Module: Climate & environmental sustainability research project

Latest Module Specifications

Current Academic Year 2025 - 2026

Module Title	Climate & environmental sustainability research project
Module Code	ENS1012
Faculty	Humanities & Social Sciences	School	History & Geography
NFQ level	8	Credit Rating	15

Description

This capstone module requires students to complete an individual research project of approximately 10,000 words on a topic related to climate and environmental sustainability. Under the guidance of an academic supervisor, students will design and carry out an investigation, integrating relevant literature, applying appropriate research methods, and presenting their findings in a formal academic report. To support the successful completion of their project, students will participate in targeted workshops and seminars covering key research skills, including topic development, ethical research practice, literature review, project planning, data collection and analysis, academic writing, and research communication. The module includes opportunities for constructive feedback and reflective practice to support academic development.

Learning Outcomes

1. Design and execute an independent sustainability research project.
2. Apply appropriate research methodologies to investigate a sustainability-related problem.
3. Analyse and assess the credibility of ideas, arguments and information.
4. Ask appropriate questions in relation to a given topic.
5. Gather relevant information relating to a topic.
6. Draw informed and logical conclusions from information.
7. Present ideas, arguments and information in a coherent and clear manner.
8. Demonstrate awareness of ethical considerations

*Type*	*Hours*	*Description*
Workload	Full time hours per semester
Workshop	24	Research workshops/tutorials
Independent Study	351	Planning, execution, and writing up of independant research project.
Total Workload: 375

Section Breakdown
CRN	10662	Part of Term	Semester 1 & 2
Coursework	100%	Examination Weight	0%
Grade Scale	40PASS	Pass Both Elements	N
Resit Category	RC1	Best Mark	N
Module Co-ordinator	Valerie McCarthy	Module Teacher	Gránia Shanahan, Niamh Cullen

Type	Description	% of total	Assessment Date
Assessment Breakdown
Project	Research Project: Students will undertake a piece of independant research supervised by an academic member of staff and culminating in a c. 10,000 word research project.	75%	As required
Oral Examination	Viva Voce consisting of oral presentaion and oral examination	25%	As required

Reassessment Requirement Type
Resit arrangements are explained by the following categories; RC1: A resit is available for both^* components of the module. RC2: No resit is available for a 100% coursework module. RC3: No resit is available for the coursework component where there is a coursework and summative examination element. ^* ‘Both’ is used in the context of the module having a coursework/summative examination split; where the module is 100% coursework, there will also be a resit of the assessment

Pre-requisite	None
Co-requisite	None
Compatibles	None
Incompatibles	None

All module information is indicative and subject to change. For further information,students are advised to refer to the University's Marks and Standards and Programme Specific Regulations at: http://www.dcu.ie/registry/examinations/index.shtml

Indicative Content and Learning Activities

Development and refinement of an independent sustainability research topic

Formulation of research questions, aims and objectives

Critical review and synthesis of relevant literature

Research design and methodological justification

Ethical considerations in independent research

Indicative Reading List

Books:

Judith Bell,Stephen Waters: 2024, Doing Your Research Project?, 3rd, Open University Press, 0335252427
Wayne C. Booth,Gregory G. Colomb,Joseph M. Williams,Joseph Bizup,William T. Fitzgerald: 2024, The Craft of Research, Fifth Edition, 5th, The University of Chicago Press, 9780226826677

Articles:
None

Other Resources

None