NES8005 : MRes Research Dissertation Project
- Offered for Year: 2022/23
- Module Leader(s): Dr Julia Cooper
- Owning School: Natural and Environmental Sciences
- Teaching Location: Newcastle City Campus
Semesters
| Semester 1 Credit Value: | 10 |
| Semester 2 Credit Value: | 50 |
| Semester 3 Credit Value: | 60 |
| ECTS Credits: | 60.0 |
Aims
In this module we aim to provide the student with an opportunity to carry out an independent piece of
research work which involves; the identification of an appropriate topic; project and experimental
design; defining the scope of the study; assessment of resource requirements; analysis and
interpretation of data; preparation of a thesis giving a comprehensive report of the study and a critical
evaluation of the findings. This module will benefit students who are wishing to go on to undertake a
PhD, as it will build their independent learning skills to complete a more research intensive project across multiple disciplines.
Outline Of Syllabus
The student will develop a research project that will involves;
• Identification of research topic
• Review of literature (at the outset and continuing until completion of the thesis)
• Formulation of hypothesis
• Timetabling of activities and achieving set milestones
• Preparation of budgets and justification of resources
• Relevant ethical considerations
• Experimental design; data collection; data analysis and interpretation
The research project introduces the student to research work under the close supervision of a
member of staff and requires that the student learns to think and work independently. Their critical analysis and interpretation and discussion of the results will be the student’s individual responsibility. Students will develop a research project in semester 1 within the scope of the research interests of the School of Natural and Environmental Sciences and potential project supervisors.
The students will refine and deliver a 15-minute presentation/pitch of the project idea developed in semester 1.
The students will develop their project proposal early in semester 2 with a detailed GANTT chart and project timeline that will determine the timetable for their research. In semester 2 and 3 the student will undertake their individual research project under the supervision of the project supervisor, or supervisory team for group projects. This project will answer a specific research question and test the student’s ability to advance their knowledge and research skills in this subject.
The student will produce a research paper based on their research in the format of a high-quality journal article appropriate for their research.
The student will then deliver a 15-minute presentation at the end of their research to an audience of students and academics that demonstrates their ability to explain their research and its conclusions to an audience and to answer questions based upon their research.
Teaching Methods
Teaching Activities
| Category | Activity | Number | Length | Student Hours | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Guided Independent Study | Assessment preparation and completion | 1 | 30:00 | 30:00 | Project proposal writing |
| Guided Independent Study | Assessment preparation and completion | 1 | 20:00 | 20:00 | Project GANTT and plan writing |
| Guided Independent Study | Assessment preparation and completion | 1 | 20:00 | 20:00 | Final assessed individual presentation (including preparation) |
| Guided Independent Study | Assessment preparation and completion | 1 | 160:00 | 160:00 | Dissertation writing |
| Guided Independent Study | Project work | 1 | 620:00 | 620:00 | Research leading to dissertation |
| Guided Independent Study | Independent study | 1 | 20:00 | 20:00 | Semester 1 exploration of the research topic and development of hypotheses |
| Guided Independent Study | Independent study | 1 | 30:00 | 30:00 | Includes background reading and reading notes for a full understanding of material. |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Dissertation/project related supervision | 20 | 2:00 | 40:00 | Meetings with Supervisory team |
| Guided Independent Study | Independent study | 1 | 260:00 | 260:00 | Includes background reading and reading notes for a full understanding of material. |
| Total | 1200:00 |
Teaching Rationale And Relationship
The students practise and develop their discipline related skills and knowledge, and their generic skills, through independent study of an individual research project. They gain the skills and knowledge delivered by the module by “learning through doing” as they undertake the project. They are supported by one or more academic supervisors who advise on experimental methodology and result interpretation.
Assessment Methods
The format of resits will be determined by the Board of Examiners
Exams
| Description | Length | Semester | When Set | Percentage | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oral Presentation | 10 | 3 | M | 5 | 10 minute presentation on the dissertation followed by 5 minutes of questions |
Other Assessment
| Description | Semester | When Set | Percentage | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dissertation | 3 | M | 80 | Approx. 7000 words, to be written in the style of the most appropriate high-quality journal for the subject |
| Research proposal | 2 | M | 5 | Risk assessment, and COSHH, ethical assessment and GANTT timeline. |
| Research proposal | 1 | M | 10 | Project proposal Approx 2500 words in the style of an abridged RCUK Case for Support and Justification of Resources |
Assessment Rationale And Relationship
The aim of the assessment is to test the student’s ability to develop and design a research project (Project Proposal) to answer a specific research question, to plan the implementation of the project (Project plan and GANTT) to undertake and report that investigation and to present the information both to an audience in the form of an oral presentation and as a journal paper.
Reading Lists
Timetable
- Timetable Website: www.ncl.ac.uk/timetable/
- NES8005's Timetable