University of the West of England
MODULE SPECIFICATION
(Revised October 2005)
Code: USSJPR-60-M Title: Science Communication Project Version: 1
Level: M UWE credit rating: 60 ECTS credit rating: 30
Module type: Project
Owning Faculty: Health and Life Sciences Field: Natural and Life Sciences
Valid from: Sept 2008 Discontinued from:
Pre-requisites: NONE
Co-requisites: NONE
Excluded combinations: NONE
Learning outcomes:
Students will be able to:
• appraise and integrate current science communication theory, policy or professional practice in an analytical, critical way and at an advanced level;
• justify use of appropriate practical, research and/or evaluation strategies;
• set, negotiate and meet own objectives and deadlines to agreed standards;
• design reliable and valid methods for generating project interventions or gathering data and information in relation to their research project;
• analyse data and information objectively and relate these to existing knowledge structures, contemporary practice and/or theoretical perspectives;
• reflect critically and objectively on methods, processes and outcomes related to their project;
• develop proposals or recommendations for new areas of investigation, new problems, creative strategies or methodologies that would build on their project.
Syllabus outline:
The module includes a three-day block of compulsory training on research methods that provides the basis from which students will develop individual projects. The research methods portion of the module encompasses four key threads:
The research process and ethical considerations.
Qualitative and quantitative research methodologies: such as survey research (including questionnaire design and administration), interviewing, observational research, content analysis.
Research and evaluation strategies: aims and objectives, design, sampling methods and data analysis.
Project planning and proposal writing.
It is anticipated that students will develop a project in one of the following areas:
Empirical research
An issue appropriate for a small scale science communication empirical research project will be identified by the candidate and agreed with the tutor. The research should involve field or desk methods, including for example, meta-analysis, design of a survey or media content analysis as appropriate. Data analysis, interpretation and evaluation should be appropriate to the research methodology chosen, including statistical analysis if appropriate.
Professional Practice
The project should focus on creating a science communication intervention or part of an intervention designed to meet a specific professional practice requirement; this may include creative treatment or development of an installation or design of evaluation and consultancy projects. The research must clearly demonstrate the theoretical basis of the planning. In this category, presentation may include audio/visual and/or exhibition material or other resources such as a computer programme, manual or learning package. The project should include a method of evaluating the programme once implemented, at an appropriate level to that which has been produced.
Teaching and learning methods:
The compulsory research methodology section of the module will be taught using a three-day block of lectures, workshops and small group discussion. In addition electronic resources will be provided via blackboard to present supplementary support for students during the period of independent study.
The research project itself provides an opportunity for students to demonstrate their independent research, creative and planning skills. Students learn by active application of their knowledge to the research, evaluation or creative task and by extending their knowledge as appropriate to complete the research objectives. Professional and academic supervisors support student learning, offering guidance where requested or appropriate. Students are expected to keep their supervisors informed about the progress of the research and to discuss results regularly. No formal reporting is scheduled and there is no formal teaching for this part of the module. Students are expected to drive the project, with the supervisor providing guidance and direction only where necessary to maintain progress.
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 Blackboard or through any other vehicle deemed appropriate by the module/programme leaders.
Indicative Sources:
Books
Bell, J (2005) Doing your research project. Open University Press: Buckingham.
Denzin, N. and Lincoln, Y. (2000) Handbook of Qualitative Research. Sage: Thousand Oaks, CA.
De Vaus, D. A. (2002) Surveys in Social Research. Sage: London.
Hansen, A. Cottle, S. Negrine, R, and Newbold, C. (1995) Mass Communication Research Methods. Palgrave: Basingstoke.
Silverman, D. (1997) Qualitative Theory, Method and Practice. Sage: London.
May, T (1993). Social Research: Issues, Methods and Processes. Open University Press: Buckingham.
Journals
Social Research Online
Electronic Books and Resources
Berry, R. (2000) The Research Project. Routledge: Abingdon
Bryman, A. (2000) Quantity and Quality in Social Research. London: Unwin Hyman.
Crano, W. (2002) Principles and Methods of Social Research. Lawrence Erlbaum Associates, Mahwah, NJ.
RCUK (2005) Evaluation Practical Guidelines
www.rcuk.ac.uk/documents/evaluationguide.pdf
Riffe, D., Lacy, S. and Fico, F. (2005) Analyzing Media Messages. Lawrence Erlbaum Associates, Mahwah, NJ.
Assessment
Weighting between components A and B (standard modules only) A: 100% B: 0%
ATTEMPT 1
First Assessment Opportunity
Component A
Description of each element Element weighting
SM1 30 Minute Seminar Presentation and Defence 1
WR1 Research Proposal 1
PROJ Bound Project Report 3
Component B
Description of each element Element weighting
Second Assessment Opportunity (further attendance at taught classes is/is not required)
Component A
Description of each element Element weighting
SM1 30 Minute Seminar Presentation and Defence 1
WR1 Research Proposal 1
PROJ Bound Project Report 3
Component B
Description of each element Element weighting
SECOND (OR SUBSEQUENT) ATTEMPT: Attendance at taught classes is/is not required.
Specification confirmed by …………………………………………………Date ……………………………
(Associate Dean/Programme Director)
Academic Registry
October 2005