1. Writing an Under-graduate Research Proposal: Science Louise Livesey Academic Skills Adviser This workshop will: - Consider the ways proposals differ from other types of academic writing ­Explore common components of many research proposals at this level ­ Offer tips and strategies for writing up an effective proposal 17/12/2015Academic Skills Advice1

2. The Plan 1.How proposals are different to other assignments 2.Sections in a research proposal 3.Tips for writing an effective proposal 17/12/2015Academic Skills Advice2

3. A proposal’s function: to provide an outline of your intended research activity. You need to include… what your research question/s are why you have chosen this research activity and field the subject of your research activity how you intend to undertake the research activity why you have chosen these methods 1.How proposals are different to other assignments 17/12/2015Academic Skills Advice3

4. Use the future tense Possibly use first person Use sections and headings Short assignment Your and your tutor agree Possible specific format to course 17/12/2015Academic Skills Advice4 1.How proposals are different to other assignments

5. Titles should… reflect your aim/s Identify the setting Use the hypothesis or research question/s as a base Be ‘concrete’ about what your are researching 2.Sections in a research proposal 17/12/2015Academic Skills Advice5

6. Any issues with this title? Analysis of the rate of decay in a fully-clothed human body 17/12/2015Academic Skills Advice6 2.Sections in a research proposal

7. Activity 1: Any issues with this title? Analysis of the rate of decay in a fully-clothed human body enclosed in a car boot. 17/12/2015Academic Skills Advice7 2.Sections in a research proposal

8. How about this one? Analysis of the rate of decay in a fully-clothed human body enclosed in a car boot and found in a car park in North West England. 17/12/2015Academic Skills Advice8 2.Sections in a research proposal

9. Objectives: the key steps of baking. i.e. getting your ingredients together and following a recipe. Aim: a fruit cake 17/12/2015Academic Skills Advice9 2.Sections in a research proposal

10. Introduction Shorter literature review Research design/Methodology: ­ Chose methods and tools ­ Rejected methods ­ Your stance Ethical considerations: ­ Consent ­ Confidentiality and anonymity ­ Data storage ­ Access to results Conclusion/recommendations Timeframe Reference list/bibliography 17/12/2015Academic Skills Advice10 2.Sections in a research proposal

11. 3.Tips for writing an effective proposal Be clear and concise Be relevant. Learn to give and receive feedback Use the following WHITTLE checklist: What: is the research question How: will you carry out your research Importance: why is your research important? Timely: why should your research be carried out now? Title: does your proposed title tell a reader what the research is about? Literature: have you identified the key research End result: are the aims clearly defined and what will the end result be? 17/12/2015Academic Skills Advice11

12. Academic Skills Advice Service Where are we? Chesham Building B0.23. Give us a call or come speak to us Monday-Thursday 10am-12pm and 1pm-4pm Who am I? Louise, the dedicated workshop adviser. Who can help me with study and writing skills? Lucy and Russell run Instant Study Skills Advice sessions Monday-Thursday and Writing Skills Clinics twice a week. You can also access self-help resources on our webpage.webpage Who can give me maths advice? Helen and Michael specialise in Maths support for students though clinics and pre-booked appointments. How do I get in touch? Email: academic- skills@brad.ac.uk Telephone: 01274 236849academic- skills@brad.ac.uk 17/12/2015Academic Skills Advice12

13. Any questions? 17/12/2015Academic Skills Advice13

14. International Student Barometer (ISB) Launches Monday 26 October 2015 Eligible students have been sent an email with a survey link from International-office@bradford.ac.ukInternational-office@bradford.ac.uk ISB helps the University to: understand the international student experience; make improvements for you as students and; understand what we are doing well. But! We need students to fill out the survey: more students = better data = better experience You could win an iPad Mini2 or a year’s gym membership with Unique Fitness for filling it out.