Module GEOL3022: DISSERTATION

Department: Earth Sciences

GEOL3022: DISSERTATION

Prerequisites

• Successful completion of the compulsory modules specified in the programme specifications of F600, F642, F630 and F662. For other students’ one of GEOL2191 Fieldwork (Geological), GEOL2201 Fieldwork (Environmental) or GEOL 2241 Fieldwork (Geophysical) as appropriate, plus at least two other compulsory modules from Level 2 of the corresponding Earth Science programmes.

Corequisites

• None.

Excluded Combination of Modules

• GEOL3271 Dissertation: Communicating Popular Science

Aims

• To produce a substantive independent research dissertation based on either a geological mapping exercise [F600 and F642 (Geology Route)] or a computing, field or laboratory project [F642 (Environment Geosciences or Geophysics routes), F630 and F662]. For other students: dissertation type will be dependent on specific pre-requisite completed.

Content

• Independent research based upon field, laboratory or computer datasets chosen to suit a student's degree programme and interests.
• Guidance is given in project selection and preparation, research focus and direction, dissertation preparation and problem solving.
• Training in health and safety issues, risk assessment and first aid is also provided.

Learning Outcomes

• Will have acquired subject knowledge and understanding in Earth system processes.
• Will have acquired subject knowledge and understanding in geological principles, terms, definitions and classifications.

• Will be able to:
• (a) conduct independent research.
• (b) development testable hypotheses.
• (c) collect and present laboratory, computer or field data.
• (d) make valid interpretations and inferences from data.
• (e) develop a justified synthesis and draw conclusions from results.
• (f) accurately precis published literature.
• (g) appropriately cite literature and create a research-based report.
• Will have acquired intellectual and practical skills necessary to plan, conduct and report on a research topic.
• Will have acquired the capability to plan and execute a guided independent piece of research and communicate the results of this research effectively in scholarly written form.
• Will have acquired intellectual and practical skills to formulate and test concepts and hypotheses.
• Will have acquired intellectual and practical skills to undertake investigations in a safe and responsible manner with regard to risk assessment, right of access, health and safety regulations and sensitivity to the environment and stakeholders.
• Will have acquired intellectual and practical skills to observe, record accurately and account for geological features in the laboratory, on computer and in the field.
• Will have acquired intellectual and practical skills to critically synthesise information/data from a variety of sources.
• Will have acquired intellectual and practical skills to analyse, evaluate/interpret geological data.
• Will have acquired intellectual skills involved in the preparation and interpretation of maps from field observations and other sources of information.

• Receive and respond to a variety of information sources.
• Innotative and creative approaches to problem solving.
• Use initiative and identify individual goals and responsibilities.
• Communicate effectively to a variety of audiences in written, verbal and graphical forms.
• Prepare, process, interpret and present data using appropriate qualitative and quantitative techniques and information technology packages.
• Solve numerical problems using computer or non-computer techniques.
• Use the internet critically as a means of communication and a source of information.
• Acquire skills necessary for self-managed lifelong learning (including independent working, time management).
• Identify and work towards targets for personal and academic development.

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

• The module is delivered through a limited number of one hour lectures, directed at project planning, risk assessment, dissertation preparation, first aid training and independent project work.
• These are supported by handouts, DUO materials and problem solving supervisions.

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Summative Assessment

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