Synoptic module
| Code | School | Level | Credits | Semesters |
| NATS4001 | Mathematical Sciences | 4 | 20 | Full Year UK |
- Code
- NATS4001
- School
- Mathematical Sciences
- Level
- 4
- Credits
- 20
- Semesters
- Full Year UK
Summary
The synoptic module gives students the opportunity to take part in a piece of interdisciplinary project work. The module will explore the interface between science, engineering, social science and the humanities. The synoptic module gives students the opportunity to combine knowledge and skills acquired in individual subject disciplines to carry out interdisciplinary projects. In addition, this module will provide students with an opportunity to learn and to demonstrate transferable skills such as creativity, reasoning, problem solving, communication, critical thinking, time-management, teamwork and research skills.
In the autumn semester, students will work in pairs to explore a topic through the lens of different disciplines and produce a poster to illustrate this to familiarise them with the fundamentals of interdisciplinary thinking. This is followed by a writing a literature review - surveying, summarising and critiquing the latest interdisciplinary research in an interdisciplinary problem area. The problems may be connected to the UN's sustainable development goals. In the spring semester, students build on the research from their literature review to identify new interdisciplinary research initiatives and write a research paper, plan a programme of research, or create a policy proposal.
Target Students
Available to Natural Sciences and Liberal Arts students.
Classes
• 8 x 2-hour workshops • Independent project work with progress review meetings • Practice presentation • Presentations • Co-taught with LIBA3002
Assessment
- 10% Poster: Poster Infographic A1 demonstrating research on a topic; in pairs.
- 25% Lit Review: Group 2,500-word literature review on an interdisciplinary research topic
- 40% Report: Group 5,000-word written assignment taking the form of a research paper, grant proposal, policy document or public engagement report as appropriate to the interdisciplinary research topic.
- 15% Presentation: Group 15-minute presentation of the project.
- 10% Reflection: Individual; 500-word reflective report plus group log maintained throughout the project.
Assessed by end of designated period
Educational Aims
The aim of the module is for students to apply their knowledge and understanding to solve a real-world problem by working in partnership with students of different disciplines to realise the full potential of their combined skills.The module prepares students for further study or employment by equipping them with necessary research and employability skills such as:Problem solvingTime managementTeam workOral and written communicationEffective use of ITInformation retrievalCritical evaluation of informationApplication of skills to novel situationsAnticipating consequences of changeCreativity, originality and flexible thinkingNegotiating and influencingLearning Outcomes
A student who completes this module successfully will be able to:
L1 - critically evaluate significant and recently published research articles that could contribute to achieving global sustainability.
L2 - investigate new research avenues and/or initiate changes in policies or actions based on current research.
L3 - write and orally present interdisciplinary research to a range of audiences.
L4 - operate effectively as a member of an interdisciplinary team and reflect on their contribution.
L5 - demonstrate effective research, problem-solving and time management skills.