Postgraduate Course: GeoSciences Postgraduate Dissertation (PGGE11318)
Course Outline
| School | School of Geosciences |
College | College of Science and Engineering |
| 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 is designed to provide an opportunity for students to undertake original, independent research on a topic of their choice, employing appropriate research methodologies and involving theoretical and, potentially, empirical or creative work developed through the coursework programme, and directed reading supported by expert supervision. The subject nature of the dissertation varies according to students' interests. Generally, the dissertation must, at an appropriate level, demonstrate advanced knowledge and understanding in the field of study, relate knowledge of particular topics to the broader field(s) of the degree programme, and present such knowledge in a critical and scholarly way. |
| Course description |
The dissertation should be distinct from earlier assessed work by the greater depth of comprehension and criticism demonstrated. Equally, students are not expected to undertake the exhaustive scale of literature review or empirical work typical of a research degree. The dissertation may vary in the breadth of coverage. Since the time available for this work is short, it is not expected that the dissertation should report notable or original contributions to knowledge. The point is that it must have a clear focus with definable objectives and boundaries, achievable in the time and word length available. The exact format of the dissertation will vary from case to case depending on the work done. It may take the form of field work, an experiment, an opinion survey, a literature review, a management plan or any other exercise approved by the Programme Director. Its objective is to provide the student with an opportunity for demonstrating his or her competence in the chosen area of study. Please note that examiners mark for quality and not quantity of written work.
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Entry Requirements (not applicable to Visiting Students)
| Pre-requisites |
|
Co-requisites | |
| Prohibited Combinations | |
Other requirements | None |
Course Delivery Information
|
| Academic year 2026/27, Not available to visiting students (SS1)
|
Quota: None |
| Course Start |
Block 5 (Sem 2) and beyond |
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 )
|
| Assessment (Further Info) |
Written Exam
0 %,
Coursework
100 %,
Practical Exam
0 %
|
| Additional Information (Assessment) |
100% coursework |
| Feedback |
Students will receive supervision for their dissertation. The dissertations are double-marked and collated written feedback is given to students. |
| No Exam Information |
Learning Outcomes
On completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- Run critical analysis and synthesis of information to support research themes.
- Plan, conduct and report on investigations.
- Collect, record and analyse data.
- Review existing knowledge based on reports from previous studies.
- Product of scientific reports including appropriate referencing.
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Additional Information
| Graduate Attributes and Skills |
Collaboration: Understanding and respecting the needs, perspective and actions of others; fostering cooperation and managing conflict in groups; able to connect with and learn from others and build positive relationships.
Communication: Active listening, ability to convey effective meaning and message using approaches and media which create shared understanding; public speaking and providing constructive feedback to peers
Problem solving: Imagining alternative ways of addressing problems encountered during the research process; synthesising information and translating into knowledge within different contexts; facilitating and co-producing solutions
Curiosity: A desire to learn or discover, and to inspire or create new ideas and concepts; to continuously explore and learn from challenging experiences; to ask searching questions and adopt different perspectives; harness opportunities and take initiative.
Adaptivity: Being flexible as circumstances change; managing own time and wellbeing; coping with uncertainty and ambiguity; applying personal drive, motivation and determination.
Data and digital literacy: Considering the ethical aspects of all aspects of the research process; understanding, interpreting and questioning evidence derived from data and its sources; using digital tools appropriate to contexts.
Reflection: Reviewing during and after actions; considering choices, decisions and their outcomes; recognising own strength and emotions; an awareness of personal values and integrity; setting and achieving goals.
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| Keywords | Dissertation |
Contacts
| Course organiser | Dr Samantha Staddon
Tel:
Email: Sam.Staddon@ed.ac.uk |
Course secretary | Mrs Lynn Taylor
Tel:
Email: Lynn.Taylor@ed.ac.uk |
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