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Unit information: Dissertation in 2022/23

Please note: you are viewing unit and programme information for a past academic year. Please see the current academic year for up to date information.

Unit name Dissertation
Unit code EMATM0055
Credit points 60
Level of study M/7
Teaching block(s) Academic Year (weeks 1 - 52)
Unit director Dr. Philamore
Open unit status Not open
Units you must take before you take this one (pre-requisite units)

none

Units you must take alongside this one (co-requisite units)

none

Units you may not take alongside this one
School/department School of Engineering Mathematics and Technology
Faculty Faculty of Engineering

Unit Information

Students are expected to carry out an in-depth survey of relevant literature and to undertake some primary research to ensure that their investigation contributes to existing research in the field. The primary research may involve a wide range of activities such as: carrying out a quantitative survey, an evaluation case study or action research study, or developing an experimental piece of software or hardware. The written dissertation should make clear how the primary research was designed and conducted and discussion of the outcomes of primary research should be clearly related to existing literature. The body of the dissertation should be supplemented by a critical review of all aspects of the research process, including the design and production of the report itself.

Your learning on this unit

Students will be expected to produce written work which is assessed in terms of its:

  1. Appropriateness of research method(s) to the investigation;
  2. Level of conceptual and/or technical difficulty;
  3. Depth and breadth of secondary research;
  4. Collection and use of primary evidence;
  5. Coherence of argument, logic and quality of conclusions (specific and general)
  6. Quality of writing and presentation;
  7. Accuracy and completeness of citation and listing of references;
  8. Critical appraisal of the research process

How you will learn

Regular meetings with dissertation supervisors

How you will be assessed

Dissertation (100%), 15,000 words maximum

Resources

If this unit has a Resource List, you will normally find a link to it in the Blackboard area for the unit. Sometimes there will be a separate link for each weekly topic.

If you are unable to access a list through Blackboard, you can also find it via the Resource Lists homepage. Search for the list by the unit name or code (e.g. EMATM0055).

How much time the unit requires
Each credit equates to 10 hours of total student input. For example a 20 credit unit will take you 200 hours of study to complete. Your total learning time is made up of contact time, directed learning tasks, independent learning and assessment activity.

See the Faculty workload statement relating to this unit for more information.

Assessment
The Board of Examiners will consider all cases where students have failed or not completed the assessments required for credit. The Board considers each student's outcomes across all the units which contribute to each year's programme of study. If you have self-certificated your absence from an assessment, you will normally be required to complete it the next time it runs (this is usually in the next assessment period).
The Board of Examiners will take into account any extenuating circumstances and operates within the Regulations and Code of Practice for Taught Programmes.

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