CEG3699 : Earth Science Dissertation
- Offered for Year: 2020/21
- Module Leader(s): Dr Jon Telling
- Owning School: Natural and Environmental Sciences
- Teaching Location: Newcastle City Campus
Semesters
| Semester 1 Credit Value: | 10 |
| Semester 2 Credit Value: | 20 |
| ECTS Credits: | 15.0 |
Aims
To give students the opportunity to carry out a substantial, individual piece of work which addresses
current and future issues in earth science.
- To obtain a deeper understanding of an earth science topic than made possible by following a taught
programme of study.
- To develop independent study skills and prepare an extended individual piece of work.
Outline Of Syllabus
The project might involve the student working within one of the School's established research groups, or
elsewhere in collaboration with another industrial or academic partner. The student will be supervised, throughout their project, by an experienced scientist or engineer. The supervisor will provide advice on the approaches and methods that are best suited to the research problem and
The student will be required to complete a project outline document as part of the project planning, and to
maintain a portfolio documenting the implementation of the project and reflecting on personal
skills development. They will be required to present the results of your studies to a generalist
audience through an oral presentation.
Teaching Methods
Please note that module leaders are reviewing the module teaching and assessment methods for Semester 2 modules, in light of the Covid-19 restrictions. There may also be a few further changes to Semester 1 modules. Final information will be available by the end of August 2020 in for Semester 1 modules and the end of October 2020 for Semester 2 modules.
Teaching Activities
| Category | Activity | Number | Length | Student Hours | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Guided Independent Study | Assessment preparation and completion | 1 | 20:00 | 20:00 | Preparation of early stage project presentation, to gain feedback at an early stage of the project |
| Guided Independent Study | Assessment preparation and completion | 1 | 80:00 | 80:00 | Preparation of dissertation |
| Guided Independent Study | Assessment preparation and completion | 1 | 150:00 | 150:00 | Independent research leading to dissertation |
| Structured Guided Learning | Lecture materials | 1 | 1:00 | 1:00 | Online via Canvas - Module introduction and recap |
| Guided Independent Study | Assessment preparation and completion | 1 | 30:00 | 30:00 | Preparation of poster |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Workshops | 4 | 1:00 | 4:00 | Workshops to aid the development of skills in designing a project, and completing dissertation |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Dissertation/project related supervision | 15 | 1:00 | 15:00 | Project supervision meetings - in person |
| Total | 300:00 |
Teaching Rationale And Relationship
Students will investigate a specific issue in earth science and through laboratory and field analysis produce a dissertation that allows them to pursue their own ideas and to gain a deeper understanding of the subject.
Assessment Methods
Please note that module leaders are reviewing the module teaching and assessment methods for Semester 2 modules, in light of the Covid-19 restrictions. There may also be a few further changes to Semester 1 modules. Final information will be available by the end of August 2020 in for Semester 1 modules and the end of October 2020 for Semester 2 modules.
The format of resits will be determined by the Board of Examiners
Exams
| Description | Length | Semester | When Set | Percentage | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oral Examination | 15 | 1 | M | 10 | Early stage project oral presentation |
Other Assessment
| Description | Semester | When Set | Percentage | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dissertation | 2 | M | 70 | Dissertation (journal paper format, suggested 6000 words, plus additional supplementary material) |
| Poster | 2 | M | 20 | Poster to concisely and clearly communicate key results of research to a general audience |
Assessment Rationale And Relationship
The specialist and generic skills, and the knowledge and understanding practiced and developed during this module are assessed primarily through examination of a written final journal-style paper, with additional supplementary material for their supporting data and information. The use of a journal style format develops the student’s ability to concisely present their key findings. Complementary skills in project planning and self-assessment, and in communication skills, are practiced and assessed through the first semester oral presentation that also gives further peer and academic feedback at a critical stage within the overall project students will produce an additional piece of work, using a media of their choice, to communicate their research to a targeted audience (e.g. a sector of society, companies/industry, school children etc), increasing awareness and applicability of their research to society.
Reading Lists
Timetable
- Timetable Website: www.ncl.ac.uk/timetable/
- CEG3699's Timetable