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| Module Availability |
Spring |
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| Assessment Pattern |
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Components of Assessment
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Method(s)
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Weighting
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Continuous assessment
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Approx. 20,000-word Research Dissertation
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100%
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Qualifying Condition(s)
An overall mark of 50% is required to pass the module. |
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| Module Overview |
| In essence, the dissertation is a report on the individual project carried out by students to demonstrate research potential and ability to use existing and to acquire new knowledge and apply them in specific situation. A number of dissertations are carried out in collaboration with industry and upon successful completion of the module, you will be able to approach an open-ended topic to research new ideas and experiment with new technologies. |
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| Prerequisites/Co-requisites |
None |
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| Module Aims |
To provide an opportunity for students to pursue a single topic in depth and to demonstrate evidence of research potential for a master's degree. Students are encouraged to either research a new concept or apply existing technology in a new field. |
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| Learning Outcomes |
On successful completion of the module, you will be able to:
· Be able to approach an open-ended topic, to research new ideas and experiment with new technologies;
· Be able to locate, select and interpret sources relevant to the proposed topic;
· To demonstrate a detailed knowledge of area under investigation, which builds upon the student's existing strengths as demonstrated in coursework or earlier experience;
Be able to Sustained critical examination of the selected topic |
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| Module Content |
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Dissertation topics: Academic staff is asked to submit research topics for approval by the Programme Director. Each student will choose a topic which should in general address problems in the areas of Process and lnformation Systems Engineering, but with proper specialization according to his/her specific programme. Topics are made available to the students by the third week of the course.
Selection of research topics: Students select topics by (approximately) the second week of the second term, and certainly no later than the fourth week of the second term. Proposers of topics assume the role of research supervisors. Students are expected to consult with research supervisors to prepare an intermediate progress report of approximately 2,000 words and the presentation of the research topic, planned methodology and project plan.
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Submission / assessment of dissertation: The deadline for submission is the end of August. Dissertations are reviewed and assessed by the research supervisor and one independent examiner assigned by the Programme Director. The final assessment is the average of the marks from the two assessors.
Research supervisors provide:
- advice on overall form of dissertation
- guidance on location, selection and interpretation of relevant source material
- guidance on appropriate methodologies and theoretical perspectives
- advice on structuring and presentational concerns pertinent to the particular dissertation.
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| Methods of Teaching/Learning |
As a general guide, students are expected to distribute their time as follows:
25% to prepare themselves for the research topic (literature review, familiarisation with the technologies / techniques required);
50% to elaborate the new concepts, apply and experiment with the new technology and validate their propositions;
25% to write-up.
Total student learning time 150 hours. |
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| Selected Texts/Journals |
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None
Required reading
None
Recommended background reading
Varies according to project; background and specific reading is likely to be extensive |
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| Last Updated |
02/10/2009 |
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