Study information

Research Project and Dissertation - 2021 entry

MODULE TITLEResearch Project and Dissertation CREDIT VALUE60
MODULE CODECSMM047 MODULE CONVENERUnknown
DURATION: TERM 1 2 3
DURATION: WEEKS 13-15
Number of Students Taking Module (anticipated) 40
DESCRIPTION - summary of the module content

This module gives you the chance to showcase the skills you have developed in previous modules by carrying out an independent research project.

You will collect, analyse (using previously acquired data and/or data collected as part of the project), interpret and discuss geological, exploration, mining or related environmental data, and come up with conclusions and recommendations.

The project must be of research value within an industrial or academic setting. The dissertation must also show an in-depth understanding of the background to the research topic.

AIMS - intentions of the module
The project will require you to put in at least 10 weeks of individual work, followed by a writing up period to make a minimum of 60 days work in total.
 
We will provide you with a handbook on planning and executing the research project and writing the dissertation. You must prepare a dissertation for submission by the end of August. You should aim to report in no more than 80 pages (for core text/diagrams from Introduction to Conclusions, i.e. excluding contents page, references etc.) and 20 pages additional appendices.
INTENDED LEARNING OUTCOMES (ILOs) (see assessment section below for how ILOs will be assessed)

On successful completion of this module you should be able to:

Module Specific Skills and Knowledge

1 use a range of academic and practical skills to investigate and report on a problem, issue or range of problems related to exploration, mining geology, geotechnical, process mineralogy or mining environmental industries;
2 show experience of working in a commercial and/or research environment;
3 appraise and assess geoscientific data in the context of the exploration and mining sectors;
4 demonstrate an in-depth knowledge of the capabilities of specialist sampling methods, analytical equipment and/or computer modelling software.

Discipline Specific Skills and Knowledge

5 evaluate and apply knowledge to specific investigation or design tasks;
6 draw appropriate interpretations and make recommendations based on critical evaluation of available data;
7 undertake synthesis of information and create responses in terms of advanced knowledge.

Personal and Key Transferable / Employment Skills and Knowledge

8 exhibit personal data-handling skills through critically evaluation of a research or practical exploration/mining problem and produce, to a strict deadline, detailed recommendations/reasoned arguments for an appropriate solution;
9 utilise a full range of computer-based learning resources as an autonomous learner.

 

SYLLABUS PLAN - summary of the structure and academic content of the module

Variable. Agreed following discussion between student, academic supervisor, and external industry or other personnel.

Preparation of 100 page dissertation for submission by end-August

LEARNING AND TEACHING
LEARNING ACTIVITIES AND TEACHING METHODS (given in hours of study time)
Scheduled Learning & Teaching Activities Guided Independent Study 600 Placement / Study Abroad
DETAILS OF LEARNING ACTIVITIES AND TEACHING METHODS

Working in a research or commercial environment. Utilisation and development of knowledge gained from taught modules. Where appropriate, use of specialist equipment and/or computer software. Variable supervisor contact but typically 1hr/week.

ASSESSMENT
FORMATIVE ASSESSMENT - for feedback and development purposes; does not count towards module grade
SUMMATIVE ASSESSMENT (% of credit)
Coursework 100 Written Exams 0 Practical Exams
DETAILS OF SUMMATIVE ASSESSMENT
Form of Assessment % of Credit Size of Assessment (e.g. duration/length) ILOs Assessed Feedback Method
Dissertation 100 80 page (core text) 1-9 Comments on relevant assessment forms
Submission of bound report + electronic copy and supporting files        
         
         
         

 

DETAILS OF RE-ASSESSMENT (where required by referral or deferral)
Original Form of Assessment Form of Re-assessment ILOs Re-assessed Time Scale for Re-assessment
Summative assessment Additional summative assessment. Weighting as above Recommended at the exam board
       
       

 

RE-ASSESSMENT NOTES

As above. Coursework 100%. Student may be required to re-submit a revised dissertation, or the Exam Board may recommend a new project is undertaken.

RESOURCES
INDICATIVE LEARNING RESOURCES - The following list is offered as an indication of the type & level of
information that you are expected to consult. Further guidance will be provided by the Module Convener
Basic reading:
 
 
Web based and Electronic Resources: Other Resources:
Reading list for this module:
The module/ dissertation guidebook can be found on the ELE website.
 

Reading list for this module:

There are currently no reading list entries found for this module.

CREDIT VALUE 60 ECTS VALUE 30
PRE-REQUISITE MODULES None
CO-REQUISITE MODULES None
NQF LEVEL (FHEQ) 7 AVAILABLE AS DISTANCE LEARNING No
ORIGIN DATE Tuesday 10th July 2018 LAST REVISION DATE Friday 2nd October 2020
KEY WORDS SEARCH Research, project

Please note that all modules are subject to change, please get in touch if you have any questions about this module.