University of the West of England
MODULE SPECIFICATION
(Revised November 2002)
Code: USSJGT-60-M Title: Research Training and Professional Development (RTPD)
Version: 2
Level: UWE credit rating: ECTS credit rating:
Owning Faculty: Applied Sciences Field:
Valid from: September 2005 Discontinued from:
Learning outcomes:
Students taking this module will be registered and researching for a higher degree (PhD or MPhil) with the Faculty of Applied Sciences (FAS), and thus undertaking training to equip them to become professional scientists.The aim of this module is to recognise and formalise the development and acquistion of specific research skills related to the procedures and processes of research; to develop and practise research communication via a range of deliveries to various target audiences; and to contextualise specific research programmes within the broader scientific and other arenas, including the relevance of the research to the public, business and the community. Thus after completion of this module students should be able to:
* demonstrate an in-depth understanding of the research process
* define a research questionand plan a series of investigations addressing this question
* utilise electronic, library and other information sources effectively
* show an awareness of Ethics and Research Governance aspects of research
* show an awareness of Health and Safety aspects of research
* show an an awareness of intellectual property (IP) issues relating to research activities
* demonstrate communication skills, both in specialised and non-specialised contexts, and as a minimum, via both oral and poster delivery
* demonstrate an awareness of issues relating to engagement of researchers with, and relevance of research to, the public, business and the community
Syllabus outline:
The module has three elements:
A, Project Development. Individual sessions with the supervisory team for project planning. These will cover aspects relevant to the specific project such as identification of the appropriate research methodologies, research design and data collection strategies; construction of a research timetable; consideration of research reflexivity; hypothesis setting; experimental design; statistical analyses; scientific writing and research degree regulations.
In consultation with the supervisory team, preparation of a research proposal detailing title, aims, plan of study, methodology and selected references. Identification of specific training requirements that could include attendance at specific research methodology modules, attendance at specific training courses etc.
In consultation with the supervisory team, preparation of a progression report.
B, Professional Development. Development of an appreciation of research in context and research-related skills. Attendance at a minimum of 6 (4 for MPhil) generic training workshops organised by the Centre for Research, Innovation and Industry (CRIGS) at UWE (or equivalent at the place of work for part-time students employed elsewhere in institutions deemed appropriate by the supervisory team). Attendance at a minimum of 18 (12 for MPhil) relevant specialist research seminars/workshops. For full-time students these will normally be at UWE; for part-time students some of these should normally be at UWE but others may be attended elsewhere if deemed appropriate by the supervisory team. In addition, students will normally be expected to attend the annual Postgraduate Research Forum held within FAS and to make a research presentation (poster/oral) as requested by the FAS Research Degrees Committee (RDC). Attendance at a minimum of one external research forum.
C, Research Communication and Public Engagement. Normally, presentation of a minimum of one research poster at UWE (or, if not possible at UWE for part-time students, at the work-institute if appropriate) and one oral research presentation, either external or internal. Participation in at least one public engagement activity (relevant to the public, business and the community). This could take several forms, for example, attendance at in-house sessions on 'Science and the Media' or 'Science in Public', participation in science festivals, schools activities, Open Days, Business Plan Competitions (UWE or external), research commercialisation.
Time-scales. Normally full-time PhD students are expected to complete their studies within three years and MPhil students within two. For part-time students these times are longer, typically four and three years for PhD and MPhil respectively. The progression report is normally submitted after 11-12/ months/20-24 months (full-time/part-time) for PhD studies and 8-9/15-18 months (full-time/part-time) for MPhil studies; the progression exam is held shortly after. Thus, by this time all of element A should be completed and assessed, as well as parts of elements B and C. Normally the entire module should be completed successfully by the time that the written PhD/MPhil thesis is submitted.
Teaching and learning methods:
A, Individual sessions with the Director of Studies and supervisory team to provide subject-specific and generic guidance on project development and progression. RD1 (project development) and RD2 (project progression) assessed through FAS Research Degrees Committee (RDC).
B, Individual sessions with supervisory team to determine specific training and development requirements. Production of a Professional Development Portfolio (PDP) to detail all training events and workshops and internal and external research fora attended by the student. PDP monitored by supervisory team and assessed through PR1 and PR2 progress reports submitted to RDC.
C, Individual sessions with supervisory team to determine specific training and development requirements. Production of a Research Communication and Public Engagement Portfolio (RCPEP) to detail all research presentations made and all public engagement activities. RCPEP monitored by supervisory team and assessed through PR1 and PR2 progress reports submitted to RDC.
Reading Strategy
All students will be encouraged to make full use of the print and electronic resources available to them through membership of the University. These include a range of electronic journals and a wide variety of resources available through web sites and information gateways. The University Library’s web pages provide access to subject relevant resources and services, and to the library catalogue. Many resources can be accessed remotely. Students will be presented with opportunities within the curriculum to develop their information retrieval and evaluation skills in order to identify such resources effectively.
This guidance will be available either in the module handbook, via the module information on UWEonline or through any other vehicle deemed appropriate by the module/programme leaders.
Bainbridge DI (2002). Intellectual Property, 5th edition. Longman, Harlow.
Barrass R (2002). Scientists Must Write: A Guide to Better Writing for Scientists, Engineers and Students, 2nd edition. Routledge, London.
Charmasson H (2004). Patents, Copyrights and Trademarks for Dunmmies. John Wiley & Son, Chichester.
Finn, JA (2005) Getting a PhD. An Action Plan to Help Manage Your Research, Your Supervisor and Your Project. Routledge, London. ISBN 0-415-34498-0
Gregory I (2003). Ethics in Research. Continuum, London.
Gregory J, Miller S (1998): Science in Public: Communication, Culture and Credibility. Plenum Press, New York
Hesse-Biber SN and Leavy P (2004). Approaches to Qualitative Research. Oxford University Press, New York.
Philips EM and Pugh DS (2000). How to get a PhD - a handbook for students and their supervisors, 3rd edition, Open University Press, Buckingham.
Walters DE and Walters GC (2002). Scientists Must Speak: Bringing Presentations to Life. Routledge, London.
Assessment
Weighting between components A and B (standard modules only) A: 100% B: %
ATTEMPT 1
First Assessment Opportunity
Component A (controlled) Element weighting
WA1 |
1 | |
Professional Development (student portfolio and PR1/PR2 progress reports) |
1 | |
Research Communication and Public Engagement (student portfolio and PR1/PR2 progress reports) |
1 | |
Component B
Description of each element Element weighting
Second Assessment Opportunity (further attendance at taught classes )
Component A
Description of each element Element weighting
WA1 |
Project Development (RD1 and RD2) |
1 |
CW2 |
Professional Development (student portfolio and PR1/PR2 progress reports) |
1 |
CW3 |
Research Communication and Public Engagement (student portfolio and PR1/PR2 progress reports) |
1 |
Component B
Description of each element Element weighting
SECOND (OR SUBSEQUENT) ATTEMPT Attendance at taught classes .
Specification confirmed by …………………………………………………Date ……………………………
(Associate Dean/Programme Director)