Maximising the impact: using REF Case Studies to enhance first-year undergraduates’ appreciation of research integration in their degree

ABSTRACT

Integration of research into undergraduate degree programmes has been shown to have a beneficial effect on student learning, however, integrating activities which help first-year students to feel engage with research activity within their discipline has proved challenging. This study describes the use of Impact Case Studies created for the Research Excellence Framework (REF) assessment in the UK to develop a module for first-year students allowing them to engage with research undertaken at their own institution which has achieved significant impact. Using a mixed methods approach, the module was evaluated using the validated Student Perceptions of Research Integration Questionnaire, together with additional items relating to the design and delivery of the module, and open responses. It was shown that undertaking the module improved students’ perception of research integration, and had raised their awareness of the value of research carried out at their university. They also agreed that they had developed the intended skills and recognised the value of these for both further study and future employment. The value of this approach to increasing student awareness of research, and the transferability of the use of REF Case Studies to other levels of university study are discussed.     

Notes on an important botanical trip (1799–1800) of J. P. Rottler on the Goromandel Coast (India) with a translation of his original text, explanatory notes and a map

MATTHEW, KM., 1993. Notes on an important botanical trip (1799–1800) of J. P. Rottler on the Coromandel Coast (India) with a translation of his original text, explanatory notes and a map . J. P. Rottler (1749–1836) made extensive collections on the Coromandel Coast in south India. The paper presented here in translation was one of Rottler's major publications, which, along with four indexes and a map, now newly prepared, should prove useful for a new study of Rottler's contributions.     

First report of rare genera,Pteroceraphron Dessart 1981, Elysoceraphron Szelenyi 1936 and Cyoceraphron Dessart 1975 (Ceraphronidae: Hymenoptera) from India with new species descriptions

Pteroceraphron Dessart 1981, Elysoceraphron Szelenyi 1936 and Cyoceraphron Dessart 1975 are three rare genera of family Ceraphronidae (Hymenoptera: Ceraphronoidea). Pteroceraphron and Cyoceraphron are reported for the first time from India by describing Pteroceraphron apoorva Bijoy and Rajmohana sp. nov., Cyoceraphron indicus Bijoy and Rajmohana sp. nov. and Cyoceraphron sahyadri Bijoy and Rajmohana sp. nov., while Elysoceraphron is documented for the first time even from the Oriental region through Elysoceraphron aadi Bijoy and Rajmohana sp. nov. Key to genera of Ceraphronidae in India is also provided.     

Urinary excretion of prostaglandin E2 and prostaglandin F2α in potassium-deficient rats

Potassium-deficiency was induced in rats by dietary deprivation of potassium. The animals became polyuric and urine osmolality decreased more then three-fold compared to controls. Urinary excretion of prostaglandin E₂ (PGE₂) and prostaglandin F_2α (PGF_2α) did not increase during 2 weeks of potassium depletion. Partial inhibition of renal prostaglandin synthesis by meclofenamate did not increase the urine osmolality after water deprivation. These results make unlikely the hypothesis that the polyuria of potassium-deficiency, is the result of enhanced renal synthesis of prostaglandins with subsequent antagonism of the hydro-osmotic effect of vasopressin. Male animals consistently excreted less PGE₂ than female animals.