Research Project (Palaeobiology)

Module code: GL4103

The Palaeobiology Research Project is a major piece of independent research work that you carry out in your 4th year.  The project gives you the opportunity to apply and demonstrate the knowledge and skills that you have acquired over the previous three years to a specific problem within palaeobiology on a topic of interest to you. Working from an initial hypothesis, you’ll collect your data, and through rigorous analysis of your results and uncertainties, you finish with interpretations of your findings.  Some of our students go on to publish their findings in a major scientific journal.

Topics covered

There are no formal topics covered in this module.  However, on completion of this module students will be able to:

• Demonstrate an appropriate level of knowledge commensurate with the research project chosen and its background
• Demonstrate laboratory data analysis and interpretive skills appropriate to the chosen project
• Plan, conduct and report a piece of research in the form of a report, poster and oral presentation
• Perform literature searches and correctly reference previous work
• Manage time effectively
• Work independently