Module manager: Jason Williams
Email: j.r.williams1@leeds.ac.uk
Taught: Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) View Timetable
Year running 2025/26
This module is not approved as an Elective
Students will apply and extend relevant elements of taught-course modules to a single exploration geophysical project, with credible industrial or research outcomes. It is typically 15 weeks of full-time work, leading to a written report and other forms of assessment emulating industry and academic practice. These projects are tailored to the individual interests of the students and often involve an external collaborator, with the potential to undertake and internship for part of the project period.
The module aims to instruct students in the techniques of geophysical research, allowing them to construct their own appraisal of an authentic geophysics problem. The learning objectives are designed to steer students through the development of a research hypothesis, through the critical review of established literature and how to adopt an academic approach to undertaking a geophysical experiment. The module also allows students to experience a range of presentation formats that would be expected of them in professional practice.
Students will:
- Receive the latest guidance on university resources, references and citations, and artificial intelligence from a Library Skills expert.
- Manage their own time by designing a summer research plan in coordination with a project supervisor(s) and track their own project progress through note taking and weekly reporting.
- Enhance their project with frequent formative feedback.
- Review previous studies on an expert topic, placing published findings in the context of their own research project.
- Develop problem solving skills with large numerical and analytical datasets, potentially collecting new data in a field or laboratory setting.
- Build academic writing skills in the format of a popular dissemination method at scientific and technical conferences.
- Author new findings and discuss their broader implications for the field of Exploration Geophysics.
- Improve their presentation and communication skills, identify the major themes and outcomes of their project, and learn how to prepare for talks to public audiences.
- Develop their professional profile by working with experienced academics and industry experts, and presenting their research study.
- Prepare for their professional career by planning ahead for deadlines and scheduling regular breaks during a busy 15-week period.
On successful completion of the module students will have demonstrated the following learning outcomes relevant to the subject:
1. Investigate an original research topic within the broad field of Exploration Geophysics;
2. Critique established practice in the field, and develop a research programme to extend it;
3. Design the scope of a study, considering the research question and objectives to be met, within the timeframe of the project period;
4. Apply a critical and defensible research approach to exploring a research question;
5. Communicate geophysical insight through a range of dissemination techniques, for example written report, graphical methods, and research poster;
6. Communicate your project findings and their impact on the research landscape verbally to a public audience through a public seminar.
Skills Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of the module students will have demonstrated the following skills learning outcomes:
1. Research skills (Work Ready)
2. Time management, planning and organisation (Work Ready)
3. Problem solving & analytical skills (Work Ready)
4. Effective communication (Sustainability)
5. Creativity and Innovation (Enterprise)
6. Self-Awareness, Adaptability and Resilience (Enterprise)
Details of the syllabus will be provided on the Minerva organisation (or equivalent) for the module
| Delivery type | Number | Length hours | Student hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Supervision | 12 | 1 | 12 |
| Lecture | 2 | 2 | 4 |
| Seminar | 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Private study hours | 577 | ||
| Total Contact hours | 23 | ||
| Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) | 600 | ||
Initial project statement - week 1
Following initial meetings with project supervisor(s), students define the aims and objectives of their research project, propose a workflow/timeline with important project milestones, and notify supervisors and the module leader of any issues relating to data access, software etc. Supervisors review the statement and provide feedback.
Enhanced project statement - week 3
Students submit a literature review and revise the aims and objectives, and workflow/timeline. Supervisors review the statement and provide feedback.
Formal progress review -- weeks 9 - 11
Students present their preliminary results and defend their project work to two members of staff. Students use a form before the review session to record their project progress and any issues. Staff provide feedback verbally during the session and record their suggestions for completing the final phase their project on the form, also flagging any major issues that might prevent a student from submitting their dissertation on time.
Weekly reports
Students submit weekly reports documenting their progress, challenges and supervisor feedback from the previous meeting. Supervisors are encouraged to review these before meeting with students.
| Assessment type | Notes | % of formal assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Coursework | Coursework | 70 |
| Coursework | Coursework | 15 |
| Coursework | Coursework | 15 |
| Total percentage (Assessment Coursework) | 100 | |
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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