This is a quantitatively oriented independent research project, in which students will use the knowledge gained in the taught course components to design a feasible experiment, write a proposal, and implement, analyse and write up a discrete project.

Full-time Research

None

Students will be required to write a comprehensive report, based on independent research that is analysed using the most appropriate quantitative methods learned during the first two Semesters of their programme, and written up to a high standard of English, in the style of research paper appropriate for publication, including a critical analysis of the background literature and how their results fit into the context of the broader body of literature. Students will be required to submit a research proposal (2000 words) before starting on their projects (25%) and will be given a mark (supervisors report) for performance and diligence during the experimental and analytical parts of the project (15%). The remaining 60% will be for a 10,000 word project report.

The aim of this course is to have students undertake a quantitatively oriented independent research project, in which they will use the knowledge gained in the taught course components to design a feasible experiment, write a proposal, and implement, analyse and write up a discrete project.

By the end of this course students will be able to:

■ integrate knowledge learned across the taught components of the course to:

■ Identify a research problem and an appropriate species/system in which it can be studied

■ Design an experiment, meta-analysis or synthetic literature review that is feasible in the timeframe of the third term

■ Write a proposal that outlines the motivation for the study, a clear statement of the objectives to be addressed, the basic methods to be used and the expected outcomes and significance

■ Undertake a quantitatively oriented independent research project, meta-analysis or synthetic literature review based on this proposal

■ Write a report of the study of 5,000 to 7,000 words but should not exceed 10,000 words, formatted for an identified scientific journal (Animal Welfare). See the journal's Guidelines to the Authors.

Students must submit at least 75% by weight of the components (including examinations) of the course's summative assessment.