University of Galway

Course Module Information

Course Modules

Semester 1 and Semester 2 | Credits: 5

The student should only register for this module in the academic year that they intend to complete the module. This module aims to enable students to develop and acquire a range of generic and discipline specific research skills and methodological expertise and to gain an understanding of their practical application to the research process in order to successfully complete postgraduate research. Students are required to attend a ‘Getting Started on Your PhD’ workshop - this half-day workshop to be provided by the student’s School. Students are expected to undertake independent research activities and to develop their research skills, aided by their research supervisor and other research team members. Students may avail of a suite of online training materials to augment this research skills training (detailed in Resources section). Student’s research activities must be recorded in a properly notarised notebook and reported on regularly to their supervisor and Graduate Research Committee. Reports should also include future research strategies and refer to the further research expertise to be developed. Students are also required to present their research (by oral and/or poster presentation) to a peer audience in their discipline, School or College.
(Language of instruction: English)

Learning Outcomes
  1. Demonstrate the ability to identify, critically evaluate and access the requisite specialised skills, technical training, and specialised diagnostic or other equipment required to carry out their research project.
  2. Maintain a notarised notebook as a record of their original contributions to research.
  3. Write regular comprehensive reports of their research activities.
  4. Plan detailed strategies for the succeeding phases of the research.
  5. Communicate their research findings to a local audience by oral or poster presentation.
Assessments
  • Department-based Assessment (100%)
Teachers
The above information outlines module GS505: "Graduate Research Skills" and is valid from 2016 onwards.
Note: Module offerings and details may be subject to change.