FBMRSD-Research Skills and Professional Development

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

Email: e.j.bennett@reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:

This module is designed to equip you with the necessary skills and tools for completing your research project by exploring some approaches to conducting research and describing the research process. In addition, the module provides the opportunity to enhance your self-awareness and personal effectiveness along with developing strategies to facilitate the decision making processes that will enhance your career development.

Aims:

The module aims to provide you with an understanding of:

• The principles of scientific research


• The methodologies and techniques in qualitative and quantitative research


• Research project plans and research design


• Statistical methods for the analysis of data


• How to review the scientific literature


• Careers within the food industry and the transferrable skills required by employers

Assessable learning outcomes:

By the end of the module, you should be able to:

• Formulate and evaluate research questions in collaboration with academics


• Critically assess research findings as reported in the primary literature


• Critically assess potential research designs for a selected topic

Additional outcomes:

By the end of the module, you should be able to:

• Identify appropriate statistical methods to analyse research data


• Demonstrate information management skills


• Examine your future career options and have a greater understanding of the food industry

Outline content:

The following topics will be covered within the module; research design, qualitative and quantitative research methods, analysing research data using statistical methods, project management, literature searching and enhancing your employability.

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:

The module will consist of online learning resources, supplemented by face to face workshops and lectures.

Summative assessment- Examinations:

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:

• An annotated bibliography based upon on your research project (50%)


• A written project plan related to your research project (50%)

Formative assessment methods:

• Draft project plan

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:

You will be reassessed based on resubmission of failed coursework assignments

Resubmission of coursework.

Additional Costs (specified where applicable):

Last updated: 4 April 2020