Postgraduate research opportunities

An investigation into an aspect of Science Education Research

You will work under the supervision of Dr Fraser J. Scott to investigate an aspect of Science Education Research. This will likely be on a topic involving the overlap of Science and Mathematics education, but the specific topic is open for discussion.

Number of places

one

Opens

20 December 2019

Duration

Three to four years

Eligibility

2:1 Honour degree or overseas equivalent

Project Details

There is an opportunity for an interested potential PhD student to engage in a project focused on an aspect of Science Education Research (SER). My particular interests in this field are in the overlap of mathematics and science education,1,2 and projects in this area might serve to answer these sorts of questions:

  • How well are students prepared for the mathematical aspects of science curricula?
  • What level of numeracy is maintained throughout University education, and beyond?
  • Can Hogan’s Numeracy Framework be used to diagnose the ‘Mathematics Problem’?

Other suggested topics might include:

  • Authentic development of simulated peer-assessment activities3,4
  • What ‘resources’, physical or mental, do students require to learn effectively?

However, there are a variety of potential areas that can be explored, so you are welcome to engage in discussion with me to determine a different, suitable project.

Methods

Entirely dependent on the specific project, however, they might include qualitative and/or quantitative analysis of questionnaires or test instruments.

References

1 F. J. Scott, Euro. J. Sci. Math. Educ., 2016, 4, 115-128.

2 F. J. Scott, Chem. Educ. Res. Pract., 13, 2012, 330-336.

3 F. J. Scott, Chem. Educ. Res. Pract., 2014, 15, 568-575.

4 F. J. Scott, J. Bio. Ed., advanced article, DOI:10.1080/00219266.2016.1177571

Funding Details

Self-funded