THE UNIVERSITY of EDINBURGH

DEGREE REGULATIONS & PROGRAMMES OF STUDY 2010/2011
- ARCHIVE for reference only
THIS PAGE IS OUT OF DATE

University Homepage
DRPS Homepage
DRPS Search
DRPS Contact
DRPS : Course Catalogue : School of Geosciences : Earth Science

Undergraduate Course: Dissertation in Geology and Physical Geography (EASC10043)

Course Outline
School School of Geosciences College College of Science and Engineering
Course type Dissertation Availability Not available to visiting students
Credit level (Normal year taken) SCQF Level 10 (Year 4 Undergraduate) Credits 40
Home subject area Earth Science Other subject area None
Course website None Taught in Gaelic? No
Course description The main aim of the dissertation is to train students as scientists.
They will:
- Develop and design their own research project.
- Define a research question or a scientific hypothesis that they would
like to test.
- Search for literature and gather information on the topic that they
are interested in.
- Define a strategy for data collection and analysis.
- Collect and analyse original data rigorously.
- Think and work autonomously.
- Stimulate scientific discussions with their supervisor.
- Communicate their findings via talks (which will be scheduled during
the 4th year) and a final report which will be assessed.
Entry Requirements
Pre-requisites Co-requisites
Prohibited Combinations Other requirements None
Additional Costs to be confirmed
Course Delivery Information
Delivery period: 2010/11 Full Year, Not available to visiting students (SS1) WebCT enabled:  Yes Quota:  None
Location Activity Description Weeks Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday
No Classes have been defined for this Course
First Class First class information not currently available
No Exam Information
Summary of Intended Learning Outcomes
During this course students are expected to complete a defined project of research which utilises skills, techniques and expertise encompassed within the School of GeoSciences. Students are expected to critically identify and analyse complex problems which arise during their research and demonstrate some originality and creativity in dealing with professional level issues. Students will define a strategy for data collection and analysis, and they will interpret, use and evaluate the numerical data produced. A key element of this work is the development of autonomy and initiative in conducting work which is equivalent to professional activities. Throughout this research project, students are expected to display a detailed, critical knowledge and understanding of their chosen subject area along with an awareness of how this area has developed.
Assessment Information
The following will be assessed:
Report of 6000 to 12000 words that explains the aim(s) of the project, reviews the background literature, describes the data collection and analysis methods, documents the
analysis, summarises and interprets the results.
The submitted work can include, in addition to the report, any field notebooks/maps/sections that are relevant as supporting material for the project.

The following points will be considered for marking:
(1) 40% Data collection, evidence for use of original data; data compilation method(s) and analysis method(s) used in the project.
(2) 40% Written report; assessed for originality of idea/approach, formulation of testable hypotheses, review of background literature, explanation of methodologies, analysis and interpretation of results and scientific content.
(3) 20% Production quality.
Special Arrangements
None
Additional Information
Academic description Not entered
Syllabus Not entered
Transferable skills Not entered
Reading list Not entered
Study Abroad Not entered
Study Pattern Not entered
Keywords Not entered
Contacts
Course organiser Dr Mikael Attal
Tel: (0131 6)50 8533
Email: mikael.attal@ed.ac.uk
Course secretary Miss Emma Latto
Tel: (0131 6)50 8510
Email: emma.latto@ed.ac.uk
Navigation
Help & Information
Home
Introduction
Glossary
Search DPTs and Courses
Regulations
Regulations
Degree Programmes
Introduction
Browse DPTs
Courses
Introduction
Humanities and Social Science
Science and Engineering
Medicine and Veterinary Medicine
Other Information
Timetab
Prospectuses
Important Information
 
copyright 2011 The University of Edinburgh - 31 January 2011 7:33 am