PN4112 Forging Sustainable Research

Academic year

2025 to 2026 Semester 2

Further information on which modules are specific to your programme.

Key module information

SCOTCAT credits

15

The Scottish Credit Accumulation and Transfer (SCOTCAT) system allows credits gained in Scotland to be transferred between institutions. The number of credits associated with a module gives an indication of the amount of learning effort required by the learner. European Credit Transfer System (ECTS) credits are half the value of SCOTCAT credits.

SCQF level

SCQF level 10

The Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework (SCQF) provides an indication of the complexity of award qualifications and associated learning and operates on an ascending numeric scale from Levels 1-12 with SCQF Level 10 equating to a Scottish undergraduate Honours degree.

Planned timetable

TBC

This information is given as indicative. Timetable may change at short notice depending on room availability.

Module coordinator

Dr S R Pulver

Dr S R Pulver
This information is given as indicative. Staff involved in a module may change at short notice depending on availability and circumstances.

Module Staff

Dr Stefan Pulver, Dr Maarten Zwart

This information is given as indicative. Staff involved in a module may change at short notice depending on availability and circumstances.

Module description

Researchers often overlook the environmental impact of cutting edge research; however, there is growing awareness that environmental sustainability needs to be embedded into all aspects of scientific research, and that all scientific communities need to take action to preserve our planet. This interdisciplinary module will meet this challenge head on. We will review scientific benefits of state-of-the-art research methods in Psychology and Neuroscience, while also discussing methods for assessing and mitigating the environmental impact of these activities. Students will critically evaluate research methods such as lab work with animals and people, scientific imaging, field work, and AI and data sciences. In the context of these methodologies, we will discuss the practical and ethical dimensions revolving around emerging sustainability assessment and mitigation methods both within and outwith the University as the University moves to achieve net zero greenhouse gas emissions.

Relationship to other modules

Pre-requisites

BEFORE TAKING THIS MODULE YOU MUST TAKE AT LEAST 40 CREDITS WORTH OF PN OR BL MODULES

Assessment pattern

Coursework - 100%

Re-assessment

Coursework - 100%

Learning and teaching methods and delivery

Weekly contact

2 1-hour sessions (lectures/seminars/tutorials) x 10 weeks. One 4-hour practical x 1 week.

Scheduled learning hours

24

The number of compulsory student:staff contact hours over the period of the module.

Guided independent study hours

121

The number of hours that students are expected to invest in independent study over the period of the module.

Intended learning outcomes

  • Display detailed knowledge of specific methodologies in Psychology and Neuroscience
  • Exhibit knowledge of the state of the art in sustainability accounting in the context of scientific research
  • Critically assess relevant scientific literature
  • Display awareness of and ability to critically evaluate University and National initiatives aimed at achieving net zero carbon emissions