ESC-30031: Environment and Sustainability Dissertation

Following on from the compulsory level two Research Skills in Environment and Sustainability module, this module aims to enable and support students to undertake dissertation research and writing.

It aims to provide students with training and one-to-one supervision in the following key areas of their dissertation project: how to carry out their literature review, how to modify or fine-tune their research proposal (written at level 2) in light of their literature review, how to apply appropriate research methods to their specific topic and how to approach their research topic in an interdisciplinary way.

The module also aims to enhance students&© confidence in their ability to communicate the results of their research in both written and oral form.

Intended Learning Outcomes

Collect, interpret and synthesize literature that is relevant to a chosen topic. Present a critical review of this literature in written form within the dissertation. will be achieved by assessments: 1
Plan, design and execute, using appropriate research methods and processes, an independent piece of research (i.e., a third year dissertation). will be achieved by assessments: 1, 2
Communicate effectively and persuasively the results of independent research in written form. will be achieved by assessments: 1
Discuss and evaluate orally their project and chosen topic area will be achieved by assessments: 2

will be achieved by assessments:

Study hours

Workshops and individual supervision = 15
Researching and writing the literature review = 75
Independent research and writing of the dissertation = 210

Total = 300

Description of Module Assessment

01: Dissertation weighted 90%

Dissertation report of independent project work
10,000 word report based on independent research in an area appropriate for Environment and Sustainability

02: Oral Exam weighted 10%

Viva type examination of dissertation
15 minute oral exam of student in relation to the student's dissertation

Version: (1.06B) Updated: 03/Oct/2013

This document is the definitive current source of information about this module and supersedes any other information.