The PhD/Mphil Research Training Courses Learning outcomes
BDS6001 Independent Study 3 Credits
At the end of this course, students should be able to: 1. Describe, comprehend and evaluate issues in biodiversity within the context of the major concepts in biodiversity at various spatial (global/local) and temporal scales (historical/future predictions). 2. Develop key skills for exploring and interpreting biodiversity. 3. Identify variation in species and perform biodiversity sampling methods and analysis utilizing data from real collections or surveys at Centre for the Study of Biological Diversity, University of Guyana. 4. Apply critical thinking, analysis, and independent inquiry skills to complex and interdisciplinary issues through the evaluation of biodiversity scenarios. 5. Critically contrast ideas within a team toward a common goal of preparing a research proposal that will address a current biodiversity issue for an external client
BDS6002 Research Methods 6 Credits
At the end of this Course, students will be able to: Identify the theoretical, ethical and methodological considerations involved in research and research design, Design a research study which demonstrates sound knowledge of the principles and methods of scientific research, Develop and present (both in oral and written formats) a research proposal, Analyse, interpret and present data
BDS6003 Research Proposal 3 Credits
Objectives:1.Developing and writing a research proposal in this course will improve evaluation and writing skills in general and specifically for research proposals. 2.Improved writing skills and a writing intensive credit, improved interpersonal skills from working with a group, experience using field and laboratory techniques, and improved evaluation and interpretation of research literature.3. Detailed development of hypotheses, an essential precursor to good research, leading to simplified scientific process. This proposal will include:1.Background information (a literature review)2. Significance or justification of this research3.Goal or general objective of the research4.Specific hypotheses / proposition/questions to be investigated5.Conceptual and Contextual Frameworks background about the experimental plots6.Research designs7.Data to be collected to investigate hypothesis/proposition/ questions8.Analytical framework 9.Expected results 10.Provisional References
BDS6004 Research Seminars 3 Credits
Consist in effective work on their research areas, progress of ongoing research and issues relevant. There will be written assignments defining their problem area, a literature review, analytic frameworks, methodology, data sources and management technologies. Learn how to make research advance presentations and publish scientific articles
BDS6005 MPhil Thesis 20 Credits , PhD Thesis 30 Credits
The stages of investigation and writing are likely to vary according to the nature of the subject area and should be worked out in consultation with the supervisor. Thesis chapters may be comprised of work that is prepared de novo and specifically for the thesis, reprints or other reproductions of published works or an adaptation of published work. All candidates are required to prepare at least one substantial piece of work towards the final thesis annually. The thesis should include general discussion of the candidate's results and findings, and of their significance in relation to the current state of knowledge in the field. The candidate should, at the stage of thesis preparation, be able to express themselves with precision, clarity and conciseness.