Unit information: Dissertation in 2020/21

Unit name	Dissertation
Unit code	PHEDM1002
Credit points	60
Level of study	M/7
Teaching block(s)	Academic Year (weeks 1 - 52)
Unit director	Dr. Li
Open unit status	Not open
Pre-requisites	None
Co-requisites	None
School/department	School for Policy Studies
Faculty	Faculty of Social Sciences and Law

Description including Unit Aims

This unit aims to teach students to design and conduct quality research in the field of nutrition, physical activity and public health. This can involve planning and completing:

- An empirical research study (by collecting quantitative or qualitative primary data, or both) or; - A secondary data analysis (by identifying appropriate secondary data sources) or; - A systematic review (by identifying and synthesising appropriate sources of evidence) or; - A mixed methods study.

The dissertation should demonstrate that the student understands how to: frame research questions, critique, draw upon and develop appropriate conceptual and theoretical approaches, develop and apply an appropriate research strategy, analyse data, interpret the findings and draw conclusions that are integrated within wider academic debates.

Intended Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of the unit, students will be able to demonstrate:

1. An ability to frame suitable research questions.
2. An understanding of the conceptual and theoretical concerns associated with their chosen topic.
3. An understanding of, and ability to apply an appropriate research strategy and methodology to investigate their chosen topic (plan and complete primary data collection, identify appropriate secondary data sources, conduct a systematic review and/or conduct a mixed methods study).
4. An ability to analyse data, interpret and draw conclusions which are integrated within wider academic debates.
5. An ability to independently plan and carry out a sustained piece of research.
6. An ability to generate a coherent dissertation in the form of an academic paper for a scientific journal in the field of nutrition, physical activity and public health

Teaching Information

Students will be expected to submit a written research proposal for their project, after which they will be assigned a dissertation supervisor. Thereafter, individual study will be supported by regular, one-to-one negotiated academic supervision meetings (face to face or online depending on social distancing guidance). Dissertation workshops on different types of dissertation projects as well as project management skills and writing tips, will be delivered (face to face or online in line with social distancing guidance) to support student progress in their dissertation. Students must have an acceptable research ethics proposal approved before beginning their research.

Assessment Information

The dissertation will be in the form of an academic paper for a scientific journal in the field of nutrition, physical activity and public health and will contribute 100% of the total unit mark.

The dissertation will be a minimum of 8,000 words and up to 10,000 words.

The dissertation should demonstrate that the intended learning outcomes of the unit are met.

Reading and References

To be negotiated with the supervisor.