2011/2 Provisional Module Catalogue - UNDER CONSTRUCTION & SUBJECT TO CHANGE
Module Code: ENGM165
Module Title: DISSERTATION (CES)
Module Provider: Civil, Chemical & Enviromental Eng
Short Name: ENGM165
Level: M
Module Co-ordinator: CHENOWETH JL Dr (C, C & E Eng)
Number of credits: 60
Number of ECTS credits: 30
Module Availability
Spring Semester
Assessment Pattern
Written dissertation (expected to be 15,000 - 20,000 words in length) to be assessed jointly by the supervisor and one other internal examiner.
Module Overview
Prerequisites/Co-requisites
None
Module Aims
To build on the knowledge and skills acquired during the taught modules. To apply knowledge and theory to a particular scoped project. To undertake an individual programme of work of relevance and usefulness which contributes to the environmental management field.
The MSc project module aims to give students an understanding of the research process and methods available, the requirements of planning and the interpretation and presentation of data in a relevant context. The Course team will suggest topics in their areas of expertise. Once a student agrees a topic area he/she will be assigned a supervisor with sufficient experience and academic background to provide the necessary guidance.
Examples of possible topics:
• To what extent do stakeholders influence the environment agenda of X sector?
• How can “design for the environment” be accepted as “business as usual”?
• Why traditional epistemological questions impede the coherent development of environmental disciplinarity.
• To what extent could voluntary commitments achieve real environmental improvements without enforcing legislation for company X?
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of the module, students will be able to:
• Set research objectives and scope
• Develop a project/dissertation proposal
• Carry out a thorough literature search
• Plan and organise a research programme
• Identify a relevant area with the appropriate analytical tools and evaluation
• Collect, analyse and interpret data in the context of the literature search
• Evaluate findings and make recommendations
• Understand the constraints in research: e.g. availability of information, financial
• Present and communicate the results of the project through a written report and presentation
Module Content
Methods of Teaching/Learning
Selected Texts/Journals
Evans, D, (1995) How to Write a Better Thesis or Report, Melbourne University Press ISBN 0-5522-846653
Booth WC, Colomb, G.G. Williams J.M. (1995) The Craft of Research University of Chicago Press ISBN 0-226 06584-7
