FZMPPR-Portfolio of Professional Practice of Research

Module Provider: Food and Nutritional Sciences
Number of credits: 20 [10 ECTS credits]
Level:7
Terms in which taught: Autumn / Spring / Summer module
Pre-requisites: FZMR05 Research Methods and Project Management or
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites: FZMRP1 Work-based Research Project
Modules excluded:
Current from: 2023/4

Module Convenor: Prof Carol Wagstaff
Email: C.Wagstaff@reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:

The aim of the module is to develop a portfolio of evidence and reflective critical analysis to illustrate the practice of research related to a work-based research project. The portfolio evidence includes a research project proposal, critical literature review, project plan and any research outputs from the student’s work-based research project, such as oral presentations or summary reports of research within the workplace.

Aims:
The aim of the module is to develop a portfolio of evidence and reflective critical analysis to illustrate the practice of research related to a work-based research project. The portfolio evidence includes a research project proposal, critical literature review, project plan and any research outputs from the student's work-based research project, such as oral presentations or summary reports of research within the workplace.

Assessable learning outcomes:
By the end of the module, students should be able to demonstrate:
1) Personal development competencies:
- Monitoring of own learning and development in the practice of research
- Demonstration of reflective and self-critical analysis
2) Technical and knowledge competencies:
- Knowledge and understanding of current research related to a research question
3) Project management competencies:
- Planning and implementation of tasks leading to completion ofa work-based research project
- Collaboration with experts across disciplines and organisations
- Management of resources as appropriate to achieve project aims
4) Communication skills competencies:
- Preparation of written critical analyses of research literature
- Communication of research outcomes to wider audiences, e.g. at seminars and conferences

Additional outcomes:
- Development of writing skills
- Skills of critical evaluation
- Personal professional development

Outline content:
The module will develop skills of reflective and critical analysis of individual learning and development through the preparation of a reflective portfolio of professional practice. The student will be expected to engage in self-directed learning that relates to the assessable learning outcomes. The module convenor and the academic and industrial supervisors of their work-based research project will support the student in developing their portfolio. The portfolio will be expected to include relevant evidence and critical reflection that demonstrates the core competencies listed as learning outcomes.

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:

The module will involve predominantly self-directed learning.Ìý Students will be supported by discussion with academic and industry supervisors about research project progress related to the portfolio.Ìý Additional support will be provided via an on-line discussion forum with other students and course tutors.Ìý The portfolio will be assembled as an online e-portfolio.

Contact hours:

Formal contact will be provided through su pervisory team meetings.Ìý An initial contact session will introduce students to the expectations and purpose of the portfolio.

Contact hours:

Ìý	Autumn	Spring	Summer
Project Supervision	4	2	4
Guided independent study:	60	60	70
Ìý	Ìý	Ìý	Ìý
Total hours by term	64	62	74
Ìý	Ìý	Ìý	Ìý
Total hours for module	200

Summative Assessment Methods:

Method	Percentage
Portfolio	100

Summative assessment- Examinations:

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:
The module will be assessed based on a portfolio consisting of:
1) Research project proposal relating to work-based research project detailing project aims and objectives, planned project outputs and impact, and justification of commercial need for project.

2) Critical literature review related to research project.

3) Project plan, including timescales, resource requirements and deliverables.

4) Evidence of dissemination of research output(s) within the workplace (e.g., oral presentations, written reports, etc.).

5) Reflective commentary linking together evidence to identify and discuss learning from work-based research project.

The portfolio will be assessed on a distinction/merit/pass/fail basis alongside the candidate's research project dissertation by the project supervisor(s) and the module convenor. The portfolio will be assessed with respect to the following criteria:

1) Demonstration of competencies outlined by the assessable learning outcomes

2) A reflective commentary that:
a. Evaluates outcomes of learning and research activity against personal and professional success criteria to demonstrate ability to recognise reasons for success/failure
b. Recognises development of own knowledge and skills

3) Quality of supporting evidence

Formative assessment methods:

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: /cqsd/-/media/project/functions/cqsd/documents/cqsd-old-site-documents/penaltiesforlatesubmissionpgflexible.pdf
The Support Centres will apply the following penalties for work submitted late:

• where the piece of work is submitted after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): 10% of the total marks available for that piece of work will be deducted from the mark for each working day (or part thereof) following the deadline up to a total of five working days;
• where the piece of work is submitted more than five working days after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): a mark of zero will be recorded.

The University policy statement on penalties for late submission can be found at: /cqsd/-/media/project/functions/cqsd/documents/cqsd-old-site-documents/penaltiesforlatesubmission.pdf
You are strongly advised to ensure that coursework is submitted by the relevant deadline. You should note that it is advisable to submit work in an unfinished state rather than to fail to submit any work.

Assessment requirements for a pass:

Reassessment arrangements:

In the event of a student failing the module they will be reassessed based on resubmission of their portfolio. Module marks are capped at Pass at 2nd attempt.

Additional Costs (specified where applicable):

1) Required text books:Ìý

2) Specialist equipment or materials:Ìý

3) Specialist clothing, footwear or headgear:Ìý

4) Printing and binding:Ìý

5) Computers and devices with a particular specification:Ìý

6) Travel, accommodation and subsistence:Ìý

Last updated: 30 March 2023