AP1EX1-Applied Project

Module Provider: Agr and Food Econ
Number of credits: 10 [5 ECTS credits]
Level:4
Terms in which taught: Autumn / Spring term module
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded:
Current from: 2020/1

Module Convenor: Dr Anna Macready

Email: a.l.macready@reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:

Learn to identify a research question, and develop the skills to research and evaluate a topic of your choice. Develop a project proposal as part of a team in a general area of interest. Apply your research skills to review and evaluate the academic literature around a specific topic for your individual project report assignment. Gain important experience of working as part of a team and communicate your research findings both orally and in written form.

Aims:
The module aims to develop a range of skills that will better equip students to research and write at length about a given topic. Students may choose any topic within the scope of their degree programme subject to the approval of the module convenor. The module will encourage students to evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of their current writing style (at the start of their degree programme) and to identify areas that can be improved.

Assessable learning outcomes:

By the end of this module students will be able to:

• Present a project proposal


• Plan and conduct a piece of applied research


• Review literature relevant to their project aims 


• Communicate research findings by means of a group presentation and written project report

Additional outcomes:

Students will learn skills associated with researching information from various sources, planning research, writing, teamworking and presenting.

Outline content:

1. Choosing a project topic and identifying a research question


2. Writing and presenting a project research proposal


3. Organising and undertaking research.


4. Sourcing information - literature searching and data gathering


5. Reviewing literature


6. Referencing skills


7. Teamworking and presentation skills


8. Planning and writing a project report.

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:
Students will identify an appropriate research topic for their project guided by the module convenor and personal tutor.
The course comprises a series of lectures and workshops addressing the key dimensions of preparing a research report and developing effective writing skills.

Contact hours:

	Autumn	Spring	Summer
Lectures	5	5
Tutorials	1
Practicals classes and workshops	6	6
Guided independent study:	38	39
Total hours by term	50	50
Total hours for module	100

Summative Assessment Methods:

Method	Percentage
Project output other than dissertation	80
Oral assessment and presentation	20

Summative assessment- Examinations:

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:

Formative assessment methods:

Penalties for late submission:

The Module Convenor will apply the following penalties for work submitted late:

• where the piece of work is submitted after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): 10% of the total marks available for that piece of work will be deducted from the mark for each working day[1] (or part thereof) following the deadline up to a total of five working days;
• where the piece of work is submitted more than five working days after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): a mark of zero will be recorded.

The University policy statement on penalties for late submission can be found at: http://www.reading.ac.uk/web/FILES/qualitysupport/penaltiesforlatesubmission.pdf
You are strongly advised to ensure that coursework is submitted by the relevant deadline. You should note that it is advisable to submit work in an unfinished state rather than to fail to submit any work.

Assessment requirements for a pass:
A mark of 40% overall

Reassessment arrangements:
By re-submission of project report appropriately revised.

Additional Costs (specified where applicable):
1) Required text books:
2) Specialist equipment or materials:
3) Specialist clothing, footwear or headgear:
4) Printing and binding:
5) Computers and devices with a particular specification:
6) Travel, accommodation and subsistence:

Last updated: 24 July 2020