Module: BIO6009-20 Dissertation Planning for Wildlife Conservation

Credit Value: 20

Module Tutor Matthew Baker

Module Tutor Contact Details:  m.baker@bathspa.ac.uk

1. Brief description and aims of module:

The aim of the dissertation is to enable you to advance your knowledge of the discipline you have studied by pursuing an independent research project, this is achieved in two connected modules: Dissertation Planning for Wildlife Conservation (Semester 1) and Dissertation Publication for Wildlife Conservation (Semester 2). ‘Dissertation Planning for Wildlife Conservation’ is the first part of the dissertation. You will conduct the same independent research project across these two modules, with different elements assessed in each.

The Dissertation is the hallmark of an undergraduate scientific education giving you the opportunity to demonstrate how the knowledge and skills you have gained can be applied to generate new insights or perspectives on academic and/or real-world issues. This module provides you with the opportunity to select an appropriate topic and write a critical literature review on an individual topic of relevance to your degree award under the supervision of a member of the teaching staff.  The critical review will provide the basis for identifying, defining and articulating a relevant topic for investigation in your research project. You will devise a goal and plan an appropriate study to achieve it; establish a research aim and research objectives and select and justify appropriate research methodologies including assessment of risk and ethical implications.

The research project can be an academic study or a more applied project working with organisations on projects agreed with the subject area. The potential range of methods and approaches is wide, extending across the full breadth of staff interests and expertise.

The module provides first-hand experience of planning a research project. It also offers you the opportunity to continue to formatively evaluate your skills and development. On completing all elements of the dissertation you will have examined a subject in substantial depth, shown evidence of an ability to undertake sustained critical analysis, developed and improved your research skills, and produced pieces of written work that demonstrates understanding of an area relevant to your degree, and your ability communicate in an effective scientific manner.

The dissertation modules ensure that you can demonstrate autonomous, independent learning and effective organisational skills through a sustained process of engagement.

 2. Outline syllabus

You will plan your research under the supervision of an appropriate member of staff who will support you to identify, design and execute the proposed project that delivers agreed, significant and manageable objectives. Supervision occurs according to general Subject guidelines on timings and activities, but you will negotiate the timetable with your supervisor.

You will receive individual guidance, support and advice in person during supervisory meetings and may also receive other support for your learning via email, discussion board or telephone, depending on the nature of your project. High standards of scholarship are required of all types of dissertations, and your learning will be both topic- and practice-related (e.g. methodology and ethics) as appropriate to your chosen topic.

Your initial submission for the Dissertation planning module will be in the form of a written critical literature review on a topic relevant to your proposed research, which will identify a topic of research that you can explore in your dissertation. You will also submit a project approval document which must be approved before conducting primary research.

3. Teaching and learning activities

In the field, you will undertake a mixture of staff-led orientation and introductory field lectures along with student project work. Teaching will be provided through guided field work with guidance given by Bath Spa lecturers and/or local experts. Assessments will be completed following the field course during the semester.

Assessment Item 1:

• Assessment Type: CW

• Description: Critical Literature Review (3500 words)

• % Weighting: 70%

Assessment Item 2:

• Assessment Type: CW

• Description: Project Approval (1500 word equivalent)

• % Weighting: 30%