Developing Your Research Project

Offered By: University of Southampton via FutureLearn

Course Description

Overview

Curiosity is one of humanity’s most important characteristics. It has enabled us to make the unknown known, to break barriers and to shine a light on all aspects of life, from our day to day hobbies to the exploration of the stars. Our innate desire to explore is responsible for many of our proudest achievements. This course will help train you to harness your curiosity and use it to undertake your own research projects in a scholarly manner.

The course is intended for anyone who is currently undertaking or planning to undertake a piece of academic research, be that the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ), International Baccalaureate Extended Essay, Welsh Baccalaureate Individual Project, coursework or a piece of independent scholarship. The course is running throughout the year so you can chose the start date that suits you (select your preference below).

Developed and delivered by research-active academics, the course will support you with every step of the research process, from developing a hypothesis and finding sources to writing up and presenting one’s findings.

The practical, hands-on lessons will give you the opportunity to share your ideas with fellow researchers from all over the world, to receive peer feedback on your research proposals and enable you to review and comment on the work of other researchers, building a supportive community of like-minded curious learners.

This course is designed for anyone currently undertaking or planning to undertake a piece of academic research at any level. You do not need any previous experience to get the most out of this course.

Syllabus

Starting an academic research project

Getting started
Why do academic research?
Critical success factors
Week 1 - summary activities

Drafting a research proposal

Drafting a research proposal
Developing your ideas
Week 2 - summary activities

Undertaking research and recording your findings

Finding information
What sources are available?
Starting your research
Week 3 - summary activities

Choosing an appropriate research methodology

Identifying different research methodologies
Choosing an appropriate research methodology
Week 4 - summary activities

Academic reading

Academic reading
Developing academic reading techniques
Week 5 - summary activities

Referencing

Referencing
When to reference? what to reference?
Week 6 - summary activities

Writing up your research

Writing up your research
Writing a summary of your research proposal
Week 7 - summary activities

Presenting your research

Presenting your research
End of course test
Week 8 - summary activities
What next?

Taught by

Chris Fuller Emma Thompson