Durham University
Programme and Module Handbook
This is an archived handbook for a previous year. The current undergraduate and postgraduate handbooks can be viewed using the links above.

Postgraduate Handbook 2009-2010 (archived)

Module ARCH40260: DISSERTATION

Department: Archaeology

ARCH40260: DISSERTATION

TypeLevelCreditsAvailabilityModule CapLocation
Open 4 60 Available in 2009/2010 None. Durham

Pre-requisites

  • None

Corequisites

  • None

Excluded Combinations

  • None

Aims

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

Content

  • To allow students to develop and demonstrate a range of skills 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 arguments leading to clearly-expressed conclusions.

Learning Outcomes

Subject-specific Knowledge
  • At the end of the module the student will have:
  • 1. Selected and developed a research topic in human palaeoecology and demonstrated the ability to undertake independent advanced research within the given topic.
  • 2. Demonstrated the ability to achieve the above using a range of practical, laboratory or field skills appropriate to Level 4.
  • 3. Conducted background reading and other secondary research into the topic.
  • 4. Prepared and presented the text, drawings and supporting material of a finished dissertation to an acceptable Level 4 standard.
Subject-specific Skills
  • See above
Key Skills
  • See above

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

  • Modes of Teaching and Learning:
  • 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.
  • Modes of Assessment: Summative: will consist of a 15,000 word dissertation (100%). The 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 Methods and Learning Hours

ActivityNumberFrequencyDurationTotal HoursAttendance Monitored
Tutorials 5 (minimum) 1 hour 5 Yes
Preparation and Reading 595
Total 600

Summative Assessment

ComponentComponent WeightingElementLength/DurationElement WeightingResit Opportunity
Double Module Dissertation 100% Double Module Dissertation 15,000 words 100%

Formative Assessment

Research Design 1,500 words.

Students who do not attend monitored activities shown under Teaching Methods and Learning Hours, or who fail to complete the summative or formative assessment(s) specified above, may be subject to the Academic Progress procedures defined in the University's General Regulation V, and may be required to leave the University.