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Research Project IV (Thesis Preparation) - 100 hours
Research Project IV (Thesis Preparation) 100 Hours Certificate Course
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Learn About Research Project IV (Thesis Preparation) - 100 hours
Learn to prepare for and plan a thesis. This is a unique course developed to expand a person’s knowledge of research methodology; for students, writers, academics, and entrepeneurs.
Carry out research at the Thesis level. Develop skills in undertaking research and preparing your own thesis. Study at your own pace.
ADL Distance Learning is different. We allow students to choose how and when to study, where to study, what you study and how much you study.
- You decide whether to work fast or slow
- Study to suit changing demands of work, family or lifestyle.
- Combine this course with other qualification
- Design your own Diploma or Higher qualfication by combining different modules that suits your learning goal
- Options in assignments allow you to focus on things with greater interest to you.
- Study using the latest technology (online or using a CD); or using printed notes (traditonal correspondence)
- Use (or don’t use) supplementary services for extra learning want –unlimited access to tutors, an online student room, social media, bookstore, etc
- Our Student Manual at the start of your course will provide a clear guide to how you can study and get all sorts of support no matter where you live
Course Information
Other Categories
Lessons
Lesson Structure –Â Research Project IV (Thesis Preparation) BGN301
There are 10 lessons:
 1. The Problem Statement
- Introduction
- What is a problem
- Selecting a topic
- Structure of a problem statement
- How does a problem statement relate to quantitative and qualitative research
- Referencing and reference types
2. Â Â The Literature Review Part One
- What is a literature review
- Relating your literature review to the problem statement
- Types of literature
- Collecting information
- Finding literature: text books, journal articles, indexes, abstracts, internet
3. Â Â The Literature Review Part Two
- Critical reading
- Literatire review structure
- Writing
- Verbs
- Quotations
- Presentation of work
4. The Hypothesis
- What is a hypothesis
- Definitions
- Scientific method
- Structuring a hypothesis
- What is not a hypothesis
- Null hypothesis
- Correlation vs cause and effect
- Occam’s razor
 5.  The Method
- Introduction
- Structuring your research method
- Research strategy
- Data collection
- Quantitative data
- Qualitative data
- Data sampling
- Sampling methods
- Research integrity
6. Data Collection
- Introduction
- Primary and secondary sources of data
- Quantitative data
- Qualutative data
- Data collection
- Literature review
- Key informants
- Experimental
- Correlation
- What is correlation
- Questionnaires, Surveys and Tests
- Interviews
- Documentation
- Observation
- Focus groups
- Case studies
- Combination and triangulation
7. Research Proposal
- Introduction
- Outline
- Cover Page, abstract, introduction, problem statement, hypothesis, context background, literature survey,
- research methodology
- Time schedule, budget, terminology, resource list, appendix
- Academic writing
8. Thesis Writing
- Nature of thesis structure
- Thesis structure guidelines: different types
9. Ethics
- Ethics of collecting data
- Human research
- Non human research
- Ethics committee
- Categories of research
10. Where To From Here
- Pitfalls
- Finalising a thesis submission
Please Note:Â Â Each lesson concludes in an assignment, submitted to your Tutor for marking and returned with relevant suggestions, comments, and, extra reading where appropriate.
Learning Goals
Learning Goals:
- Construct a problem statement
- Identify related literature resources which correspond to ‘the problem statement’
- Understand nature of hypotheses and methods of hypothesis development
- Develop initial method for your research project
- Identify the data sources for the research project
- Complete a Research Proposal
- Understand how to structure a thesis
- Complete an Ethics Form to gain approval for research
- Write a thesis draft.
Practical (Set Tasks)
Examinations
Program Summary
More Information
CRITICAL READING
Possibly the most important point here is to have an agenda on why and what you are reading. It is very easy to get distracted. Having in mind several questions can help with this.
For example:
• Why is this information important?
• Who wrote it and why?
• How was the research performed?
• What results were found?
• How old is the material?
• What is the author’s perspective?
• Is it relevant to your research?
• What are the conclusions and do you agree?
You can also extend these questions to include your topic:
• What is the historical perspective on the establishment of bare rooted trees?
• What techniques are currently used to establish bare rooted trees?
• What is currently known about auxin?
LITERATURE REVIEW STRUCTURE
Like any academic writing your literature review will have an introduction, a body and a conclusion. It is best before writing to list headings and subheadings in a structured format to help maintain a tight focus on your research objectives (as described above).
Do not overdo the subheadings and remember that your review is part of the thesis and needs to link into the preceding and following chapters.
While the introduction does not need to be lengthy, there are some key points that must be addressed in this section. Foremost is letting the reader know your research objectives (as discussed above), what topics you will be covering in your review and how these are important to your research.
In the main body of your review you will need to critically evaluate the literature based on the headings you have formed from your research objectives.
Often this will also reflect your approach to reading with regards to themes and undercurrents in the literature such as historical perceptions or positions taken by different groups.
Your conclusion will need to do several things. First it must summarise your findings. This will help the reader understand the body if it is a complex or large review.
It should also approach any requirements for further research and in turn link your review into your research methods which will be covered in your next chapter (3).
WRITING
Often a poor literature review is characterized by a too much descriptive writing. While it is necessary to describe the literature, it is not adequate to just describe the literature. The reader wants to know your views and why. This is the basis for critical evaluation of the literature.
There are three steps to support critical evaluation in your writing, these are:
1. Describe the literature – this demonstrates that you understand what others have written.
2. Supply your view on what has been written.
3. Provide justifications for your argument.
Assessment
Assessment is based on a combination of completing all assignments and sitting for a final short one and a half hour exam, in your own location.
If you don’t cope well with exams then you may elect to undertake a project instead. This is a popular option.
In addition, most modules have a Set Task at the end of each lesson placed before the assignment. This is an opportunity to undertake practical work to help you acquire knowledge and skills and practical experience. This ADL feature is an added bonus not found at most online schools. Set Tasks are not required for assessment.Â
Some courses also have optional Self-Tests which are available on our online learning platform. These are not available by correspondence or by USB, and do not form part of your overall grade.
How our courses work
- Choose Your Learning Method
You choose how you would like to receive your course material, i.e., Online, USB or Correspondence. The choice is yours. You may also work on online or offline. - Tutor Allocation
Every student is assigned their own dedicated tutor who is an expert in their subject area. They provide as much or as little individual contact as you require. You can contact your tutor whenever you need – your hours are not limited. - Feedback and Assignments
Tutor Feedback is an essential component in helping you understand the subject matter. Tutor feedback is given in the form of notes written on the assignment. We encourage you to contact your Tutor where help with clarification and understanding of course material may be required.
Your assignments are located at the end of each lesson. You submit them for marking whenever you are ready. There is no time limit.  - Set Tasks and Self-Tests
Most modules have a Set Task at the end of each lesson before for the assignment. This is where you get the opportunity to undertake practical work to help you acquire knowledge, skills and practical experience. Many modules also have short Self-Tests. - Exams
Once all assignments have been completed you may then elect to sit for a one and half hour exam in your own location. If you prefer not to take the exam you do have the option to undertake a project instead.
Once the exam or project part of the course is completed, your Certificate is then processed. Please allow approximately 4 weeks for this. - Design Your Own Qualification
ADL offers students the flexibility to self-design their own qualification – bundling together a combination of 100-hour modules into a qualification higher than a certificate.
FAQ
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Here is a list of the most often asked FAQ’s.
General
Q. Why should I enrol with the Academy for Distance Learning?
A. Here at ADL, our students are our priority – we treat everyone as a unique individual.
Q. Do I need to buy text books?
A. No, as each module has been written by highly qualified industry professionals. The content of the material is presented in such a way that text books are not required. However, if you require additional reading your tutor will be able to supply a list.
Q. What happens if I have to stop studying for a while? (eg. become sick, go on holidays, have a baby, move house, etc)
A. It’s OK to take a break and start up your study at a later point in time. Just let us know.
Q. Is there an age limit?
A. There is no maximum age limit. We do however, have a minimum age limit of 18 years. Below that age parental consent would be required.
Q. Are your courses up-to date?
A. Our courses are revised and updated on a rotation system.
Q. Do you have a Cancellation policy?
A. Yes. We have a cancellation policy that is fair and equitable. For further details please click here.
Q. Will I have any opportunity to engage with other students?
A. We have a Student Community group based on facebook! If you don’t have a facebook account already, you could make one just for talking with fellow students on the group.
Enrolment
Q. When can I enrol/start?
A. You may enrol and start at any time of the year – it’s all self- paced.
Q. Can I study from anywhere in the world?
A. Our courses are available to anyone, anywhere in the world from the comfort of your own home. The course content is relevant to any country, culture or economy.
Q. How long do I have to complete the course?
A. You complete the course at any time that is convenient for you.
Q. Completing a 100 hour module – how long will it take?
A. For some students a 100 hour module will take approximately to 3- 6 months to complete. Others take less time and some even longer.
Assessment
Q. Assessment – how does it work?
A. For each 100 hour module you are assessed by assignments (at the end of each lesson) and a final one and a half hour exam (or you may elect to complete a Project, instead of sitting the exam) – the choice is yours – you sit for the exam in your own location.
Q. I don’t cope well with exams – what can I do?
A. You may elect to undertake a Project (set by your tutor) instead of sitting the exam. Projects are completed from your home and can usually take a couple of weeks to complete.
Q. If my assignment is not up to standard is there an opportunity to resubmit my work?
A. Yes –
Q. How many assignments do I need to complete for each module?
A. At the end of each lesson, there is an assignment – so if a course has say, 10 lessons, there would be 10 assignments.
Q. I am having difficulty attending workshops/industry meetings, what can be done?
A. If your course requires attendance at workshops, conferences, or industry meetings; alternative arrangements can be made in your country.
Qualifications
Q. What qualification will I receive?
A. For individual modules, you would be awarded a Certificate endorsed by TQUK (Training Qualifications, UK), providing you complete all assignments and the exam. If you just want to complete only the assignments and not sit for the exam or finish a Project, then a Letter of Achievement would be awarded. For more details on qualifications available please click here.
Q. Can I customize my diploma/higher qualification?
A. Not all educational institution’s certificates /diplomas meet everyone’s needs. The opportunity to Design Your Own Diploma at the Academy (subject to our approval) is an added bonus, not found at other colleges. You choose modules that you think will help you in achieving your goal.
Q. What do I get when I complete the course? Will I receive a transcript?
A. At the completion of all courses and providing all assignments and exam requirements have been met, you will receive your Award and a Transcript.
Tutors
Q. Our tutors – who are they?
A. We appoint Tutors and require that they must be currently active in their industry, with at least 5 years’ experience in their chosen profession.
Q. Can I contact my tutor at any time?
A. Yes – you have unlimited access to your tutor via email through our Online Classroom. You can always leave a message with ADL requesting your tutor to contact you. You decide on how much or how little contact you wish to have.
Q. Practical work – How is this done?
A. To find out more about this part of the course please visit the section on How Our Courses Work here.
Career Options
What's Included
What your tuition fees include
- All Course Material via Online, USB or Correspondence
- Assignments Marked
- Professional Tutor Feedback
- Set Tasks - Practical Exercises to help you develop skills
- Self-Tests – multiple choice questions at the end of lessons in most modules
- Unlimited Personal Tutor Support – via our student classroom
- Committed and Friendly Admin Support – vital to your success
- All ADL Exam or Project fees (exception RHS exams)
- Qualification Certificate
- Official Transcript with assignment grades
- Student Manual
Plus FREE
- Academic Writing course (optional - 10 hours only)
- Critical Thinking course (optional - 10 hours only)
- Job Seekers Careers Guide
- Study Tips on How To Study Better
- Career Counselling by ADL Staff
- CV Writing Help, Tips and Advice
There are no hidden extras
Career Opportunities
FAQ - RHS Theory Qualifications
GENERALÂ
If you require further details about any of the RHS industry recognised qualifications please, call one of our friendly RHS Course Advisors on +44 (0)1227 789 649 or email: [email protected]
Q:Â When can I Enrol/Start My RHS Course With ADL?
A: Anytime, Anywhere. There are no enrolment deadlines.
Q:Â I live Overseas. Can I Study From Overseas?
A: You can study any of the RHS theory qualifications overseas. All courses are offered in English. You will need to email RHS Qualifications direct to arrange sitting for your examination overseas.
Q: Is There a Time Limit for Completing an RHS Qualification?
A: At present there are no time limits. However, RHS is contemplating in the future, the introduction of course time-lines.
Q:Â Are There Any Entry Requirements (Pre-Requisites)?
A:Â The RHS Theory courses do not require prerequisites, previous experience or any knowledge of horticulture. You just need passion for all things horticulture.
Q: What Course Should I Start With First? I Am New To RHS Qualifications.
A: We highly recommend that you start with Level 2 – Principles of Garden Planning, Establishment and Maintenance.
Q:Â What Does ADL Course Material Include?
A:Â Includes Power Point Presentations, Videos and written course lessons.
RHS EXAMS
Q:Â When Do Exams Take Place?
A: Exams are held on fixed dates in February and June of each year. You should register as a candidate at least 3 months before these dates, so please do not leave exam registration to the last minute
Q:Â Where Do I Take My Exams?
A:Â UK: You take the exams at the RHS Wisley Centre, located between Cobham and Ripley in Surrey or at other authorised RHS centres around the UK.
Overseas: please email RHS qualifications direct for centre information.
Q:Â Exam Pass Marks?
A:  Module – pass 50%.  Commendation 70%.
Qualification:Â 50% pass for all modules.
Commendation awarded for all modules.
Each question carries a value of 10 marks.
Q: I’m Not Happy With My Exam Results?
A:Â You have the opportunity to re-sit your exam at the next opportunity.
There are no restrictions on the number of re-sits you can take. The highest mark you achieve will remain.,