At the end of this course, students should have the skills to be able to plan, implement and communicate results of agricultural research. Key topics that are covered include; (i) principles of scientific  investigation, the scientific method, and how you choose a topic , (ii) the research process, initial problem analysis  and how you identity a research problem, (iii) preparing a research plan (proposal development), (iv) carrying out literature review and executing the research plan.

Students also learn about data collection and analysis, information presentation methods , critical review of papers and how to write a seminar.  Students learn about research organization; planning, budgeting & costing of research projects. At the end of the module , students present their research proposals which they then implement as a project for the year-long research project module. 

Assessment: Theory test (20%), oral and written criticisms (30%) and a 2h exam (50%)