Module Information
Module Identifier
EA30330
Module Title
Independent Project for Environmental Earth Science
Academic Year
2013/2014
Co-ordinator
Semester
Semester 2 (Taught over 2 semesters)
Pre-Requisite
Available only to Environmental Earth Studies students.
Other Staff
Course Delivery
| Delivery Type | Delivery length / details |
|---|---|
| Seminars / Tutorials | No set classes. With the associated follow-up work and thesis preparation, during Semester 1 of the third year, the total work should be equivalent to a triple module. The supervisor acts as Academic |
| Practical | Practicals / Field Days. No set classes. The data collection should normally occupy six weeks, during the summer vacation between the 2nd and 3rd years. |
Assessment
| Assessment Type | Assessment length / details | Proportion |
|---|---|---|
| Semester Assessment | Assessment of the approach and execution of the work, field and/or laboratory notebooks or other notes, any relevant maps, and an independently produced dissertation.The Dissertation itself is judged on technical ability, use of literature, text (grammar, style, editing), and graphics (neatness, clarity, relevance). Dissertation of 8000 words maximum | 75% |
| Semester Assessment | Oral presentation: based on clarity and content, use of visual aids, and response to discussion. | 15% |
| Semester Assessment | Notebook / Ancillary Material | 10% |
| Supplementary Assessment | Resit: Involves resubmission of the Dissertation. |
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this module students should be able to:
- demonstrate in depth knowledge of their chosen subject area
- demonstrate critical thought
- demonstrate the ability to conduct independent research
- demonstrate the ability to synthesise conflicting/ complimentary arguements
- present, where appropriate, data in numerate form
Aims
The triple module allows the student to demonstrate their worth as a fledgling scientist. Hence the dissertation forms an important part of the assessment of the student; it is commonly looked at by potential employers.
_Objectives
The objective of this module is to give the student experience in the formulation, execution, and communication of a piece of scientific study. The information and content of projects will vary widely, but skills of work-planning, systematic data collection and original interpretation are common to all. Qualities of self-discipline, scientific rigour and innovative thought are fostered. A variety of professional skills are involved in producing the formal thesis.
_Objectives
The objective of this module is to give the student experience in the formulation, execution, and communication of a piece of scientific study. The information and content of projects will vary widely, but skills of work-planning, systematic data collection and original interpretation are common to all. Qualities of self-discipline, scientific rigour and innovative thought are fostered. A variety of professional skills are involved in producing the formal thesis.
Content
This triple module consists of a piece of independent research work in any area of Environmental Earth Studies, involving field and/or laboratory and/or library study, together with appropriate follow-up work and consolidation, leading to the production of a written dissertation.
A list of suitable projects and their respective supervisors will be posted, normally by the beginning of semester 2 of year 2, but students are not confined to these possibilities. Enterprise and initiative are encouraged, but students should bear in mind that a suitable project:
1. must fall within the Institute's safety guidelines,
2. must be academically suitable, in particular having the potential of allowing a first-class dissertation to be produced from it,
3. must be logistically feasible (e.g. accommodation, transport),
4. must be agreed with a supervisor. If the project involves fieldwork, the supervisor will probably not be able to pay a field visit, and may not know the area closely.
After confirming the choice of project with the supervisor, the student arranges and executes the project, and prepares the dissertation, independently, but under the guidance of the supervisor. The completed dissertation should fall within a standard prescribed length and be submitted before a specified time. Each student also presents a verbal report on their project, to an open audience which includes their peer students. Normally the presentations are given in early December, with each taking 15 minutes including a 3 minute discussion period.
A list of suitable projects and their respective supervisors will be posted, normally by the beginning of semester 2 of year 2, but students are not confined to these possibilities. Enterprise and initiative are encouraged, but students should bear in mind that a suitable project:
1. must fall within the Institute's safety guidelines,
2. must be academically suitable, in particular having the potential of allowing a first-class dissertation to be produced from it,
3. must be logistically feasible (e.g. accommodation, transport),
4. must be agreed with a supervisor. If the project involves fieldwork, the supervisor will probably not be able to pay a field visit, and may not know the area closely.
After confirming the choice of project with the supervisor, the student arranges and executes the project, and prepares the dissertation, independently, but under the guidance of the supervisor. The completed dissertation should fall within a standard prescribed length and be submitted before a specified time. Each student also presents a verbal report on their project, to an open audience which includes their peer students. Normally the presentations are given in early December, with each taking 15 minutes including a 3 minute discussion period.
Reading List
As directed by project supervisor. Primo search
Notes
This module is at CQFW Level 6