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PHY-40045 - Module Specification
School of Chemical and Physical Sciences
Faculty of Natural Sciences

For academic year: 2026/27 Last Updated: 17 March 2026

PHY-40045 - Research Training
Coordinator: Daniela Plana Room: LJ1.46 Tel: +44 1782 7 34998
Lecture Time: See Timetable...
Level: Level 7
Credits: 15
Study Hours: 150
School Office: 01782 734921

Programme/Approved Electives for 2026/27

None

Available as a Free Standing Elective

No

Co-requisites

None

Prerequisites

None

Barred Combinations

None

Description for 2026/27

Learn the skills necessary to conduct research in Astrophysics at a world-class level. You will attend and summarise seminars by other researchers and give a seminar of your own. You will critically evaluate research grant applications and then write your own for supercomputer access or time on a big telescope. You will also learn about research ethics, intellectual property, research financing, public engagement and impact, and the sustainability of scientific research.

Aims
To gain an appreciation of the scientific research process, through engagement with issues surrounding funding, publishing, research integrity
and ethics, as well as impact.
To further develop communication and other soft skills involved in the research process, promoting students' progress towards careers in
research and/or academia.

Intended Learning Outcomes

evaluate and discuss the impact of a research project in terms of the societal, financial and intellectual perspectives: 1,2
communicate effectively and persuasively in written and oral forms using clear, scientific language: 1,2
critically evaluate scientific information from various sources, demonstrating understanding of relevant astrophysics topics: 1,2
engage with career development opportunities: 1
reflect critically on personal development and learning: 2

Study hours

Active Learning Hours: Astrophysics Seminar Series: 15h; Research skills workshops and seminars: 30h
Independent study and assessment preparation: 105h

School Rules

None

Description of Module Assessment

1: Portfolio weighted 50%
Scientific portfolio (Sem 1)
Semester 1 portfolio (equivalent to 2000-2300 words) demonstrating development of research skills, including evaluating research proposals, constructing their CV, considering possible job opportunities and summary of Semester 1 astrophysics seminars and sessions on different research-related aspects (e.g. ethics, finance, sustainability).

2: Portfolio weighted 50%
Reflective portfolio (Sem 2)
Semester 2 portfolio (equivalent to 2000-2300 words) demonstrating development of research skills, including producing a research proposal, delivering a seminar to peers, a summary of Semester 2 astrophysics seminars and sessions on different research-related aspects (e.g. ethics, finance, sustainability), and reflecting on their learning and development throughout the year.

The University undertakes a continuous review of its teaching and research provision to ensure programmes are of a high quality and changes may be made to modules where it is necessary and reasonable to do so. Please be aware that minor changes to modules, such as a change to an individual assessment, can occur up until enrolment, although we endeavour to give you as much notice as possible of any changes. Details about the circumstance in which changes are made to programmes can be found in the Student Agreement, available at: https://www.keele.ac.uk/legalgovernancecompliance/governance/actcharterstatutesordinancesandregulations/studenttermsconditions/

Last Updated: 17 March 2026