Undergraduate Module Descriptor

POL3231: Research Experience

This module descriptor refers to the 2021/2 academic year.

Module Content

Syllabus Plan

While the module’s precise content may vary from year to year, it is envisaged that the syllabus will cover the following topics in chronological order:

  • Initial meeting with staff member/researcher
  • Outlining of specific tasks and responsibilities by the research
  • Assignment of a relevant reading list to understand the project
  • Submission of 1500 word literature review (using and expanding on the list provided)
  • Submission of a 2500 word project contribution

Learning and Teaching

This table provides an overview of how your hours of study for this module are allocated:

Scheduled Learning and Teaching ActivitiesGuided independent studyPlacement / study abroad
51450

...and this table provides a more detailed breakdown of the hours allocated to various study activities:

CategoryHours of study timeDescription
Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities 5Tutorial meeting with project manager
Guided Independent Study 85Private study (investigations of sources and research)
Guided Independent Study50Private study (writing)
Guided Independent Study10Private study (reflection)

Online Resources

This module has online resources available via ELE (the Exeter Learning Environment).

How this Module is Assessed

In the tables below, you will see reference to 'ILO's. An ILO is an Intended Learning Outcome - see Aims and Learning Outcomes for details of the ILOs for this module.

Formative Assessment

A formative assessment is designed to give you feedback on your understanding of the module content but it will not count towards your mark for the module.

Form of assessmentSize of the assessment (eg length / duration)ILOs assessedFeedback method
One research assistant-ship review750 word self-assessment3-7Oral feedback

Summative Assessment

A summative assessment counts towards your mark for the module. The table below tells you what percentage of your mark will come from which type of assessment.

CourseworkWritten examsPractical exams
10000

...and this table provides further details on the summative assessments for this module.

Form of assessment% of creditSize of the assessment (eg length / duration)ILOs assessedFeedback method
Literature Review201500 words1-7Written and oral
Project contribution802500 words1-7Written and oral

Re-assessment

Re-assessment takes place when the summative assessment has not been completed by the original deadline, and the student has been allowed to refer or defer it to a later date (this only happens following certain criteria and is always subject to exam board approval). For obvious reasons, re-assessments cannot be the same as the original assessment and so these alternatives are set. In cases where the form of assessment is the same, the content will nevertheless be different.

Original form of assessmentForm of re-assessmentILOs re-assessedTimescale for re-assessment
Literature reviewLiterature review (1500 words)1-7August/September reassessment period
Project contributionProject contribution (2500 words)1-7August/September reassessment period