Module manager: Robert Newton
Email: r.j.newton@leeds.ac.uk
Taught: 1 Feb to 30 Sep View Timetable
Year running 2025/26
This module is not approved as an Elective
In this module students will conduct a substantial environmental science research project and present the outcome as either a scientific paper or a technical report plus policy brief. The projects will consist of an in-depth investigation into an environmental topic demonstrating substantial independent research, knowledge, synthesis, analysis, critical thinking and written communication skills.
The module aims to teach the skills required for independent research and the presentation of research findings from the design stage to the final document.
Project selection, development and design will be supported through a series of seminars with potential supervisors and an initial meeting with supervisors. Planning project work, developing methods, analysis and critical ability within the subject will be supported through project supervision meetings and comments on the draft document.
On successful completion of the module students will have demonstrated the following skills learning outcomes:
SSLO1: Design a project to answer a research question or produce a critical review of an emerging environmental issue in collaboration with a supervisor.
SSLO2: Produce a plan of work to meet goals and deliver the project with support.
SSLO3: Develop methods and analysis appropriate to the topic, question or hypothesis to be tested.
SSLO4: Demonstrate critical ability within a defined subject area.
SSLO5: Produce a substantial piece of written work demonstrating well developed presentation skills for a specific audience involving critical assessment of the relevant literature.
Skills Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of the module students will have demonstrated the following skills learning outcomes:
SKLO1: Problem solving & analytical skills: take an effective approach to solving problems; resolve issues by exploring and tackling them from different angles, using analytical and creative skills.
SKLO2: Creativity: Generate ideas, demonstrate originality and imaginative thinking, and think beyond expected or accepted ideas.
SKLO3: Research skills: Access and investigate a variety of sources of information on a subject, in order to provide answers or solutions, expand or provide new knowledge of a topic or subject.
SKLO4: Critical thinking: Weigh up different arguments and perspectives, using supporting evidence to form opinions, arguments, theories, and ideas.
SKLO5: Academic writing: Communicate effectively in written form to articulate an argument, supported by relevant evidence and adhering to academic convention.
SKLO6: Time management: Plan time, prioritise tasks and organise academic and personal commitments effectively using appropriate support.
Details of the syllabus will be provided on the Minerva organisation (or equivalent) for the module
| Delivery type | Number | Length hours | Student hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Supervision | 8 | 1 | 8 |
| Seminar | 1 | 3 | 3 |
| Seminar | 2 | 2 | 4 |
| Private study hours | 585 | ||
| Total Contact hours | 15 | ||
| Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) | 600 | ||
Progress will be monitored and formative feedback given on the plan of work in supervision meetings approximately monthly. Formative feedback will be delivered by supervisors once on a draft of the final piece of work.
Approximately one month prior to submission, students will deliver a short presentation presenting preliminary findings for formative feedback
| Assessment type | Notes | % of formal assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Coursework | Coursework | 100 |
| Total percentage (Assessment Coursework) | 100 | |
Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated
The reading list is available from the Library website
Last updated: 29/04/2025
Errors, omissions, failed links etc should be notified to the Catalogue Team