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GVMSILR: Skills for Independent Learning and Research
Module code: GVMSILR
Module provider: Geography and Environmental Science; School of Archaeology, Geography and Environmental Science
Credits: 20
Level: Postgraduate Masters
When you'll be taught: Semester 1 / 2
Module convenor: Professor Frank Mayle, email: f.mayle@reading.ac.uk
Pre-requisite module(s):
Co-requisite module(s):
Pre-requisite or Co-requisite module(s):
Module(s) excluded:
Placement information: NA
Academic year: 2024/5
Available to visiting students: Yes
Talis reading list: No
Last updated: 28 October 2024
Overview
Module aims and purpose
The module aims to make students aware of the academic standards and integrity expected at postgraduate level and to provide training in, and reflection on, skills and intellectual abilities required for independence in learning in taught modules. The module also aims to encourage reflection on the concept of research, research conduct and research communication to prepare students for the MSc research project and for transfer of skills and knowledge to future career pathways.Â
Module learning outcomes
By the end of the module, it is expected that students will be able to:
- Make appropriate use of databases and referencing tools to source and manage literature relevant to a given subject and demonstrate good academic practice in use, citation and referencing of source material
- Evaluate ‘research’ as a concept with a diversity of definitions, approaches and outcomes
- Constructively criticise the research of others and discuss the components of responsible research conduct and integrity
- Evaluate major issues, concepts and opinions at the forefront of subject area for articulation of future research needs and rationalise and differentiate techniques and formats for research communication to a range of different audiences
Module content
In Semester 1, there will be seminars covering the following topics:
- Introduction to postgraduate study
- Information retrieval for research, using the library, referencing and reference management
- Surface, deep and strategic approaches to learning
- Creative thinking, argument construction and problem-solving
- Writing and critiquing journal articles
In Semester 2, the module will look forward to, and interface with, the Research Project module (GVMRP). There will be a seminar on ‘writing a literature review’ to prepare the students for the literature review that they will write on the topic of their research project and this will be linked to the production of a literature review plan for formative assessment.
There will also be seminars/workshops delivered by guest speakers on:
- Communicating research
- Research impact
- Research conduct, integrity and management
Structure
Teaching and learning methods
The seminar sessions are interspersed throughout the Autumn and Spring semesters. Students will also carry out individual coursework and have individual discussions with academic tutor and dissertation supervisor.
Study hours
At least 20 hours of scheduled teaching and learning activities will be delivered in person, with the remaining hours for scheduled and self-scheduled teaching and learning activities delivered either in person or online. You will receive further details about how these hours will be delivered before the start of the module.
 Scheduled teaching and learning activities |  Semester 1 |  Semester 2 | Ìý³§³Ü³¾³¾±ð°ù |
---|---|---|---|
Lectures | |||
Seminars | 8 | 8 | |
Tutorials | |||
Project Supervision | 4 | ||
Demonstrations | |||
Practical classes and workshops | |||
Supervised time in studio / workshop | |||
Scheduled revision sessions | |||
Feedback meetings with staff | |||
Fieldwork | |||
External visits | |||
Work-based learning | |||
 Self-scheduled teaching and learning activities |  Semester 1 |  Semester 2 | Ìý³§³Ü³¾³¾±ð°ù |
---|---|---|---|
Directed viewing of video materials/screencasts | |||
Participation in discussion boards/other discussions | |||
Feedback meetings with staff | |||
Other | |||
Other (details) | |||
 Placement and study abroad |  Semester 1 |  Semester 2 | Ìý³§³Ü³¾³¾±ð°ù |
---|---|---|---|
Placement | |||
Study abroad | |||
 Independent study hours |  Semester 1 |  Semester 2 | Ìý³§³Ü³¾³¾±ð°ù |
---|---|---|---|
Independent study hours | 92 | 88 |
Please note the independent study hours above are notional numbers of hours; each student will approach studying in different ways. We would advise you to reflect on your learning and the number of hours you are allocating to these tasks.
Semester 1 The hours in this column may include hours during the Christmas holiday period.
Semester 2 The hours in this column may include hours during the Easter holiday period.
Summer The hours in this column will take place during the summer holidays and may be at the start and/or end of the module.
Assessment
Requirements for a pass
Students need to achieve an overall module mark of 50% to pass this module.
Summative assessment
Type of assessment | Detail of assessment | % contribution towards module mark | Size of assessment | Submission date | Additional information |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Set exercise | Exercise on information retrieval and referencing | 20 | According to template | ||
Written coursework assignment | Article critique | 50 | 2,000 words | ||
Oral assessment | Screencast on responsible research conduct | 30 | 5-6 minutes |
Penalties for late submission of summative assessment
The Support Centres will apply the following penalties for work submitted late:
Assessments with numerical marks
- 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 three working days;
- the mark awarded due to the imposition of the penalty shall not fall below the threshold pass mark, namely 40% in the case of modules at Levels 4-6 (i.e. undergraduate modules for Parts 1-3) and 50% in the case of Level 7 modules offered as part of an Integrated Masters or taught postgraduate degree programme;
- where the piece of work is awarded a mark below the threshold pass mark prior to any penalty being imposed, and is submitted up to three working days after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline), no penalty shall be imposed;
- where the piece of work is submitted more than three working days after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): a mark of zero will be recorded.
Assessments marked Pass/Fail
- where the piece of work is submitted within three working days of the deadline (or any formally agreed extension of the deadline): no penalty will be applied;
- where the piece of work is submitted more than three working days after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension of the deadline): a grade of Fail will be awarded.
The University policy statement on penalties for late submission can be found at: /cqsd/-/media/project/functions/cqsd/documents/qap/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.
Formative assessment
Formative assessment is any task or activity which creates feedback (or feedforward) for you about your learning, but which does not contribute towards your overall module mark.
Feedback on Literature Review Plan
Reassessment
Type of reassessment | Detail of reassessment | % contribution towards module mark | Size of reassessment | Submission date | Additional information |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Written coursework assignment | Article critique | 70 | 2,000 words | During the University resit period | |
Oral reassessment | Screencast on responsible research conduct | 30 | 5-6 minutes | During the University resit period |
Additional costs
Item | Additional information | Cost |
---|---|---|
Computers and devices with a particular specification | ||
Printing and binding | ||
Required textbooks | ||
Specialist clothing, footwear, or headgear | ||
Specialist equipment or materials | ||
Travel, accommodation, and subsistence |
THE INFORMATION CONTAINED IN THIS MODULE DESCRIPTION DOES NOT FORM ANY PART OF A STUDENT'S CONTRACT.