Postgraduate Course: One Health Dissertation (VESC11201)
Course Outline
| School | Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies |
College | College of Medicine and Veterinary Medicine |
| Credit level (Normal year taken) | SCQF Level 11 (Postgraduate) |
| Course type | Dissertation |
Availability | Not available to visiting students |
| SCQF Credits | 60 |
ECTS Credits | 30 |
| Summary | The dissertation project is designed to further develop the student's understanding of the processes and planning involved in undertaking research and to develop their scientific written communication skills. Students will be able to undertake either a small empirical research project or a literature review. A detailed proposal must be submitted and approved by the candidates, supervisors and the dissertation committee. An appropriate level of critical analysis, academic knowledge and reflection on the nature of enquiry will be required. |
| Course description |
This dissertations course will provide students with high-quality SCQF level 11 specialised skills in research project design, data analysis, critical reflection and professional communication.
Students will select from two main options: a literature review or a small empirical research project. The dissertation may be submitted in either in a traditional dissertation format (10-15,000 words) or in the format of a scientific publication. If choosing the latter options, this should conform to the format required by the One Health Journal or the EcoHealth Journal unless otherwise agreed by the Programme Director. A detailed proposal must be submitted and approved by the candidates, supervisors and the dissertation committee. An appropriate level of critical analysis, academic knowledge and reflection on the nature of enquiry will be required.
The dissertation takes nine months part-time. Regular meetings with supervisors are strongly advised. Support from the programme team is provided via a dissertation course available for the full year and by email / phone / electronic communication as required.
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Entry Requirements (not applicable to Visiting Students)
| Pre-requisites |
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Co-requisites | |
| Prohibited Combinations | |
Other requirements | None |
Course Delivery Information
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| Academic year 2020/21, Not available to visiting students (SS1)
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Quota: None |
| Course Start |
Flexible |
| Course Start Date |
03/08/2020 |
Timetable |
Timetable |
| Learning and Teaching activities (Further Info) |
Total Hours:
600
(
Programme Level Learning and Teaching Hours 12,
Directed Learning and Independent Learning Hours
588 )
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| Assessment (Further Info) |
Written Exam
0 %,
Coursework
100 %,
Practical Exam
0 %
|
| Additional Information (Assessment) |
Dissertation (100%) |
| Feedback |
Opportunities for informal feedback arise within the dissertation course discussion board and live sessions as well as through email discussions. Formal feedback will be provided on coursework assignments. |
| No Exam Information |
Learning Outcomes
On completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- Recognise the importance of planning and preparation required to undertake a written research project (empirical or desk-based) including consideration of the ethical issues relating to the use of humans and non-human subjects in research.
- Develop and demonstrate a thorough understanding of the chosen subject area.
- Demonstrate the ability to collate and critically assess/interpret data/literature.
- Develop an ability to effectively communicate knowledge in a scientific manner (written and oral).
- Provide recommendations based on research findings.
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Reading List
| The course reading list will be provided via the University¿s Resource List service. Additional support resources will be provided via the dissertation course on Learn. |
Additional Information
| Graduate Attributes and Skills |
Provide details of the Graduate Attributes and Skills provided by the course
A. Research and Enquiry
Graduates of the University will be able to create new knowledge and opportunities for learning through the process of research and enquiry. This may be understood in terms of the following:
¿ be able to identify, define and analyse problems and identify or create processes to solve them
¿ be able to exercise critical judgment in creating new understanding
¿ be ready to ask key questions and exercise rational enquiry
¿ be able to critically assess existing understanding and the limitations of their own knowledge and recognise the need to regularly challenge all knowledge
¿ search for, evaluate and use information to develop their knowledge and understanding
¿ have an informed respect for the principles, methods, standards, values and boundaries of their discipline(s) and the capacity to question these
¿ understand economic, legal, ethical, social, cultural and environmental issues in the use of information
B. Personal and Intellectual Autonomy
Graduates of the University will be able to work independently and sustainably, in a way that is informed by openness, curiosity and a desire to meet new challenges. This may be understood in terms of the following:
¿ be independent learners who take responsibility for their own learning, and are committed to continuous reflection, self-evaluation and self-improvement
¿ be able to make decisions on the basis of rigorous and independent thought, taking into account ethical and professional issues
¿ be able to use collaboration and debate effectively to test, modify and strengthen their own views
¿ be intellectually curious and able to sustain intellectual interest
¿ be able to respond effectively to unfamiliar problems in unfamiliar contexts
C. Communication
Graduates of the University will recognise and value communication as the tool for negotiating and creating new understanding, collaborating with others, and furthering their own learning. This may be understood in terms of the following:
¿ make effective use of oral, written and visual means to critique, negotiate, create and communicate understanding
¿ use communication as a tool for collaborating and relating to others
¿ further their own learning through effective use of the full range of communication approaches
¿ seek and value open feedback to inform genuine self-awareness
¿ recognise the benefits of communicating with those beyond their immediate environments
¿ use effective communication to articulate their skills as identified through self-reflection
D. Personal Effectiveness
Graduates of the University will be able to effect change and be responsive to the situations and environments in which they operate. This may be understood in terms of the following:
¿ appreciate and use talents constructively, demonstrating self-discipline, motivation, adaptability, persistence and professionalism
¿ be able to manage risk while initiating and managing change
¿ be able to flexibly transfer their knowledge, learning, skills and abilities from one context to another
¿ understand social, cultural, global and environmental responsibilities and issues
¿ be able to work effectively with others, capitalising on their different thinking, experience and skills
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| Keywords | Research,design,analysis,communication,dissertation,reflection |
Contacts
| Course organiser | Dr Glen Cousquer
Tel: (0131 6)51 7374
Email: glen.cousquer@ed.ac.uk |
Course secretary | Mr Michael Winpenny
Tel: (0131 6)50 8825
Email: Michael.Winpenny@ed.ac.uk |
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