Dissertation

Learning Outcomes

Transferable and Generic Skills

Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:

• Effectively search the scientific literature, papers and books as well as a variety of online resources
• Develop document preparation skills including creating figures, equations, tables and a bibliography
• Increase awareness and ability to manage time effectively to meet deadlines
• Work effectively as a member of the team, contributing with skills and knowledge towards a common goal
• Process the most relevant information to provide a solution and explanation to a given scientific problem , developing problem solving skills
• Improve skills in writing a clear and structured report on a scientific topic
• Develop a critical approach to the literature and the ability to select the most relevant information
• Develop ability to present complex material at a suitable level
• Develop confidence and clarity in verbal communication

Cognitive Skills

Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:

• Demonstrate independence in exploring scientific concepts and with the aim of finding practical solutions

First part: group work. Teams of students will carry out joint work on a given topic. The list of topics will include a comprehensive selection of ideas and challenges from different areas of physics and astronomy. Some may be of interdisciplinary nature and include aspects of mathematics, biology, chemistry or nanotechnology, for example. In general, the topics will not be `cut and dried', where the material is readily available in textbooks or has been covered in depth during lectures, but should require students to synthesise the research and/or technical literature into coherent conclusions. Scientific judgement must then be used to select the key material and an overview must be developed to discuss material from specialised research papers in a broader context. While the topics’ titles highlight the main concept, creativity and going beyond their abstracts are encouraged.

The main goal of the joint work is to provide an opportunity to develop independence and initiative as well as to learn how, within a team, group members can support and share work to achieve a common goal. To this end, the groups are responsible to carry out their work independently, namely without seeking scientific or technical supervision, help or guidance from academic or research staff.

Second part: individual dissertation. All the students will be allocated a topic (guided by their expressed preference) of their own, individual dissertation. The individual topic will have to be researched and the report written, demonstrating clear comprehension as well as critical judgement of the findings. As with team work, the focus of this individual dissertation is on gaining confidence in exploring independently a particular idea or concept and in developing analytical and critical problem solving skills. It is also an exercise in time management and getting the right balance between the time devoted to researching the literature and relevant resources, and writing up the report. The individual topics are intended to be linked with the subject pursued during team work.

Resources & Reading list

General Resources

Individually provided for each topic.

Assessment strategy

Groupwork

Each group has to prepare a short summary/extended abstract of their topic and its main findings. Length is up to 600 words and can include pictures and diagrams.

Groups will also present their work in talks in conference-like sessions. Each presentation will have 20 minutes allocated with 5 additional minutes for questions.

Each extended abstract and presentation will be assessed by two members of staff. All team members will receive the same mark. In an instance of plagiarism, all students in the group concerned will receive the same penalty. If it emerges that some students contributed in an inadequate manner, up to 20% of those students' marks could be deducted.

Individual work

Students submit an individual dissertation on their chosen topic. The dissertation should be written as a technical/scientific report and has an upper word limit of 3000 words. Each dissertation will be marked by two members of academic staff.

Division of marks

Group abstract 15%, group presentation 25%, individual dissertation 60%.

Referral

Students must score at least 40% to pass this module. Students who fail to meet this target will have the following referral arrangements.

Groupwork mark carried forward with a weighting of 40%. Individual dissertation to be submitted (or resubmitted) and marked with a weighting of 60%. The dissertation is to be submitted by the start of the Supplementary Assessment period.

Summative

This is how we’ll formally assess what you have learned in this module.

Referral

This is how we’ll assess you if you don’t meet the criteria to pass this module.

Repeat

An internal repeat is where you take all of your modules again, including any you passed. An external repeat is where you only re-take the modules you failed.

Repeat Information

Repeat type: Internal & External