Module manager: Ken Carslaw
Email: K.S.Carslaw@leeds.ac.uk
Taught: Semesters 1 & 2 (Sep to Jun) View Timetable
Year running 2025/26
This module is not approved as an Elective
The module forms the core of the MRes in Climate and Atmospheric Science. It offers the opportunity to conduct a significant piece of research with the potential to generate a peer-reviewed journal article. Students will undertake a research project in climate and atmospheric science supervised by a member of academic or research staff, with options available for co-supervision with a partner at an external organisation. The project provides an excellent introduction to a research career.
1. Develop an achievable research project idea with a member of academic staff.
2. Formulate research hypotheses, questions or objectives.
3. Define a research workplan with milestones and contingencies.
4. Develop quantitative and analytical research skills, including gaining proficiency with research tools such as numerical models, data analysis and visualisation codes, laboratory or field methods appropriate to the student’s chosen research project.
5. Write an article on the scientific findings suitable for an appropriate peer-reviewed journal.
6. Present research findings in a form suitable for a scientific conference.
On successful completion of the module students will have demonstrated the following learning outcomes relevant to the subject:
1. Develop a methodologically sound research project idea that is achievable in the time available.
2. Formulate research hypotheses, questions or objectives.
3. Define a research workplan with milestones and contingencies.
4. Apply quantitative and analytical research skills, including proficiency with research tools such as numerical models, data analysis and visualisation codes, laboratory or field methods appropriate to the student’s chosen research project.
5. Present, interpret and discuss scientific findings in a peer-reviewed journal article.
6. Present research findings in a form suitable for a scientific conference.
Skills Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of the module students will have demonstrated the following skills learning outcomes:
1. Research and information searching: the ability to search for, evaluate and use appropriate and relevant information sources to help strengthen the quality of academic work and research. (Academic skills, work-ready skills)
2. Problem solving & critical thinking: Develop an effective approach to solving problems by exploring and tackling them from different angles, using analytical and creative skills. Generate ideas. Analyse and interpret information to aid understanding, inform decisions/opinions, and anticipate problems. Use reasoning and judgement to identify needs, make decisions, solve problems, and respond with actions. (Academic skills, work-ready skills)
3. Scientific communication: Convey and receive information clearly, accurately, and appropriately including verbal and written means supported by relevant evidence and adhering to academic conventions. (Academic skills, work-ready skills)
4. Time management, planning & organising: Use own tools and strategies, with appropriate support, to manage own time efficiently and productively, and to prioritise tasks. Motivate self to achieve goals, and to seek feedback. (Academic skills, work-ready skills)
5. Academic integrity and conventions: Understand good study practices and that your work is a true expression of your own understanding and ideas, giving credit to others where their work contributes to yours. (Academic skills, work-ready skills)
Details of the syllabus will be provided on the Minerva organisation (or equivalent) for the module
| Delivery type | Number | Length hours | Student hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Supervision | 10 | 1 | 10 |
| Research Class | 10 | 1 | 10 |
| Lecture | 1 | 2 | 2 |
| Seminar | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Private study hours | 876 | ||
| Total Contact hours | 24 | ||
| Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) | 900 | ||
Students give one presentation to their host research groups on their research ideas and plan and a further presentation on their preliminary results. Feedback provided by research group members.
Students submit an article storyboard a few weeks before they submit their articles. Detailed feedback is provided on the proposed structure and content of their article by the project supervisor and module leader.
Formal feedback is provided in the 10 supervision meetings.
| Assessment type | Notes | % of formal assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Coursework | Coursework | 90 |
| Coursework | Oral assessment | 10 |
| Total percentage (Assessment Coursework) | 100 | |
Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated
There is no reading list for this module
Last updated: 29/04/2025
Errors, omissions, failed links etc should be notified to the Catalogue Team