MT4XA-Part 4 Project

Module Provider: Meteorology
Number of credits: 40 [20 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: Dr Liz Stephens
Email: elisabeth.stephens@reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:

A major piece of independent study, developing oral, report writing and presentation skills.

Aims:
This module aims to develop the student's experimental design, project management and research skills from the experience of carrying out a piece of supervised work on a selected topic relevant to the student's chosen degree registration.

Assessable learning outcomes:

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

• Design a project with a clear scientific objective and testable hypothesis;


• Demonstrate an ability to carry out research on a specialist topic;


• Demonstrate acquisition of ‘expert knowledge’ relating to a particular scientific issue;


• Prepare a report in the style of a scientific paper suitable for publication;


• Present results in oral presentations, suitable for a scientific audience.

Additional outcomes:

Students will enhance their presentation skills and their use of library and IT resources. They will also learn to respond to constructive criticism and peer review.

Outline content:

Students will be given a list of supervisors and their research interests during term 9. They must then approach the member of staff with a suggestion of a topic and agree supervision, subject to the Convenor's approval. A reading list is issued by the project supervisor before the end of term 9. During term 10, the student reviews relevant literature, submits a research proposal (week 4) and begins the experimental phase of the project. The student produces a graphic summary towards theend of term. During term 11, the student completes the experimental phase of the project and prepares a final report (due week 9 of term 11) and a video presentation.

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:
Self-learning supported by regular meetings with the Project Supervisor. The student is also provided with written advice on matters relating to the preparation of scientific papers, oral and poster presentations.

Contact hours:

	Autumn	Spring	Summer
Tutorials	5	5
Guided independent study:	195	195
Total hours by term	200	200
Total hours for module	400

Summative Assessment Methods:

Method	Percentage
Dissertation	50
Project output other than dissertation	30
Oral assessment and presentation	20

Summative assessment- Examinations:

N/A.

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:

Project proposal (Autumn Term week 4): 10%

Dissertation (Spring Term week 9): 50%

Supervisor assessment of student contribution to project and independent work: 20%

Video presentation (Spring Term week 11): 20%

Formative assessment methods:

Graphic summary of project design and interim results  submitted in Autumn Term week 10 for comments and feedback.

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:

50 % overall.

Reassessment arrangements:

Re-submitted Final Report.

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