Dissertation in Environmental Change Impacts and Adaptation

Cod y Modiwl: EAM4660
Teitl y Modiwl: Dissertation in Environmental Change Impacts and Adaptation
Blwyddyn Academaidd: 2026/2027
Semester: Semester 3
Cyd-gysylltydd y Modiwl: Professor Stephen Tooth
Rhestr Ddarllen: Gweld ar Aspire
Rhagofynion: Registration on the MSc in Environmental Change, Impact and Adaptation.
Staff Eraill sy'n Cyfrannu: Dr Tom Holt; Dr Hywel Griffiths; Professor Helen Roberts; Professor Andy Mitchell; Professor Rhys Jones; Professor Sarah Davies; Professor Richard Lucas; Dr Jesse Heley; Professor Peter Merriman; Professor Geoff Duller; Dr Cerys Jones; Professor Michael Woods; Professor Mark Whitehead; Dr Gareth Hoskins

Dulliau Asesu

Math o Asesiad	Manylion Asesiad	Cyfran
Asesiad Semester	Dissertation: (12 – 15,000 words)	100%
Asesiad Ailsefyll	Dissertation: (12 – 15,000 words)	100%

Canlyniadau Dysgu

Wedi cwblhau'r modiwl dylai'r myfyrwyr fedru:

1. Independently formulate research design and hypotheses.
2. Demonstrate knowledge of the theoretical principles of scientific research.
3. Place research in appropriate wider contexts.
4. Search relevant literature and databases.
5. Demonstrate proficiency in appropriate data collection and analysis techniques.
6. Present the results and conclusions of their research in a coherent manner in the form of a professionally produced dissertation.
7. Work to a tight schedule.

Disgrifiad cryno

The research project is an independent study on a chosen research question relating to environmental change, impact and adaptation. Students will have the possibility to specialise in the use of specific technique(s) in order to solve particular research questions. These can be drawn from the social sciences or from the physical sciences and involved field and laboratory work. In some cases, projects may be related to research interests of staff or involve collaboration with external bodies.

Cynnwys

Following a staff presentation in late December to outline the key elements of the module, students will be encouraged to meet with staff in to discuss their dissertation plans early in semester 2. Thereafter, there is 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.
The process is divided into several key stages:
•Devise research enquiry.
•Complete necessary background reading.
•Complete necessary field and laboratory work (where appropriate).
•Complete written dissertation.

Sgiliau Modiwl

Math o Sgiliau	Manylion Sgiliau
Cyfathrebu	Written communication is assessed through the submission of the dissertation.
Datblygu personol a chynllunio gyrfa	The dissertation will develop high level skills in synthesising, evaluating and presenting complex information. The presentation of information, orally and in the dissertation are key components of the module. This is useful preparatory experience for PhD research, and positions in environmental consultancies, conservation groups, the Environment Agency and the newly formed Natural Resources Wales.
Datrys Problemau	Students are expected to define a research problem and to devise an appropriate strategy to solve the problem.
Gwaith Tim	This is an independent project and teamwork is only anticipated if safety considerations in the field demand it.
Gwella dysgu a pherfformiad ei hun	Students will undertake a significant amount of self-directed study, including extensive reading, field and laboratory work. In order to complete the research on time, students need to demonstrate good time management.
Rhifedd	The dissertation may involve the collection and analysis of primary data. In which case students will organise their data using databases, analyse data with appropriate statistical techniques and present sometimes complex quantitative datasets using graphs and tables.
Sgiliau pwnc penodol	This will depend on the topic of the dissertation.
Sgiliau ymchwil	Research skills are integral to the dissertation as it is based on research enquiry. All students will develop a range of research skills, dependent on the nature of their topic.
Technoleg Gwybodaeth	Students will be expected to use a range of information technology in the generation of their dissertations and in the oral presentation of their work. Students will become familiar with the critical use of online source materials such as journals and policy documents. Some students may choose to use GIS software or freely available remote sensing data as part of their research. Others may wish to use Excel or statistical packages to interrogate databases, generate analyses and graphical outputs.

Nodau

Mae'r modiwl hwn yn cydymffurfio a FfCChC Lefel 7