Introductory description

The IRS for Science module aims to ensure that students develop the necessary competencies and skills to succeed in science and related courses in the United Kingdom. It will provide bespoke skills training and support for students aiming at progressing to an undergraduate degree in the United Kingdom. It will provide competency training in reflective and critical thinking, team-working, and raising the awareness of self to develop greater ability in learners to engage with academic debate in science and take responsibility to critically inquire and evaluate issues in science and engineering. The module aims to ensure that students become independent learners and researchers who are equipped to think for themselves.

Module aims

Outline syllabus

This is an indicative module outline only to give an indication of the sort of topics that may be covered. Actual sessions held may differ.

1. Foundations of Research – The first part of the module will develop students' skills in information literacy, evaluating sources, effective search strategies and reflection to enable students to access reliable academic sources.

2. Solving problems in Science – Students will take part in problem-based learning tasks in which they will develop their research skills, such as communication and team-working.

3. Research Project – Students will design an independent research project. They will plan and manage the research process, and analyse and communicate the findings.

Learning outcomes

By the end of the module, students should be able to:

• Engage effectively in reflective and critical thinking .
• Propose, design, manage and carry out an independent scientific research project.
• Investigate and analyse academic debates that arise in science
• Analyse and evaluate research undertaken by others within the scientific field

Indicative reading list

Cottrell S (2008) The Study Skills Handbook (3rd edition) Palgrave Macmillan
Cottrell S (2011) Critical Thinking Skills: Developing Effective Analysis and Argument (2nd edition) Palgrave Macmillan
Cottrell S (2014) Dissertations and project reports : a step by step guide Palgrave MacMillan
Dane, C (2018 ) Evaluating research : methodology for people who need to read research (2nd edition) SAGE
Humphreys P (2016) Oxford Handbook of the Philosophy of Science Oxford University Press
Kennett, B (2014) Planning and managing scientific research : a guide for the beginning researcher Australian National University Press
Yeong, FM (2014) How to read and critique a scientific research article : notes to guide students reading primary literature (with teaching tips for faculty members) University of Singapore
The New Scientist
IEEE International Symposium on Ethics in Science, Technology and Engineering (Journal)

View reading list on Talis Aspire

Research element

Students will design and conduct an independent research project on a scientific topic.

Interdisciplinary

Students will use the knowledge and skills they have gained from the academic modules they are studying on the IFP in order to choose, plan and carry out a research project.
Students will work on an interdisciplinary project with students from other IFP disciplines on a sustainability issue in order to share experiences and different approaches to problem-solving.

International

This module will look at scientific issues from a global perspective. Students will be given a free choice of what they would like to investigate for their research project in order for them to explore international problems or scientific issues that interest them.

Subject specific skills

• Information literacy skills - library skills, effective internet searching, use of databases.
• Inquiry Skills - asking questions, seeking and analysing different answers, coming to your own conclusion
• Group work skills
• Independent learning skills - planning, time management
• Research skills - e.g. planning research, data collection and analysis
• Reflective thinking/ writing
• Critical thinking

Transferable skills

• Information literacy skills - library skills, effective internet searching, use of databases.
• Inquiry Skills - asking questions, seeking and analysing different answers, coming to your own conclusion
• Independent learning skills - planning, time management
• Research skills - e.g. planning research, data collection and analysis
• Reflective thinking/ writing
• Critical thinking