Unit of Study ENVR4001 - Scientific Research, Context, Perspective and Method (2023)

Unit description

Introduces researchers studying or working in the field of science to the range of theoretical frameworks which may inform different types of scientific research and to the methods and methodologies which may be employed in the scientific research process. Encourages students to acquire the skills necessary to carry out, produce and report well designed and articulated research proposals and projects.

Unit content

1. Orientation: the nature of research; types of research.

2. The processes of developing a research project: planning and design; identifying the scope and range of a research project; the research design; research methods; formulating research questions; articulating research aims; the ethics of research

3. Writing a research proposal: identification and articulation of theoretical frameworks and knowledge gaps relevant to your topic; literature reviews, identification and articulation of methodology; writing the text; citation and referencing; articulating expected outcomes; budget justification

4. Introduction to research dissemination skills (scientific writing)

Content will depend on the individual honours project.