ESC-30047 - Module Specification
School of Geography, Geology and the Environment
Faculty of Natural Sciences

Programme/Approved Electives for 2024/25

Available as a Free Standing Elective

Co-requisites

None

Prerequisites

None

Barred Combinations

None

Description for 2024/25

This Dissertation module provides students with the opportunity to carry out in-depth research in an appropriate area of their programme discipline through independent study, guided by supervisor input through regular individual supervisory meetings.

The aims of the Dissertation module are:
1) to enable students to develop a detailed knowledge and understanding of key issues at the forefront of their discipline (or across disciplines) through carrying out an independent research project in an appropriate area of their choice;
2) to critically evaluate and apply appropriate concepts, methodologies and complex scientific (natural or social) issues using a range of primary and secondary information sources as appropriate;
3) to develop the skills necessary to exercise individual analysis, initiative and judgement on complex issues and be able to communicate these at an appropriate academic level via a written report.
The Dissertation module aims to provide students with training and one-to-one supervision in the following key areas of their dissertation project: how to carry out their literature review, how to modify or fine-tune their research proposal (written at FHEQ level 5) in light of their literature review, how to apply appropriate research methods to their specific topic and how to approach their research topic in an interdisciplinary way.
The module also aims to enhance students' confidence in their ability to communicate the results of their research in written form.

Intended Learning Outcomes

demonstrate a systematic, detailed, coherent knowledge and understanding of a key issue/problem at the forefront of the discipline or across multiple disciplines: 1
apply own knowledge, skills and experience to an aspect of current discipline-appropriate research through the use of established analytical scientific methods, literature review, data collection and interpretation: 1
make well-informed arguments and judgments on the issue studied, whilst appreciating the limits of current knowledge: 1
communicate effectively and persuasively the results of independent research in written form: 1
demonstrate consideration of research ethics throughout the research project through appropriate ethical approval and completion of appropriate risk assessments: 1

Study hours

- Dissertation workshops - 15 hours
- Meetings with dissertation advisor - at least 7 hours
- Independent research and writing of the dissertation - 278 hours

School Rules

None

Description of Module Assessment