1. RESEARCH SKILLS MODULE INTRODUCTION Angela Benzies, SoE

2. Frequently asked questions zWhy am I here? zWhat does it all mean? zIs this module really necessary? zDo I need this material if I am not doing an MSc? zHow do I apply what I learn here?

3. Some key points zAll postgraduate students in the Faculty do this module zCommon core of teaching zSchool-specific applications of the material zA module leader or co-ordinator for each School

4. Aim zTo give students the skills required to undertake research work for projects at postgraduate diploma and MSc level zby yLecture input on core elements yApplying the learning in the context of a piece of work specified by the School or programme, e.g. xpreparation of a research proposal xindividual or group project zDelivery and assessment controlled at School level

5. Learning outcomes yUnderstand and apply principles of research to his/her field of study. yUnderstand and apply the principles of managing a research project. yPerform a literature review. yOrganise and perform data collection, analysis and presentation. yWrite and present a technical paper/report. yUnderstand the dynamics of team working and make a positive contribution to a team investigation. yDevelop subject-specific skills as defined by programme

6. Schedule of activities zLectures in weeks 1 to 6 yIntroduction and Project Management (Angela Benzies, SoE) yInformation Searching (Dorothy Millar, NULIS) yGenerating a Research Idea (Julian Hine, SBE) yOrganising, Processing and Presenting Data (Emma Hart, SoC) yWriting Up (Adarkwah Antwi, SBE) yDynamics of Team Working (Angela Benzies, SoE) zSchool-specific work ystarts between weeks 1 and 7 yfinishes in week 14

7. Assessment zCoursework only zTwo items, approximately weeks 9 and 14 zUsually comprises: yresearch proposal yproject report plus appropriate deliverables

8. What to do now zAttend the lectures and get the associated notes zStart to apply the material from week 1 zIf you have queries, ask presenter or School contact or programme leader zApply the knowledge gained outside the module

9. Sources of Information zProgramme documentation, e.g. handbooks, websites zResearch Skills website: ywww.dcs.napier.ac.uk~emmah/researchSkill.htm zOther School-specific media, e.g. CD

10. Conclusion zThe lectures provide essential knowledge for the module assessments zResearch Skills are needed for PgD and MSc work zThe idea is that you apply the knowledge to your specific field zSome people are experts in one or more of the topics but don’t assume you know it all