Module Information
Course Delivery
| Delivery Type | Delivery length / details |
|---|---|
| Other | PLEASE NOTE THAT THIS IS A 110 CREDIT MODULE. 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 | THESIS. Produce a 25,000-30,000 word research thesis. | 100% |
| Supplementary Assessment | RESUBMISSION. Students will be required to resubmit the research thesis. | 100% |
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 (if applicable)
6. Undertake appropriate laboratory analyses.
7. Demonstrate proficiency in appropriate statistical and analytical methodologies.
8. Present the results and conclusions of their research in the form of professional quality thesis.
9. Work to a tight schedule.
Content
Complete necessary background reading.
Complete necessary field and laboratory work.
Complete written thesis.
Brief description
The research project is an independent study on a chosen research question in Quaternary Environmental Change. Students will have the possibility of specialising in the use of specific technique(s) in order to solve particular research questions. Students will be expected to identify a specific research problem, define aims and objectives, devise a research strategy and collect appropriate field or laboratory data, present and interpret the dataset and discuss its relevance and implications in the context of published material.
Aims
The module aims to draw together and develop further various aspects of the taught section of the MRes in Quaternary Environmental Change in an individual research project encapsulating research design, field and/or laboratory work, and presentation of the work as a written thesis.
Module Skills
| Skills Type | Skills details |
|---|---|
| Application of Number | The research will involve the analysis of data. Statistical tests will be performed on data sets as appropriate. |
| Communication | Students will discuss their work with their dissertation supervisor; written and oral communication skills will be developed as the dissertation progresses. The final written thesis is assessed. |
| Improving own Learning and Performance | Students will conduct much of this work independently; therefore there is a requirement for them to read appropriate literature and to ensure that maintain good time management to complete the research on time. |
| Information Technology | Students will use a variety of data processing and presentation software, depending on the emphasis of their project. |
| Personal Development and Career planning | Independent work and time management skills will be developed. Skills gained in specialist aspects of Quaternary Environmental Change will directly aid those seeking to develop those interests further in their future career. |
| Problem solving | Students are expected to devise a research enquiry and to use appropriate techniques to solve the problem. |
| Research skills | Research skills are integral to the successful completion of the module as it is based on a research enquiry. |
| Subject Specific Skills | Specialist skills in aspects of investigating Quaternary Environmental Change will be acquired. The exact nature of these skills depends on the topic chosen. |
| Team work | As this is an independent project, team work is only anticipated if safety considerations in the field or laboratory demand it. |
Notes
This module is at CQFW Level 7