Information for Postgraduate Researchers
- The understanding research programme is a voluntary opportunity open to PGR students in the Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health.
- The understanding research programme will give you the chance to have full supervision of a 1st year undergraduate (UG) student for up to 5 days.
- This opportunity has been designed to give you the chance to use your supervisory, coaching and management skills, whilst simultaneously providing research experience for SBS UG students.
Key details:
- It is a 5 day commitment* during the summer vacation June-Sept
- It is a voluntary activity
- You will have the opportunity to take responsibility for a 1st year UG student
*It is expected that the understanding research programme will be around 5 days in length, the actual length will depend on agreement between you and your UG student. There is the option to discuss a full range of working arrangements (part-time, split, etc), you should address this with your UG student once you are assigned.
How to apply
On the application you will need to:
- include all your contact details
- provide a 200 word lay summary of your research and what you plan to offer
- include all the dates you would be available for the student to work
- discuss your application with your academic supervisor BEFORE you apply
Complete and return the registration form https://www.qualtrics.manchester.ac.uk/jfe/form/SV_8uJgQWNUk56lf02 by Friday 5 April 2024.
What will the understanding research programme look like?
The exact format and timing of each understanding research programme can be flexible and you can discuss exactly what you do with your UG student. A suggested structure for your understanding research programme is outlined below (and detailed further in the understanding research programme handbook).
Example 5 day schedule for working with an undergraduate student on the Understanding Research Programme:
Day 1
Introduction to the project
Deciding aims for the programme
Observation ‘shadowing’ of PGR supervisor
Day 2
Literature review – Evaluation of 3 key texts
Discussion of literature review
Observation ‘shadowing’ of PGR supervisor
Day 3
Data analysis – how is data analysed in this area?
Data analysis task?
Observation ‘shadowing’ of PGR supervisor
Day 4
Doing research – what’s it like doing a PhD?
Observation ‘shadowing’ of PGR supervisor
Day 5
Reviewing both your experiences of the Understanding Research Programme
Two-way formative feedback
Observation ‘shadowing’ of PGR supervisor
Questions?
Come along to a 30minute information session where you will hear about the scheme and have the chance to ask questions. You can book onto the information sessions by visiting: https://app.manchester.ac.uk/RESDEV0075
The information sessions will be online 10:00-10:30 on:
- Wednesday 28 February 2024
- Wednesday 27 March 2024
Any further questions can be directed to Dr Sarah Ashworth, Researcher Developer. sarah.ashworth@manchester.ac.uk