Authorised by Academic Registrar, April 1996
Synopsis `Multidisciplinary organisation' is compulsory for both MEnvSc and GradDipEnvSc candidates. MDO aims to provide an intensive apprenticeship in the various facets of a team-based approach to environmental research. This approach is multidisciplinary in that it acknowledges the need to bring together different disciplinary perspectives in the investigation of multi-dimensional environmental problems. It is interdisciplinary in that the aim is to produce a cohesive, integrative perspective, underpinned by a systems understanding of the interrelated processes involved. MDO begins with a series of lectures on the principles of a multidisciplinary approach to environmental research. Three aspects are emphasised: (i) appropriate research design to elucidate a selected problem; (ii) efficient project management to achieve specified objectives; (iii) sensitivity to and effective management of group dynamics. These aspects are central concerns in the subsequent production of a research report. This research is strictly time-tabled. It is undertaken by a self-selected group of three to five people on a topic chosen by them. The subject concludes with an extensive review of the project experience.
Assessment Brief and meeting minutes (1000 words): 10% + Journal and individual review (2000 words): Pass/Fail only + Preliminary report (2000 words): 12% + Final report (4000 words): 50% + Group dynamics report (2000 words): 18% + Overall assessment 10%