ESC-40089 - 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

The dissertation module focuses on a student-led research project culminating in the write-up of the research project in the form of a 15,000- 20,000 word masters dissertation. The module is delivered via a combination of one-to-one meetings with the project supervisor(s), independent research and self-learning techniques. It is expected that supervision meetings take place, on average, at least once every three weeks.

The module aims to build upon generic and subject-specific research skills acquired in accompanying modules to communicate the methods, results and conclusions of the student's research project in the form of a 15,000-20,000 word dissertation.

Intended Learning Outcomes

identify and develop a research question, and construct a range of strategies and methods for answering this question, including project (or experimental) design and data analysis: 1
demonstrate a systematic, detailed, coherent knowledge and understanding of key research issues at the forefront of the field: 1
apply advanced generic and subject-specific research skills, knowledge and experience in an aspect of research to present a detailed and critically evaluated dissertation including a background (literature review) of the research area, methods and techniques employed in the project, data collection and analysis, and a full interpretation, discussion and contextualisation of project results: 1
demonstrate the capacity to identify the potential for original contributions to knowledge from the project, either by the application of knowledge to the project results to form new hypotheses, or by providing a novel interpretation of data, or by the discovery of new facts/phenomena: 1
make well-informed arguments and judgments on the issues studied, whilst appreciating the limits of current knowledge: 1
communicate the project results clearly, effectively and persuasively in a written dissertation form: 1

Study hours

5 x 2-hour orientation workshops
40 hours guided work with project advisors
550 hours independent work comprised of:
100 hours additional and further literature review
100 hours review of methods and methodology
200 hours observational, bench top experimental or fieldwork research activity
150 hours writing, editing, formatting, referencing and preparation of figures

School Rules

None

Description of Module Assessment