Unit information: Dissertation in 2021/22

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
Pre-requisites	none
Co-requisites	none
School/department	School of Engineering Mathematics and Technology
Faculty	Faculty of Engineering

Description including Unit Aims

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.

Intended Learning Outcomes

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

Teaching Information

Regular meetings with dissertation supervisors

Assessment Information

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.