Module GEOG3332: DISSERTATION

Department: GEOGRAPHY

GEOG3332: DISSERTATION

Prerequisites

• None.

Corequisites

• None.

Excluded Combination of Modules

• None.

Aims

• To develop the student's ability to: study a chosen topic in depth.
• integrate knowledge and skills acquired in other parts of the course.
• design a work schedule and experiments to investigate a specified problem.
• work independently.
• communicate an account of the work done in a logical and concise way, in written form.

Content

• Indicative contents: The initial preparatory and design phase of the project was begun in level 2 in the context of the Urban Research module.
• It is anticipated that research work will continue during the long vacation between levels 2 and 3 and throughout semester 1.
• this will involve field, library, archive and laboratory work as appropriate.
• The second semester will essentially involve data analysis, writing up and preparation of a poster.
• The student will be required to produce a word-processed report based on the investigation.
• Many projects will involve a practical investigation, and these will be based formally at Durham although involvement of regional expertise will be sought in the selection of project topics.
• However, the Course Team would not wish to exclude projects in which the practical component is relatively low and where the project is based mainly on theoretical investigations of an identified problem.

Learning Outcomes

• On successful completion of the module students are expected to be able to: understand the fundamentals of the chosen topic.
• apply those fundamentals to the logical solution of the project under consideration.
• undertake a relevant literature search to place the project in its proper context.
• demonstrate self-motivation.
• design and carry out laboratory or other investigations to address a problem.
• submit a clear and concise project report.

Modes of Teaching, Learning and Assessment and how these contribute to the learning outcomes of the module

• Lectures will inform students about the purpose, regulations and conduct of the dissertation.
• Dissertation advisory groups (DAGS) will support student dissertation research in relation to formulation and design of research project.
• The dissertation will enable students to demonstrate self-motivation and their ability to undertake relevant literature reviews, their understanding of the fundamentals of the topic, and their ability to design and carry out investigations that address a problem in relationship to those fundamental issues.
• The writing of the dissertation will enable students to demonstrate their clarity of expression and ability to present findings effectively.
• The project presentation will enable students to demonstrate their ability to present a concise project report.

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Summative Assessment

Formative Assessment:

Feedback from discussion with dissertation adviser.

■ Attendance at all activities marked with this symbol will be monitored. Students who fail to attend these activities, or to complete the summative or formative assessment specified above, will be subject to the procedures defined in the University's General Regulation V, and may be required to leave the University