GVMSILR-Skills for Independent Learning and Research

Module Provider: Geography and Environmental Science
Number of credits: 20 [10 ECTS credits]
Level:7
Terms in which taught: Autumn / Spring term module
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded:
Current from: 2023/4

Module Convenor: Prof Elizabeth Shaw
Email: e.j.shaw@reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:

Through seminars, tutorials and coursework, this module is designed to provide training in the skills required to study and research at postgraduate level. 

Aims:

The module aims to make students aware of the academic standards and integrity expected at postgraduate level and to provide training in, and reflection on, skills and intellectual abilities required for independence in learning in taught modules. The module also aims to encourage reflection on the concept of research, research conduct and research communication to prepare students for the MSc research project and for transfer of skills and knowledge to future career pathways.

Assessable learning outcomes:

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

• make appropriate use of databases and referencing tools to source and manage literature relevant to a given subject 


• demonstrate good academic practice in use, citation and referencing of source material, 


• evaluate ‘research’ as a concept with a diversity of definitions, approaches and outcomes 


• constructively criticise the research of others, 


• evaluate major issues, concepts and opinions at the forefront of subject area for articulation of future research needs 


• rationalise and differentiate techniques and formats for research communication to a range of different audiences 


• discuss the components of responsible research conduct and integrity 

Additional outcomes:

Students will develop: 

• an overview of academic support services for students at the University of Reading 


• self-reflection in the context of surface, deep and strategic approaches to learning 


• intellectual skills in critical thinking and creativity 


• presentation skills 

Outline content:

In the Autumn term, there will be seminars covering the following topics: 

• introduction to postgraduate study 


• information retrieval for research, using the library, referencing and reference management 


• surface, deep and strategic approaches to learning 


• creative thinking, argument construction and problem-solving 


• writing and critiquing journal articles 

In the Spring term the module will look forward to, and interface with, the Research Project module (GVMRP).  There will be a seminar on ‘writing a literature review’ to prepare the students for the literature review that they will write on the topic of their research project and this will be linked to the production of a literature review plan for formative assessment. 

There will also be seminars/workshops delivered by external speakers on: 

• communicating research 


• research impact 


• research conduct, integrity and management 

Global context:

This module involves evaluation of issues and research in Environmental Science and Management that will frequently have a global dimension, for example, the grand challenges of food, water, soil and energy security in the face of global change. 

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:

The seminar sessions are interspersed throughout the Autumn and Spring terms.  Students will also carry out individual coursework and have individual discussions with academic tutor and dissertation supervisor. 

Contact hours:

	Autumn	Spring	Summer
Seminars	8	8
Project Supervision		4
Guided independent study:
Wider reading (independent)	50	50
Preparation for presentations		14
Preparation for seminars		10
Preparation of practical report	10
Completion of formative assessment tasks		10
Essay preparation	30
Reflection	2	4
Total hours by term	100	100	0
Total hours for module	200

Summative Assessment Methods:

Method	Percentage
Written assignment including essay	50
Oral assessment and presentation	30
Set exercise	20

Summative assessment- Examinations:

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:

Assessment 1: Exercise on information retrieval and referencing (20%) 

Assessment 2: 2000-word article critique (50%) 

Assessment 3:  A podcast: “The multifaceted aspects of responsible research conduct” (30%) 

Formative assessment methods:

Feedback on Literature Review Plan.

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:

50% overall 

Reassessment arrangements:

Re-submission 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: 30 March 2023