BIMRM17-Research Management and Ethics

Module Provider: School of Biological Sciences
Number of credits: 10 [5 ECTS credits]
Level:7
Terms in which taught: Autumn term module
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded:
Current from: 2020/1

Email: f.hwang@reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:

This module provides training in skills required for assessing, conducting, and communicating research.�� Topics include critically and constructively reviewing others’ work, preparing a research ethics application, managing research data, and preparing research funding applications.

Aims:

• To provide training in searching for and using research literature, in critically evaluating research, and writing reviews.


• To develop skills in forming and successfully proposing a novel research agenda.


• To provide training in preparing a research ethics application.


• To provide guidance on research data management.

Assessable learning outcomes:

• Ability to search for relevant literature from a wide range of sources, to select appropriate key literature, and use the literature to make/support an argument.


• Ability to assess and produce scientific writing according to a specified set of requirements, and to evaluate the quality of presentations and proposals.


• Ability to assess critically the methods, results and conclusions reported by other researchers.


• Knowledge and understa nding acquired of a selected research topic.


• Ability to prepare a research ethics application.


• Ability to discuss key considerations in research data management, and be able to propose an appropriate data management approach.

Additional outcomes:

Written and oral presentation skills; organisation skills; time management

Outline content:

• Effective use of literature search facilities


• Critical assessment of the quality and presentation of research (as a “peer reviewer”)


• Presenting a piece of work according to a given set of requirements (as a “research author”)


• Pitching a research project to a critical audience and writing an application for funding (as a “grant applicant”).


• Research ethics


• Research d ata management

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:

Lectures will be given to provide relevant information to the whole class.�� Students will work individually or in small groups to apply the material from the lectures ideally to a project relevant to them, with support from the lecturer.�� The format will be primarily student led, where students will share their work with peers through written reports and discussions, and provide feedback on others’ work.

Summative assessment- Examinations:

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:

There will be 3 written assignments relating to the assessable learning outcomes.

Formative assessment methods:

During tutorials, there will be opportunities to discuss methods and share drafts of the written assignments and to receive feedback from peers and the lecturer.

Penalties for late submission:
Penalties for late submission on this module are in accordance with the University policy. Please refer to page 5 of the Postgraduate Guide to Assessment for further information: http://www.reading.ac.uk/internal/exams/student/exa-guidePG.aspx

Assessment requirements for a pass:
50%

Reassessment arrangements:
Resubmission 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: 14 April 2020