| 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 |
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.
On successful completion of the unit, students will be able to demonstrate:
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.
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.
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. PHEDM1002).
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.
