APMA117-Animal Science Research Project

Module Provider: School of Agriculture, Policy and Development
Number of credits: 60 [30 ECTS credits]
Level:7
Terms in which taught: Autumn / Spring / Summer module
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded:
Current from: 2021/2

Module Convenor: Dr Caroline Rymer
Email: c.rymer@reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:

As part of the MSc by Research in Animal Science, you’ll undertake a research project, analyse the findings and prepare a scientific paper to report your project. Your project may either be done here at the University of Reading using our research facilities, or you may complete it at a distance, based at your place of work.

Aims:

To develop students’ research skills to enable them to conduct research projects successfully and independently.

To analyse data using appropriate statistical techniques

To reflect and report on the project’s findings

Assessable learning outcomes:

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

• Undertake a complex research project in animal science


• Collate and analyse data using appropriate statistical techniques


• Report research outcomes in a manner suitable for publication in a peer reviewed journal

Additional outcomes:

The development of time management and problem-solving skills.

Outline content:

Having agreed the research plan, the student will undertake the programme of work necessary to test the researchable hypothesis.  If the student is based at Reading and undertaking the project at the University, then any training and supervision required to undertake the necessary animal and laboratory work will be given.  If the project is being done at the student’s place of work, then supervision will be by online discussion, with a supervisory visit at an appropriate point in the project’s life.

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:

Online discussions with supervisor.  Training and supervision of necessary animal and laboratory techniques (if based at University of Reading).

Contact hours:

	Autumn	Spring	Summer
Project Supervision	7	7	7
Guided independent study:	193	193	193
Total hours by term	200	200	200
Total hours for module

Summative Assessment Methods:

Method	Percentage
Written assignment including essay	100

Summative assessment- Examinations:

N/A

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:

The preparation of a scientific paper, suitable for submission to a peer reviewed journal, reporting the findings of the research project.

Formative assessment methods:

Formative feedback is provided on the statistical analysis of data and on drafts of the paper when in preparation.

Penalties for late submission:

The below information applies to students on taught programmes except those on Postgraduate Flexible programmes. Penalties for late submission, and the associated procedures, which apply to Postgraduate Flexible programmes are specified in the policy £Penalties for late submission for Postgraduate Flexible programmes£, which can be found here: http://www.reading.ac.uk/web/files/qualitysupport/penaltiesforlatesubmissionPGflexible.pdf
The Support Centres 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 (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 50% overall.

Reassessment arrangements:

Re-submission of the scientific paper

Additional Costs (specified where applicable):

1) Required text books:  None

2) Specialist equipment or materials:  None

3) Specialist clothing, footwear or headgear:  None

4) Printing and binding:  None

5) Computers and devices with a particular specification:  None

6) Travel, accommodation and subsistence:  None

Last updated: 30 July 2021