The Plymouth Student Scientist
Welcome to The Plymouth Student Scientist! This is an electronic journal showcasing excellence in undergraduate student research from the University of Plymouth's STEM disciplines. This online journal started as the main output of a HEFCE-funded project, and is now supported by Learning Development , Student Learning Services (part of Library and Academic Development). Its aim is to support and develop research-informed teaching and good writing practice at the University of Plymouth.
The e-journal seeks to make the research process more accessible and explicit, by highlighting examples of good practice from across the STEM disciplines. It also aims to support both staff and student involvement, by acting as a teaching tool for staff and as a vehicle to promote and share student research activities. We welcome STEM submissions from all faculties at Plymouth.
It is hoped that the journal will encourage students to become more reflective and critical of their own research skills as they consider the work of their peers. It is with this aim in mind that all articles are presented, largely, in their original state complete with imperfections. In addition, we hope the journal will enable students to see a range of research activities and potential collaborations with staff at the University, encouraging further dialogue and enquiries. We welcome comments regarding this e-journal.
University of Plymouth students wishing to submit to The Plymouth Student Scientist should continue to refer to current submission information and instructions.
Current Issue: Volume 16, Issue 2 (2023)
Introduction
Table of contents
These incredible research and development articles in this edition are from STEM students at the University of Plymouth, working on their final year research projects . A huge thank you to them, and their committed supervisors. I have enjoyed reading your submissions and working with you all. With kind regards, Dr Jason B. Truscott (Chief Editor).
Editorial
Jason B. Truscott, Fostering academic literacy and unveiling student excellence in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) research at the University of Plymouth, UK, pp. i-v.
Biological and Marine Sciences:
Jonathan Bailey, Why are some beaches more conducive to surfing? Bathymetric effects on nearshore waves at Croyde, pp. 1-26.
Lily Burnet, Impact of marine heatwaves on the physiological health of two fucoid species, pp. 27-43.
Ellie Hawcutt, Bat activity and diversity in Plymouth’s green spaces: Implications for future conservation and management, pp. 44-68.
Keira N. Lintin, Assessing the spatial and temporal distribution of microplastics within the sediment of Plymouth Sound, pp. 69-93.
Luke Thompson, The role of colony morphology and substratum inclination on the distribution of Eunicella verrucosa on shallow reefs, pp. 94-109.
Amy Wick, Evaluating to what extent the ‘scientific exemption clause’ acts as a loophole and influences international whaling, pp. 110-131.
Biomedical Sciences:
Eva Capps, Diversity and bioactive potential of leaf-, and root sediment-associated bacteria from Zostera marina in the Yealm Estuary, Southwest England, pp. 132-156.
Engineering, Computing and Mathematics:
Ava Keeling and Paula Oben, A statistical analysis of the population of Barbel in the River Teme, pp. 157-174.
Geography, Earth and Environmental Sciences:
Olivia Bentley, Testing the potential use of UK wetland plant species in paludiculture using examples from the Somerset Levels, pp. 175-198.
Matthew Blogg, The effect of hedgerow age on vegetative species diversity, pp. 199-223.
Brandon Clapp, An investigation into how tree characteristics and species composition associated with veteran and ancient trees influences invertebrate species, pp. 224-252.
Hayley L. Hill, How can informal education settings be best used to influence engagement with environmental issues?, pp. 253-284.
Hannah McCabe, The different factors affecting Chiroptera emergences with a focus on Pipistrellus pipistrellus and Pipistrellus pygmaeus , pp. 285-313.
Valeria Zavala Quiroga, Diversity, abundance, and distribution of ground invertebrates in Lower Sharpham Farm , pp. 314-346.
Psychology:
Lucy Olivia Wilson, Are human-like robots trusted like humans? An investigation into the effect of anthropomorphism on trust in robots measured by expected value as reflected by feedback related negativity and P300, pp. 347-376.
Articles
Assessing the spatial and temporal distribution of microplastics within the sediment of Plymouth Sound
Keira N. Lintin
Bat activity and diversity in Plymouth’s green spaces: Implications for future conservation and management
Ellie Hawcutt
How can informal education settings be best used to influence engagement with environmental issues?
Hayley L. Hill
Testing the potential use of UK wetland plant species in paludiculture using examples from the Somerset Levels
Olivia Bentley
The role of colony morphology and substratum inclination on the distribution of Eunicella verrucosa on shallow reefs
Luke Thompson
Diversity, abundance, and distribution of ground invertebrates in Lower Sharpham Farm
Valeria Zavala Quiroga
Why are some beaches more conducive to surfing? Bathymetric effects on nearshore waves at Croyde
Jonathan Bailey
Assessing the spatial and temporal distribution of microplastics within the sediment of Plymouth Sound
Keira N. Lintin
Bat activity and diversity in Plymouth’s green spaces: Implications for future conservation and management
Ellie Hawcutt
How can informal education settings be best used to influence engagement with environmental issues?
Hayley L. Hill
Testing the potential use of UK wetland plant species in paludiculture using examples from the Somerset Levels
Olivia Bentley
The role of colony morphology and substratum inclination on the distribution of Eunicella verrucosa on shallow reefs
Luke Thompson
Diversity, abundance, and distribution of ground invertebrates in Lower Sharpham Farm
Valeria Zavala Quiroga
Why are some beaches more conducive to surfing? Bathymetric effects on nearshore waves at Croyde
Jonathan Bailey
