Undergraduate Course: Dissertation in Geology and Physical Geography (EASC10043)
Course Outline
| School | School of Geosciences |
College | College of Science and Engineering |
| Credit level (Normal year taken) | SCQF Level 10 (Year 4 Undergraduate) |
| Course type | Dissertation |
Availability | Not available to visiting students |
| SCQF Credits | 40 |
ECTS Credits | 20 |
| Summary | The main aim of the dissertation is to train students as scientists.
During the dissertation, students 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; and
communicate their findings via talks (which will be scheduled during the Fourth Year) and a final report which will be assessed. |
| Course description |
The main aim of the dissertation is to train students as scientists.
During the dissertation, students 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; and
communicate their findings via talks (which will be scheduled during
the 4th year) and a final report which will be assessed.
|
Entry Requirements (not applicable to Visiting Students)
| Pre-requisites |
|
Co-requisites | |
| Prohibited Combinations | |
Other requirements | None |
| Additional Costs | to be confirmed |
Course Delivery Information
|
| Academic year 2014/15, Not available to visiting students (SS1)
|
Quota: None |
| Course Start |
Full Year |
Timetable |
Timetable |
| Learning and Teaching activities (Further Info) |
Total Hours:
400
(
Lecture Hours 1,
Seminar/Tutorial Hours 15,
Programme Level Learning and Teaching Hours 8,
Directed Learning and Independent Learning Hours
376 )
|
| Assessment (Further Info) |
Written Exam
0 %,
Coursework
100 %,
Practical Exam
0 %
|
| Additional Information (Assessment) |
Written Exam: 0%, Course Work: 100 %, Practical Exam: 0%.
Assessment will comprise of the following.
A report of 9000 ± 1000 words (from the beginning of introduction to the end of conclusion, including figure captions, excluding title, abstract, Appendices and References) 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 MUST include, in addition to the report, any document in which the data have been recorded (e.g., field or lab notebooks) AND the 3rd year proposal (in the appendix). Additional material may also include tables containing the data, maps, logs and/or sections that are relevant as supporting material for the project (this material can be added as an appendix at the end of the report, on paper and/or on a CD).
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.
A marking scheme can be found on Learn, which gives an idea about what is typically found in a dissertation that obtains a 1st, a 2.1, a 2.2 etc. |
| Feedback |
Not entered |
| No Exam Information |
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.
|
Reading List
Kneale, P. (2011) "Study skills for Geography, Earth and Environmental Science students". Hodder Education. ISBN: 978-1444120967.
Walliman, N. (2004) "Your undergraduate dissertation". London: Sage. ISBN: 978-0761941408 |
Additional Information
| Graduate Attributes and Skills |
Ability to develop and design a research project.
Ability to formulate a research question or scientific hypothesis.
Ability to search for literature and gather information on a given topic.
Ability to define a strategy for data collection and analysis.
Ability to collect and analyse original data rigorously.
Ability to think and work autonomously.
Ability to stimulate scientific discussions.
Ability to communicate findings via talks and reports. |
| Keywords | Dissertation, Geology, Physical Geography, Research, Project |
Contacts
| Course organiser | Dr Mikael Attal
Tel: (0131 6)50 8533
Email: mikael.attal@ed.ac.uk |
Course secretary | Mr Ken O'Neill
Tel: (0131 6)50 8510
Email: koneill3@exseed.ed.ac.uk |
|
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