400027 Research Planning

Details
Forest & Landscape
Earliest Possible YearMSc. 1 year to MSc. 2 year
DurationOne block
 
Credits7.5 (ECTS)
Course LevelMSc
 
ExaminationContinuous Assessment

written examination

Portfolio Examination


All aids allowed

Description of Examination: Students eligible to participate in the exam will be assessed according to (i) their completion of exercises throughout the course, and (ii) through a written assignment to be submitted at the end of the course.

Weight: Completion of exercises and final written assignment count 25% and 75% respectively towards the final mark.



7-point scale, internal examiner
 
Requirement For Attending ExamStudents must successfully complete at least 75% of exercises in order to participate in the exam.
 
Organisation of TeachingTeaching is through blended learning: web-based exercises are combined with face-to-face presentations and critical discussions.
 
Block PlacementBlock 1
Week Structure: C
 
Teaching LanguageEnglish
 
RestrictionsNone
 
Course Contents
This course requires students to prepare a plan for a research study within natural resources management, for example a dissertation. In case two students plan to do their dissertation together, they should co-operate throughout this course. The plan must incorporate a literature review, a clear statement of hypotheses or questions to be addressed, an outline of the methods to be used and an assessment of any risks and ethical issues involved. Identification and assessment of risk and ethical issues is an essential feature designed to ensure that projects are carried out safely and with due regard for others and the environment. The review is expected to contain a critical appraisal of the assembled material and to be produced to journal standard. The values of scholarship are addressed through evaluation of published scientific literature and student peer review. Students working on similar topics will be organised in thematic groups; potential supervisors will be invited to provide feed-back to thematic groups and individual students.
 
Teaching And Learning Methods
Blended learning combining e-learning and class-room discussions. E-learning is centered around internet-based teaching modules integrating literature studies and exercises, including computer mediated conferencing designed to allow students to interact to construct new knowledge. Class-room sessions are centered around critical discussion of student presentations and development of constructive comments. Specific activities include: introduction to course; supervisor identification and consultations; presentation of research design principles; establishment of thematic groups; student presentation of draft parts of research design; review of peers' draft research design; student-led topical presentations, incl. critical review of selected published paper.
 
Learning Outcome
The aim of the course is to provide tools for, and experience with, systematic design of research projects related with natural and social science aspects of natural resources management. An additional important aim is inculcation of the values of scholarship: inquiry, reflection, integrity, open mindedness, evidence-based thinking, and collegiality.

After completing the course the students should be able to:

Knowledge:
Reflect on the quality of research design.

Argue cogently and think critically within the parameters of a particular academic discipline.

Skills:
Apply principles for good research design, including critical discussion of literature and problem identification, development of hypotheses and research questions, determination of data requirements, and selection of appropriate methods.

Reflect on risks and ethical issues in relation to project implementation.

Competencies:
Demonstrate independent learning skills necessary for the foundation of lifelong learning.

Tackle scientific problems by collecting, analysing and evaluating appropriate qualitative and quantitative information and using it creatively.

Display the competencies, key skills, behaviour and attitudes in relation to individual and group work required in a professional working life.
 
Course Litterature
General texts are included in the course compendium. Each student will develop his/her own course literature list according to the subject chosen for investigation.
 
Course Coordinator
Helle Overgaard Larsen, hol@life.ku.dk, Forest & Landscape Denmark/Unit of Forestry, Phone: 35331732
 
Study Board
Study Committee NSN
 
Course Scope
preparation45
lectures32
theoretical exercises32
project work85
supervision8
examination4

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