NES3013 : Dissertation
NES3013 : Dissertation
- Offered for Year: 2024/25
- Module Leader(s): Dr Ankush Prashar
- Owning School: Natural and Environmental Sciences
- Teaching Location: Newcastle City Campus
Semesters
Your programme is made up of credits, the total differs on programme to programme.
| Semester 1 Credit Value: | 15 |
| Semester 2 Credit Value: | 15 |
| ECTS Credits: | 15.0 |
| European Credit Transfer System | |
Pre-requisite
Modules you must have done previously to study this module
Pre Requisite Comment
N/A
Co-Requisite
Modules you need to take at the same time
Co Requisite Comment
N/A
Aims
To give students the opportunity to conduct a detailed individual investigation of a subject related to their honours option and to present the findings in a typed and bound form as a scientific dissertation.
Outline Of Syllabus
Students select and investigate a topic of their choice which is related to their final year Honours option. They will work together with a member of academic staff who will support the research process. Students will have the option of either a) a research based dissertation based on the collection and interpretation of primary or secondary data or b) a literature based dissertation.
Learning Outcomes
Intended Knowledge Outcomes
Following successful completion of this module a student will be able to:
Critically acquire in-depth knowledge and understanding relating to a subject of their choice and related to their final year Honours option
Intended Skill Outcomes
Following successful completion of this module a student will be able to:
1) Critically evaluate a specific cutting edge field of study of their choice which is related to their final,
2) Evaluate a range of information-gathering techniques in principally accessing the scientific literature,
3) Appraise the value of the information and report it clearly and concisely,
4) Present a written report that is clearly structured and shows awareness of the relevant conventions used when
writing for a relevant peer-reviewed journal and
5) Present a poster that summarises the study and presents information, data and conclusions in a manner
understandable to the agricultural industry.
Teaching Methods
Teaching Activities
| Category | Activity | Number | Length | Student Hours | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Structured Guided Learning | Lecture materials | 3 | 1:00 | 3:00 | Module Talk |
| Guided Independent Study | Assessment preparation and completion | 1 | 120:00 | 120:00 | Preparation of dissertation report |
| Guided Independent Study | Assessment preparation and completion | 1 | 10:00 | 10:00 | Oral presentation of Research Proposal (5%) |
| Guided Independent Study | Directed research and reading | 1 | 27:00 | 27:00 | Includes background reading and reading notes for a full understanding of material. |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Dissertation/project related supervision | 6 | 0:30 | 3:00 | N/A |
| Guided Independent Study | Independent study | 1 | 137:00 | 137:00 | N/A |
| Total | 300:00 |
Teaching Rationale And Relationship
The dissertation provides a unique opportunity for assisted private study of a topic selected by the student. Students are allocated a supervisor with whom they are encouraged to interact at all stages of the work. They should discuss aspects of the work with their supervisor. The opportunity exists to receive individual assistance with information retrieval, interpretation, report writing skills, verbal presentation skills and occasionally with statistical analysis of data.
The majority of the project work is done individually with the support of a member of academic staff as supervisor. Interpersonal skills will be developed during this phase and the students will take responsibility for the development and running of their own project, with support from the supervisor.
Reading Lists
Assessment Methods
The format of resits will be determined by the Board of Examiners
Other Assessment
| Description | Semester | When Set | Percentage | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dissertation | 2 | M | 90 | Written dissertation - 7000 words |
| Prof skill assessmnt | 2 | M | 10 | Poster presentation to summarise findings of the dissertation |
Formative Assessments
Formative Assessment is an assessment which develops your skills in being assessed, allows for you to receive feedback, and prepares you for being assessed. However, it does not count to your final mark.
| Description | Semester | When Set | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oral Presentation | 1 | M | Oral presentation covering project subject area, rationale and implications . 10-15 minutes duration. Peer feedback |
| Report | 1 | M | Review of Literature for formative feedback from Supervisor |
Assessment Rationale And Relationship
The oral presentation provides the opportunity for a student to clearly define the aims and objectives of the study together with the structure that the dissertation is likely to take.
The written dissertation encourages students to research a topic, to acquire, organise, interpret and present the relevant information. This helps to develop a student's information gathering and written communication skills.
The poster presentation assesses the availability of the student to summarise a large volume of material, identify the key points and present approaches, data and conclusions in a succinct manner understandable to the non-expert.
Formative Assessments: 1) presentation of project proposal': at the start of the semester for academic and peer feedback', 2) 'Literature review: directed and feedback by your supervisor
Timetable
- Timetable Website: www.ncl.ac.uk/timetable/
- NES3013's Timetable
Past Exam Papers
- Exam Papers Online : www.ncl.ac.uk/exam.papers/
- NES3013's past Exam Papers
General Notes
N/A
Welcome to Newcastle University Module Catalogue
This is where you will be able to find all key information about modules on your programme of study. It will help you make an informed decision on the options available to you within your programme.
You may have some queries about the modules available to you. Your school office will be able to signpost you to someone who will support you with any queries.
Disclaimer
The information contained within the Module Catalogue relates to the 2024 academic year.
In accordance with University Terms and Conditions, the University makes all reasonable efforts to deliver the modules as described.
Modules may be amended on an annual basis to take account of changing staff expertise, developments in the discipline, the requirements of external bodies and partners, and student feedback. Module information for the 2025/26 entry will be published here in early-April 2025. Queries about information in the Module Catalogue should in the first instance be addressed to your School Office.