The course involves a series of steps in which the student progress through the various stages of the formulation of a research project, the execution of the Project and presentation of results. At the first stage, students must complete a research proposal based on a literature search. The proposal involves the formulation of a research question, a statement of research design and methodology and includes details of any sampling methods, laboratory techniques and methods of analysis to be used. The proposal is assessed, and the proposal must satisfy the assessors before the student can proceed to the next stage. At the second stage, the student is assigned to a supervisor who assists with the fine-tuning of the research design and methodology, before students proceeds to the field data collection stage. A third stage involves the submission of progress report to the supervisor, and the report includes an indication of a work plan to complete the data analysis and write up. The final stages of the course are the formal graded assessment of the project and involve a multi-media presentation of the research results, and the submission of a dissertation.