This module provides experience of planning, designing and executing a sustained piece of independent research. It involves: formulating a testable hypothesis; designing a programme of data collection to test it; critically evaluating and interpreting your own data in the light of current research; and summarising and reviewing in a clear and professional manner.
On successful completion of the module, students will be able to:
Students will work independently, although with guidance from allocated members of the Teaching Team plus other available Faculty Staff where necessary. Some research may involve liaison with outside agencies. The research will involve literature review, hypothesis forming and testing, data collection, critical analysis and interpretation of the data, and writing a final report.
Definitive UNISTATS Category | Indicative Description | Hours |
---|---|---|
Scheduled learning and teaching | Introductory Lecture, Supervisory meetings (Max. 10hrs) | 4 10 |
Guided independent study | 586 | |
Total (number of credits x 10) | 600 |
The assessment will be based solely on the submission of an original piece of research. This is divided into two elements, although a viva voce may also be required:
a. Final project report/dissertation consistent with your course aims in terms of its content and size (word count) (80%)
b. 15 minute Oral Presentation (20%)
Learning Outcome | Assessment Strategy |
---|---|
Plan, design and execute a sustained piece of independent research | Dissertation and Oral Seminar |
Formulate a testable hypothesis and design a programme of data collection aimed at testing it | Dissertation and Oral Seminar |
Demonstrate enhanced and improved data collection skills | Dissertation and Oral Seminar |
Critically evaluate and interpret their own data in the light of current research | Dissertation and Oral Seminar |
Summarise and critically review their own work in a clear and concise manner | Dissertation and Oral Seminar |
Engage in full professional and academic communication with their peers | Oral Seminar |
Description of Assessment | Definitive UNISTATS Categories | Percentage |
---|---|---|
Coursework-1 (Final Project Report, Dissertation) | To assess students' ability to design and undertake independent research; their competence in data evaluation, interpretation, and their ability to succinctly summarise their findings. | 80% |
Coursework-2 (Oral Seminar) | To assess students' skills in professional and academic (oral) communication | 20% |
Total (to equal 100%) | 100% |
It IS NOT a requirement that any major assessment category is passed separately in order to achieve an overall pass for the module
Students are expected to consult a range of books, journals and reports on the subject matter, though the emphasis should be on primary journal articles.