Module overview
The dissertation module provides a context within which research skills can be developed. It provides the opportunity to apply and demonstrate the skills and knowledge acquired throughout the taught component of the MSc programme.
The dissertation by research is a hypothesis-driven small-scale empirical research project involving quantitative or qualitative research methods and may be laboratory based, data analysis/bioinformatics or a systematic literature review.
Aims and Objectives
Learning Outcomes
Learning Outcomes
Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:
- Prepare a written report that describes and critically evaluates the research undertaken, clearly identifying the strengths and weaknesses
- Prepare and present a summary of the project to a non-specialist audience.
- Identify a research question and critically evaluate the novelty and importance of the research question
- Analyse data using appropriate methods and statistical techniques, and interpret, critically discuss and draw conclusions from the data
- Collect and record data relevant to the research question, using appropriate materials and methods
- Design, plan and undertake a research project to test a hypothesis from conception to completion in accordance with ethical and research governance regulations
Syllabus
Protocol development
Project planning: asking the right research question
Research Process: designing a project
Research governance and ethical processes
Data collection and analysis
Critical appreciation and interpretation
Report writing
Presentation skills
Working under supervision
Time management
Learning and Teaching
Teaching and learning methods
You will be primarily supported by your supervisor(s), including at least one University of Southampton academic. Support from the module leader is available at all stages of the dissertation. Students will have access to Faculty of Medicine staff and resources, and will be given access to the module Blackboard website that provides comprehensive details about all stages of the dissertation, and a platform for submission of pieces of work for formative assessment.
| Type | Hours |
|---|---|
| Independent Study | 600 |
| Total study time | 600 |
Resources & Reading list
Internet Resources
Assessment
Assessment strategy
The assessment for the module provides you with the opportunity to demonstrate achievement of the learning outcomes. In addition to the summative assessments, during the course of the module there will be opportunities to obtain feedback in the form of formative activities.
The pass mark for this module is 50%. Students who fail this module will have a resubmission opportunity in line with the regulations for Progression, Determination and Classification of Results: Postgraduate Master's Programmes (Section IV of the University Calendar; https://www.southampton.ac.uk/calendar/sectioniv/index.page ). You will be required to resubmit components where you have not achieved the pass mark. Additionally you will be required to submit a rebuttal to markers if you are resubmitting the written report. Marks for components which were passed will be carried forward. The final module mark will be capped at 50%.
Formative
This is how we’ll give you feedback as you are learning. It is not a formal test or exam.
Interim ReportSummative
This is how we’ll formally assess what you have learned in this module.
| Method | Percentage contribution |
|---|---|
| Dissertation | 90% |
| Presentation & Peer Discussion | 10% |
Referral
This is how we’ll assess you if you don’t meet the criteria to pass this module.
| Method | Percentage contribution |
|---|---|
| Presentation & Peer Discussion | 10% |
| Revised Dissertation | 90% |