GV2RTS-Research Training for Geography and Environmental Science

Module Provider: Geography and Environmental Science
Number of credits: 20 [10 ECTS credits]
Level:5
Terms in which taught: Autumn / Spring term module
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded:
Current from: 2023/4

Module Convenor: Dr Jonathan Dale
Email: j.j.dale@reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:

This module enables the development of a wide range of professional skills, including research training, project management, career awareness and employability. The main focus during the first part of the module is a team based research project, in which students work closely with an academic mentor to carry out a piece of carefully planned and highly professional research. Students will act as consultants, designing, executing and reporting on a research project that meets the original project brief. They will also gain experience of the University of Reading Research Ethics and Health and Safety processes as they prepare for their project. In the second part of the module, students will encounter more advanced-level research skills training which they will be required to reflect on as they start to prepare for their dissertations. Students will also receive guidance on CV writing and produce a supporting covering letter, and will be required reflect on the employability skills they have developed. This element will be supported by the Careers Service.

Aims:

The aims of this module are:

1. To allow students to experience an authentic, professional research experience;


2. To introduce students to the Careers Service and give them experience of accessing support from a Careers Adviser and online support materials;


3. To give students the opportunity to reflect on their development and employability;


4. To give students experience of the problems and opportunities associated with working in a small team;


5. To develop research project management skills, including working to a project brief and meeting deadlines;


6. To prepare students for their Part 3 dissertation or other independent research project. 

Assessable learning outcomes:

1. Design, execute and report on a research project that meets a specific brief;


2. Select appropriate research methods and ensure they can justify these choices;


3. Navigate the University of Reading Research Ethics and Health and Safety processes;


4. Evaluate how their learning and knowledge of skills specific to their preferences and interests enables them to complete a research project relevant to their degree choice;


5. Identify and reflect on the typical graduate careers and postgraduate study options open to their degree discipline and how their own strengths and preferences, interests, motivations, and personality these relate to different career options and further study.

Additional outcomes:

.

Outline content:

In the Autumn Term, students will work on their group research projects to gain experience of conduct research and completing a project from conception to dissemination. Students will then work under an academic mentor, who they will meet regularly to design their research project, carry out a short but carefully planned piece of research, and report on this in a professional way. Students will also encounter a range of careers and professional skills development activities. This includes engaging with alumni and employers from their programme and an introduction to the support available from the Careers Service. In the Spring Term, students will undertake research training relevant to their degree programme through a series of methods workshops, including advanced-level research skills relevant to their future research activities.

Global context:

Research project: Students are encouraged to place the work and research they do into the wider context of similar contexts and situations around the world.   

Career learning: Students are encouraged to consider opportunities that may exist for them to visit other countries for work experience, placement or internships and to consider how this could enhance their skills and knowledge relevant to their career goals 

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:

Students will encounter a wide range of T&L methods on this module, including seminars and lectures, small group tutorials and peer based learning. 

Contact hours:

	Autumn	Spring	Summer
Lectures	8	1
Project Supervision	8	8
Practicals classes and workshops	2
Fieldwork		9
Guided independent study:
Wider reading (independent)	10	10
Wider reading (directed)	10	10
Advance preparation for classes	5	10
Other	12	12
Preparation for presentations	10
Preparation of practical report		15
Completion of formative assessment tasks	5	5
Revision and preparation	5
Group study tasks	10
Carry-out research project	25
Reflection		10
Total hours by term	110	90	0
Total hours for module	200

Summative Assessment Methods:

Method	Percentage
Portfolio	70
Oral assessment and presentation	30

Summative assessment- Examinations:
No examination.

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:

• In the Autumn Term, students will produce a Screencast, as a group, that provides an overview of their group research project progress.  As appropriate, peer assessment will be included as part of the assessment. 


• In the Spring Term, students will produce a portfolio to assess their understanding and ability to apply the information they were taught in skills training in order to complete a research project, which will also be proposed within the portfolio a proposal for a research project.

Formative assessment methods:

Students will be given feedback (both group and individual) on their project and report by their supervisor across the duration of the project.

Penalties for late submission:

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:
An overall module mark of 40%

Reassessment arrangements:
Resubmission of coursework as specified by the Department

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: 23 August 2023