1. Setting the Scope for M. S
Setting the Scope for M.S. Research Projects   On the Cutting Edge: Early Career Geoscience Faculty Workshop – June 2012   Presented by   Andrew Goodliffe, University of Alabama

2. Setting the scope for M.S. research projects
M.S. projects vary widely
Research group requirements
Department requirements
University requirements

3. What Makes a Good M.S. Project
Does not have to be complex – keep it simple
An M.S. project is not about solving the world’s problems
Many students are not looking to use this as a entry point to scientific research
Many view the project as more of a certification of technical proficiency

4. Key Points Making students understand an M.S. vs. Ph.D. project
How is the research driven (external funding, student, etc.)?
What are the needs of your research program?
Do you want the project to be published?
Relevance of research to student goals

5. Key Points Is the student a worker bee or a thinker?
Is this student going to need lots of guidance or work independently?
How much time is allotted for the student to finish their project?
What are the learning outcomes for an M.S. project?
Relevance of research to student goals

6. Challenges Writing – particularly abstracts, introductions
Most students are not like us – i.e. type A, perfectionists
Recruiting the best students – how is this done in your department?

7. Examples
Two very different projects and students