THE UNIVERSITY of EDINBURGH

DEGREE REGULATIONS & PROGRAMMES OF STUDY 2021/2022

Information in the Degree Programme Tables may still be subject to change in response to Covid-19

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DRPS : Course Catalogue : Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies : Veterinary Sciences

Postgraduate Course: MVetSci in Advanced Clinical Practice Dissertation (VESC11202)

Course Outline
SchoolRoyal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies CollegeCollege of Medicine and Veterinary Medicine
Credit level (Normal year taken)SCQF Level 11 (Postgraduate)
Course typeDissertation AvailabilityNot available to visiting students
SCQF Credits60 ECTS Credits30
SummaryThe 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. This dissertation will be an assignment of 10-15,000 words and a detailed proposal must be submitted and approved by the candidate, supervisors and the programme director. An appropriate level of critical analysis, academic knowledge and reflection on the nature of enquiry will be required.
Course description This dissertation course will provide students with high-quality SCQF level 11 specialised skills in research project design, data analysis, critical reflection and professional communication.

During this final year students can select from three main options: a written dissertation, a casebook, a portfolio or a small research project. The dissertation will be an assignment of 10-15,000 words and a detailed proposal must be submitted and approved by the candidates' supervisors and the programme director. An appropriate level of critical analysis, academic knowledge and reflection on the nature of enquiry will be required.

The dissertation takes 9 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.
Entry Requirements (not applicable to Visiting Students)
Pre-requisites Co-requisites
Prohibited Combinations Other requirements None
Course Delivery Information
Academic year 2021/22, Not available to visiting students (SS1) Quota:  None
Course Start Flexible
Course Start Date 09/08/2021
Timetable Timetable
Learning and Teaching activities (Further Info) Total Hours: 600 ( Online Activities 13, Programme Level Learning and Teaching Hours 12, Directed Learning and Independent Learning Hours 575 )
Assessment (Further Info) Written Exam 0 %, Coursework 100 %, Practical Exam 0 %
Additional Information (Assessment) Dissertation project proposal (1500 words) (10%)
Dissertation project presentation (10%)
Reflective essay (10%)
Dissertation (70%)
Feedback Opportunities for informal feedback arise within the dissertation course discussion board and live sessions as well as through email discussions. Formal feedback and feedforward will be provided on coursework assignments.
No Exam Information
Learning Outcomes
On completion of this course, the student will be able to:
  1. 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.
  2. Develop and demonstrate a thorough understanding of the chosen subject area ¿ Demonstrate the ability to collate and critically assess/interpret data/literature
  3. Develop and demonstrate the ability to effectively communicate knowledge in a scientific manner (written and oral) and provide recommendations based on research findings
  4. Reflect on the processes involved with the development of the project
Reading List
The course reading list will be provided via the University¿s Resource List service and a link will be provided on the Learn course. A maximum of three essential reading items will be given each week with further reading as required. Additional resources will be provided, making full use of university electronic library, Learn, Media Hopper and other online resources. Other support material will be available through external open-access websites.
Additional Information
Graduate Attributes and Skills 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
Keywordsresearch,design,analysis,communication,dissertation,reflection
Contacts
Course organiserProf Brendan Corcoran
Tel: (0131 6)50 6070
Email: Brendan.Corcoran@ed.ac.uk
Course secretaryMs Linda Pollock
Tel: (0131) 650 6149
Email: Linda.Pollock@ed.ac.uk
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