EAM3360 - RESEARCH DISSERTATION IN GLACIOLOGY

Module Identifier

EAM3360

Module Title

RESEARCH DISSERTATION IN GLACIOLOGY

Academic Year

2004/2005

Co-ordinator

Professor Michael J Hambrey

Semester

Semester 3 (Summer) (Taught over 2 semesters)

Other staff

Dr Bryn P Hubbard, Dr Neil F Glasser, Dr Poul Christoffersen, Dr Richard L H Essery

Pre-Requisite

Successful completion of core and optional semester 1 and 2 Master?s level modules

Course delivery

Other

No formal contact time but students will be assigned a supervisor to provide guidance and advice during the course of the research and the writing of the dissertation.

Assessment

Assessment Type	Assessment Length/Details	Proportion
Semester Assessment	Produce a 15,000 / 20,000 word research dissertation.	80%
Semester Assessment	Present a research seminar.	20%
Supplementary Assessment	Students will be required to resubmit the dissertation. Presentation mark carried forward.

Learning outcomes

On successful completion of this module students should be able to:
1. Independently formulate research design and hypotheses.

2. Demonstrate their knowledge of the theoretical principles of scientific research.

3. Place research in appropriate wider contexts.

4. Search relevant literature and databases.

5. Undertake independent fieldwork

6. Undertake appropriate laboratory analyses.

7. Demonstrate proficiency in field and laboratory techniques.

8. Present the results and conclusions of their research in a coherent manner in the form of a professionally produced dissertation.

9. Present the results and conclusions of their research in a coherent manner in the form of an oral presentation.

10. Work to a tight schedule.

Brief description

The research project is an independent study on a chosen research question in Glaciology. Students will have the possibility to specialise in the use of specific technique(s) in order to solve particular research questions. Students will be expected to define a research problem and to use appropriate methodologies to solve the problem.

Content

Define research problem.
Complete necessary background reading.
Complete necessary field and laboratory work.
Make thorough analyses and derive concise conclusions.
Complete written thesis.
Prepare and deliver research presentation.

Notes

This module is at CQFW Level 7