BIMRM17-Research Management and Ethics

Module Provider: School of Biological Sciences
Number of credits: 10 [5 ECTS credits]
Level:7
Terms in which taught: Autumn term module
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded:
Current from: 2020/1

Email: f.hwang@reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:

This module provides training in skills required for assessing, conducting, and communicating research.  Topics include critically and constructively reviewing others’ work, preparing a research ethics application, managing research data, and preparing research funding applications.

Aims:

• To provide training in searching for and using research literature, in critically evaluating research, and writing reviews.


• To develop skills in forming and successfully proposing a novel research agenda.


• To provide training in preparing a research ethics application.


• To provide guidance on research data management.

Assessable learning outcomes:

• Ability to search for relevant literature from a wide range of sources, to select appropriate key literature, and use the literature to make/support an argument.


• Ability to assess and produce scientific writing according to a specified set of requirements, and to evaluate the quality of presentations and proposals.


• Ability to assess critically the methods, results and conclusions reported by other researchers.


• Knowledge and understa nding acquired of a selected research topic.


• Ability to prepare a research ethics application.


• Ability to discuss key considerations in research data management, and be able to propose an appropriate data management approach.

Additional outcomes:

Written and oral presentation skills; organisation skills; time management

Outline content:

• Effective use of literature search facilities


• Critical assessment of the quality and presentation of research (as a “peer reviewer”)


• Presenting a piece of work according to a given set of requirements (as a “research author”)


• Pitching a research project to a critical audience and writing an application for funding (as a “grant applicant”).


• Research ethics


• Research d ata management

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:

Lectures will be given to provide relevant information to the whole class.  Students will work individually or in small groups to apply the material from the lectures ideally to a project relevant to them, with support from the lecturer.  The format will be primarily student led, where students will share their work with peers through written reports and discussions, and provide feedback on others’ work.

Summative assessment- Examinations:

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:

There will be 3 written assignments relating to the assessable learning outcomes.

Formative assessment methods:

During tutorials, there will be opportunities to discuss methods and share drafts of the written assignments and to receive feedback from peers and the lecturer.

Penalties for late submission:
Penalties for late submission on this module are in accordance with the University policy. Please refer to page 5 of the Postgraduate Guide to Assessment for further information: http://www.reading.ac.uk/internal/exams/student/exa-guidePG.aspx

Assessment requirements for a pass:
50%

Reassessment arrangements:
Resubmission of coursework

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: 14 April 2020