APMA110-Research Methods: Agriculture, Ecology and Environment

Module Provider: School of Agriculture, Policy and Development
Number of credits: 20 [10 ECTS credits]
Level:7
Terms in which taught: Autumn term module
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded:
Current from: 2023/4

Module Convenor: Dr Jake Bishop
Email: j.bishop@reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:

Develop the knowledge and skills needed to design and conduct an independent Masters level research project in agriculture, ecology and the environment. Learn about experimental design and statistics, field study techniques and the use of R for data manipulation and analysis. Visit a variety of key research organisations in the sector on a series of field visits, during which you will explore the different types of research methods used to conduct research in agriculture, ecology and the environment.

Aims:

This module aims to develop students’ knowledge and skills in employing research methods in agriculture, ecology and the environment.

Assessable learning outcomes:

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

• Identify a question, form an appropriate testable hypothesis and design a suitable experiment incorporating relevant research methods and statistical analyses.


• Evaluate, select and apply appropriate field studies methods to answer questions in agricultural, ecological and environmental research


• Select and apply relevant statistical methods to address questions in agricultural,ecological and environmental research.


• Use the R statistical package to manipulate and investigate a data set.


• Appraise and contrast different approaches to research in agriculture, ecology and the environment.

Additional outcomes:

Outline content:

The module will use a range of teaching approaches including lectures, seminars, practical sessions, and a series of field visits to research organisations including crop research stations and experimental farms. The module will use four distinct units to cover:

1. Experimental design and statistical analysis. Through lectures and seminars you will learn about fundamentals in experimental design, social science methods, and the key statistical concepts and testsrequired for research in agricultural, ecological and environmental studies. This will be accessed by a short assignment.


2. Field studies techniques. Using practical sessions this unit will provide a grounding in some of the key field studies methods and skills required for research in agricultural, ecological and environmental studies including controlled environment and field crops research methods, plant and invertebrate survey methods and identification. This unit will be assessed by means of a laboratory notebook.


3. A series of field visits. This will provide an introduction to different industry bodies who conduct research in agricultural, ecological and environmental sciences. Students will visit different research organisations including crops research stations and experimental farms. As well as hearing about different research methods and their associated challenges through discussions with different people at these organisations, students will also get insights into possible future career paths in agriculture, ecology and environmental research.


4. Using R for data manipulation and analysis. The statistics package R is a critical tool for researchers working in ecological and environmental sciences. This computer-lab based unit will provide a basic grounding in the use of R and help students to develop programming skills and put into practice what they have learnt about experimental design and statistical analysis. The unit will be assessed by in-class tests using R.

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:

The module includes a series of lectures, field based practical classes at the university’s Sonning Farm, field visits and computer lab classes.

Contact hours:

	Autumn	Spring	Summer
Lectures	10
Practicals classes and workshops	20
Fieldwork	30
Guided independent study:	140
Total hours by term	200	0	0
Total hours for module	200

Summative Assessment Methods:

Method	Percentage
Written assignment including essay	30
Project output other than dissertation	50
Set exercise	20

Summative assessment- Examinations:

N/A

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:

Lab notebook 50%

In-class tests 20%

Written assignment 30%

Formative assessment methods:

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: https://www.reading.ac.uk/cqsd/-/media/project/functions/cqsd/documents/cqsd-old-site-documents/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: https://www.reading.ac.uk/cqsd/-/media/project/functions/cqsd/documents/cqsd-old-site-documents/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 coursework and re-sitting of in-class tests.

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: 30 March 2023