Module Code - Title:
ES8021
-
INTRODUCTION TO POSTGRADUATE RESEARCH
Year Last Offered:
2025/6
Hours Per Week:
Grading Type:
PF
Prerequisite Modules:
Rationale and Purpose of the Module:
The purpose of this module is to induct the student into good practice with respect to carrying out post graduate research.
Syllabus:
The module introduces students to good supervisory practice and how to stay motivated through appropriate structure and planning of the research process. Comprises:
Principles and regulations for a UL post graduate research degree
Expectations of student and supervisory committee
Maximising supervisory guidance
Database searching
Critical review
Familiarisation with ethical approval processes
Learning Outcomes:
Cognitive (Knowledge, Understanding, Application, Analysis, Evaluation, Synthesis)
Cognitive (Knowledge, Understanding, Application, Analysis, Evaluation, Synthesis)
By the end of this module the student will be able to:
Agree a learning contract with their supervisor.
Achieve appropriate work/life balance throughout their PG research degree
Search databases effectively
Review papers critically to a depth appropriate for a literature review
Affective (Attitudes and Values)
Affective (Attitudes and Values)
Develop and maintain a positive working relationship with supervisor and colleagues.
Appreciation of the stresses and demands of research and coping mechanisms required.
Develop a positive and supportive relationship with other post grad research students in the EHS Faculty.
Psychomotor (Physical Skills)
N/A
How the Module will be Taught and what will be the Learning Experiences of the Students:
The module is taught over five full workshop days in a semester whereby compulsory attendance is required. The aim of the assessment strategy on this module is to help students develop skills in reflection, critical analysis and synthesis. An important focus of this module is the relationship between the related research and theory in students' field and where they position themselves and their proposed research among these sources. The assessment strategy is designed with this underpinning emphasis.
By the end of this module students will have engaged with the literature and moved some way towards positioning their work and as a researcher in the related research and theory in their field.
Research Findings Incorporated in to the Syllabus (If Relevant):
Prime Texts:
5. Harzing, AW (2010)
The publish or perish book your guide to effective and responsible citation analysis 1st Ed Melbourne
, Tarma Software Research
Other Relevant Texts:
Programme(s) in which this Module is Offered:
Semester(s) Module is Offered:
Autumn
Spring
Module Leader:
Kathleen.Markey@ul.ie