Durham University
Programme and Module Handbook

Undergraduate Programme and Module Handbook 2014-2015 (archived)

Module ECOS3032: DISSERTATION

Department: Business School (Economics and Finance) [Queen's Campus, Stockton]

ECOS3032: DISSERTATION

Type Tied Level 3 Credits 40 Availability Available in 2014/15 Module Cap None. Location Queen's Campus Stockton
Tied to N200
Tied to NN43
Tied to N302
Tied to N304
Tied to N420
Tied to N301
Tied to N303
Tied to N400
Tied to N300
Tied to NN34
Tied to NN24
Tied to N204
Tied to N206
Tied to NN42
Tied to N402
Tied to N403
Tied to N405
Tied to N401
Tied to N406
Tied to N404
Tied to N102
Tied to N201
Tied to N203
Tied to N207
Tied to N202
Tied to N500
Tied to N506
Tied to N508
Tied to N505
Tied to N507
Tied to N501
Tied to N502
Tied to NN12
Tied to N205
Tied to N208
Tied to N305
Tied to N306
Tied to N307

Prerequisites

  • None.

Corequisites

  • None.

Excluded Combination of Modules

  • None.

Aims

  • The dissertation should be a substantial piece of work that provides a detailed and critical examination of a particular topic. Empirical research is encouraged where appropriate to the topic and programme of study, but is not compulsory.
  • Additional aims are:
  • to provide students with an opportunity to undertake a substantial research project on an approved topic of interest and present their findings and conclusions in an extended and coherent piece of work.
  • to develop students' abilities to plan and manage their own learning
  • to facilitate students' development of research skills and provide the opportunity to apply their knowledge to an appropriate topic associated with their degree.

Content

  • The topic and scope of the dissertation will be decided in consultation with an appropriate member of staff, should be of relevance to their degree and is subject to approval.
  • Lectures and consultations will address basic issues of methodology and method, data gathering and data analysis, reviewing literature, structure and presentation of argument, academic writing.

Learning Outcomes

Subject-specific Knowledge:
  • By the end of the module students are expected:
  • to have acquired extended knowledge of a relevant topic of interest.
Subject-specific Skills:
  • To have acquired skills of independent research and project management.
  • To be able to demonstrate an ability to present and analyse data in a clear and appropriate manner.
  • To be able to demonstrate an ability to present arguments and conclusions in an extended and coherent form.
Key Skills:
  • Written communication - through summative assessment.
  • Planning, Organisation and Working to deadlines.
  • Problem Solving and Analysis - e.g. by designing research, manipulating concepts and applying analytical skills.
  • Intiative by gaining access to relevant sources.
  • Computer literacy - by production of the dissertation in word processed form,- accessing literature and other sources via electronic means and as relevant use of computer based analysis methods.

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

  • Learning is facilitated by lectures, consultations and support for private study. Formative assessment is by means of preparation of dissertation outline, draft chapters for discussion at consultations and the keeping of a dissertation diary. Summative assessment is through the production of a dissertation of 12,000 words. Students will have individual consultation sessions with a named dissertation supervisor throughout the year.

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Activity Number Frequency Duration Total/Hours
Lectures 5 2 lectures in the Easter term for year 2 students. 3 lectures in the Michaelmas term for year 3 students. 1hr 5
Consultations 6 20 min 2
Preparation and Reading 393
Total 400

Summative Assessment

Component: Dissertation Component Weighting: 100%
Element Length / duration Element Weighting Resit Opportunity
Dissertation 12000 words 100% Same

Formative Assessment:

Submission and approval of the Dissertation title during year 2. Preparation of dissertation outline, including methodology, and draft chapters for discussion at consultations. Keeping of a dissertation diary.


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