a discipline specific research topic of contemporary interest and you will also translate your academic findings into a concise summary that is accessible to a lay reader ((MLO’s 1, 2 and 3)

Formative opportunities will be provided in workshops, utilising small group and individual work guided by a tutor to give immediate verbal feedback

Pre-requisite(s)

N/A

Co-requisite(s)

N/A

Module abstract

Graduate Science Research methods will allow you to develop skills in experimental design and data handling including commonly used statistical tests and methods. You will use these skills as part of the ability to critically appraise other literature where you will follow a science story in the popular press at the time back to its origins in the primary literature. During this process you will develop and refine skills in systematic searching of literature as well as developing your own scientific writing style in both lay summary and academic critical writing. You will refine these skills alongside your other studies, being able to deploy them appropriately and with on-going support, providing you with a rich foundation for the rest of your studies at Masters level.

Course info

Credits 20

Level of Study Postgraduate

Mode of Study 2 years part-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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