Unit information: Core Skills 2 in 2013/14

Unit name	Core Skills 2
Unit code	VETSM0025
Credit points	20
Level of study	M/7
Teaching block(s)	Teaching Block 2 (weeks 13 - 24)
Unit director	Dr. Sheard
Open unit status	Not open
Pre-requisites	Mandatory units: Core Skills 1, Biochemistry and Meat quality and Animal Welfare. Plus 4 others 20 credit units from Animal Production, Poultry Processing , Meat Hygiene and Public Health, and Meat Processing.
Co-requisites	Research Project
School/department	Bristol Veterinary School
Faculty	Faculty of Health Sciences

Description including Unit Aims

The unit develops fundamental research-oriented skills, in a meat science context, to facilitate the completion of the research project unit.

The objective of the unit is to produce students capable of designing, planning and analysing research projects that deal with industry relevant problems and issues. The unit also aims to develop students’ job seeking skills.

Intended Learning Outcomes

Students must be able to:

1. address some complex industry problems informed by an in-depth knowledge and understanding, and original thinking
2. understand the importance of experimental design and statistics in research work
3. perform analysis of variance and tabulate data using appropriate scientific notation
4. write a Masters research project proposal
5. write an abstract for a research paper
6. demonstrate an awareness of health and safety issues
7. demonstrate awareness of the job market, produce a CV and covering letter, and compete effectively at interview.

Teaching Information

The unit has a two day career skills workshop (optional for part-time students), a one day research project workshop and a two day statistical workshop.

The unit has excellent e-resources available through a Blackboard site that hosts all the required material, including online questions for formative and summative assessment.

Assessment Information

The unit is assessed entirely by coursework.

Coursework includes a problem solving exercise (students must chose from a range of problems) (15%), an experimental design exercise (15%), the preparation of a research project proposal (20%), writing an abstract (15%), a statistical exercise (15%) and a career skills exercise (20%). Assessments will incorporate student peer review.

Reading and References

No specified reading.