Durham University
Programme and Module Handbook

Postgraduate Programme and Module Handbook 2009-2010 (archived)

Module ANTH40460: DISSERTATION IN HUMAN PALAEOECOLOGY

Department: Anthropology

ANTH40460: DISSERTATION IN HUMAN PALAEOECOLOGY

Type Tied Level 4 Credits 60 Availability Available in 2009/10
Tied to Tied to students on MSc in Human Palaeoecology

Prerequisites

  • None.

Corequisites

  • PPP an RSSHP.

Excluded Combination of Modules

  • None.

Aims

  • To produce an independently research dissertation in a selected specialist are of human palaeoecology

Content

  • To allow students to develop and demonstrate a range of sills learnt as part of the MSc in Human Palaeoecology.
  • To investigate in depth the approved topic using an appropriate range of practical, laboratory and/or field techniques
  • To produce a research design for an independent piece of work, performing the proposed work, analysing and presenting the evidence and providing clear arguements leading to clearly-expressed conclusions.

Learning Outcomes

Subject-specific Knowledge:
  • Selected and developed a research topic in human palaeoecology.
Subject-specific Skills:
  • Demonstrated the ability to undertake independent, advanced research with the given topic
  • Demonstrated the ability to achieve the above using a range of practical, laboratory or field skills appropriate to level 4
Key Skills:
  • Conducted background reading and other secondary research into the topic
  • Prepared and presented the text, drawings and supporting material of a finished dissertation to an acceptable level 4 standard

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

  • The double module is assessed on the content and presentation of the dissertation, with specific reference to its originality, its independence of thought, clarity of arguments, and its approximation to acceptable standards of presentation appropriate to Level 4
  • Teaching support is provided in the form of advice provided through individual tutorials, and laboratory supervision if appropriate, with a member of staff assigned as dissertation supervisor
  • Summative assessment will consist of a double-module dissertation (100%)

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Activity Number Frequency Duration Total/Hours
Tutorials 5 minimum 1 hr 5
Preparation and Reading 595
Total 600

Summative Assessment

Component: Dissertation Component Weighting: 100%
Element Length / duration Element Weighting Resit Opportunity
Double-module dissertation 15,000 words 100%

Formative Assessment:

None.


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