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: 2021/2

Module Convenor: Prof Faustina Hwang
Email: f.hwang@reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:

This module provides trainingÌýthat will help students develop as researchers.ÌýThe module will developÌýskills required for assessing, conducting, and communicating research.ÌýTopics include critically and constructively reviewing others’ work, preparing a research ethics application, and managing research data.

Aims:

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


• To develop skills in conducting and communicating originalÌýresearch.


• 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:

• Different types of research contribution


• Effective use of literature search facilities


• Critical assessment of the quality and presentation of research


• Publication strategies and how to write a paper


• Research ethics


• Research data management

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:

Lectures will be given to provide relevant information to the whole class.ÌýStudents 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.ÌýThe 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 to receive feedback from peers and the lecturer.

Penalties for late submission:

The below information applies to students on taught programmes except those on Postgraduate Flexible programmes. Penalties for late submission, and the associated procedures, which apply to Postgraduate Flexible programmes are specified in the policy 􀀓Penalties for late submission for Postgraduate Flexible programmes􀀔, which can be found here: