University of St Andrews

Key information

SCOTCAT credits : 30

ECTS credits : 15

Level : SCQF level 10

Semester: Full Year

Planned timetable: Lectures and practical sessions: Thursday 2-4pm (starting Week 2, Semester 1)

The aim of the project is to develop and foster the skills of research design, management, analysis, and communication. This module enables students to work on a scientific project as part of a larger group, doing individual work but learning how to work in a team. Structured team work includes giving and receiving quality peer feedback on individual pitch presentations. The team, of up to 15 students, will start working with a large and/or diverse dataset that allows individual students to tailor their own analyses of the data to report in Semester 1. In Semester 2, students will explore skills in science communication to allow them to propose a public outreach initiative, or use their design skills to generate a follow-on research proposal. Students will do a pitch presentation on this. Assessment is via a portfolio and the presentations of the data analysis and follow on outreach/research project designs. The module meets the learning outcomes for BPS accreditation but with analyses coming first and design skills demonstrated later. The module also contributes to the University Strategy of Entrepreneurial St Andrews.

Relationship to other modules

Pre-requisite(s): Before taking this module you must ( pass PS3021 or pass PS3023 or pass PS3025 ) and ( pass PS3022 or pass PS3024 or pass PS4026 )

Anti-requisite(s): You cannot take any other project/dissertation module offered by the School of Psychology and Neuroscience

Learning and teaching methods and delivery

Weekly contact: Weekly 2hr lecture/lab classes

Scheduled learning hours: 42

Guided independent study hours: 258

Assessment pattern

As used by St Andrews: Coursework = 100%

As defined by QAA
Written examinations : 0%
Practical examinations : %

Re-assessment: Coursework = 100%

Personnel

Module coordinator: Dr K I Mavor
Module teaching staff: Various
Module coordinator email km221@st-andrews.ac.uk

Intended learning outcomes

• Carry out appropriate analyses of a data set based on literature-based hypotheses or data model comparisons.
• Design public outreach activities and research project proposals based on the analyses of the team projects and relevant literature.
• Carry out an academic presentation based on data analysis, and a pitch presentation on either a public outreach project or research grant arising from analysis of the team project.
• Develop and demonstrate entrepreneurial skills in creative project design, and the capacity to pitch ideas for support and resources.
• Engage in reflective practice to improve design, presentation and feedback skills based on peer and supervisor feedback.