MAS8604 : Dissertation in Statistical Data Science
- Offered for Year: 2025/26
- Module Leader(s): Dr Joe Matthews
- Owning School: Mathematics, Statistics and Physics
- Teaching Location: Newcastle City Campus
Semesters
Your programme is made up of credits, the total differs on programme to programme.
| Semester 3 Credit Value: | 60 |
| ECTS Credits: | 30.0 |
| European Credit Transfer System | |
Aims
The individual project is a substantial piece of independent work involving the technical and research skills developed in the taught part of the degree. You will have the opportunity to contribute directly to research and development activities, develop your own specialist expertise in the project topic, and further improve your planning and communication skills. You will work closely with one of the School's research groups.
Specifically, the module aims to equip students with the following knowledge and skills:
• To deepen the knowledge and skills acquired in the programme through practice
• To develop an awareness of the range and limitations of technologies available
• To enhance research skills and awareness of the professional literature
• To develop an awareness of the open problems in Statistical Data Science
Outline Of Syllabus
Students will either select a project from a list offered by potential supervisors or propose and refine a project proposal with an academic supervisor. Projects will involve learning about some unfamiliar aspect of Statistical Data Science. In every project there will be a research component and a strong design, programming and/or analytic element.
1. Project Definition and Planning:
a. Bounding and clarifying a problem for research.
b. Background research; identifying and critically analysing relevant literature and information sources.
c. Decomposing a problem and forming a project outline in terms of goals and criteria for success. Identifying resources and tooling required.
2. Supervision: The student and lead supervisor will meet regularly throughout the period of the project.
3. Research: Background research will be undertaken in the selected topic using the skills developed in earlier modules with access to the library and online resources. The supervisor will advise on quality of sources and standards in the topic area.
4. Development and Analytic Skills: The core of the project will involve carrying out the project plan largely independently, but with guidance from the supervisors.
5. Dissertation: A dissertation will be prepared, describing the technical background, the work undertaken, the analysis of results and directions for further work. Guidance on the style and content of an academic dissertation will be provided by means of lectures and through the supervisor.
Teaching Methods
Teaching Activities
| Category | Activity | Number | Length | Student Hours | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Guided Independent Study | Assessment preparation and completion | 10 | 1:00 | 10:00 | Preparation for oral presentation |
| Guided Independent Study | Assessment preparation and completion | 1 | 1:00 | 1:00 | Oral Examination |
| Guided Independent Study | Assessment preparation and completion | 30 | 1:00 | 30:00 | Interim Report Writing |
| Guided Independent Study | Assessment preparation and completion | 140 | 1:00 | 140:00 | Dissertation Writing |
| Guided Independent Study | Assessment preparation and completion | 1 | 1:00 | 1:00 | Poster presentation |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Lecture | 2 | 1:00 | 2:00 | Lectures |
| Guided Independent Study | Assessment preparation and completion | 10 | 1:00 | 10:00 | Preparation for poster presentation |
| Guided Independent Study | Directed research and reading | 100 | 1:00 | 100:00 | Background Research |
| Guided Independent Study | Project work | 300 | 1:00 | 300:00 | Undertaking the technical project work |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Dissertation/project related supervision | 12 | 0:30 | 6:00 | Individual Supervisor Meetings |
| Total | 600:00 |
Teaching Rationale And Relationship
The project is undertaken with a lead academic supervisor, working in association with one of the research groups of the School.
Assessment Methods
The format of resits will be determined by the Board of Examiners
Other Assessment
| Description | Semester | When Set | Percentage | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dissertation | 3 | M | 75 | Final dissertation, comprising up to 15,000 words |
| Poster | 3 | M | 10 | A0 poster outlining dissertation and key results |
| Report | 3 | M | 15 | Interim report comprising detailed of planned dissertation, up to 2,000 words |
Zero Weighted Pass/Fail Assessments
| Description | When Set | Comment |
|---|---|---|
| Oral Examination | M | A structured discussion including a demonstration of any software (if relevant) and a reflection on the key areas of personal development |
Assessment Rationale And Relationship
The interim report provides a means of assessing the project aims, methodology and planning. The presentation provides for an assessment of a student’s skills at communicating work to a broader audience. The dissertation provides for an assessment of professional skills in research and development, analysis, and detailed technical communication.
Reading Lists
Timetable
- Timetable Website: www.ncl.ac.uk/timetable/
- MAS8604's Timetable