Economics Dissertation
| Module title | Economics Dissertation |
|---|---|
| Module code | BEE3068 |
| Academic year | 2024/5 |
| Credits | 30 |
| Module staff | Professor Steve McCorriston (Lecturer) |
| Duration: Term | 1 | 2 | 3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Duration: Weeks | 11 | 0 | 0 |
| Number students taking module (anticipated) | 50 |
|---|
Module description
Summary:
Those with at least 60 credits of BEExxx modules by the end of their second year can undertake their own in-depth research study into a subject of interest related to economics. You will benefit from having the opportunity to plan and manage your individual piece of research on a topic of their choice, which may not have been covered in depth during regular modules, or pursue in some depth a topic in which they have a specific interest. This Dissertation module is supported with research methods classes.
Information:
You are expected to be pro-active and seek and apply advice from the module leads and their supervisors.
Employability:
This module offers the potential of enhanced employability through demonstrating a deep understanding the process of economics research, the statistical analysis of data to address economic questions, the application of academic literature to real-world issues and the potential to develop expertise in a particular area of economics. Furthermore, the module offers you the opportunity to develop a sample of your own research and writing which you can showcase to potential employers.
Module aims - intentions of the module
The aim of writing a dissertation is to give you the opportunity to research a topic related to your programme of study, which is not covered in depth by any taught module being offered that year. It is also designed to give you the opportunity to plan and manage your own research and to produce an extended written dissertation.
Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)
ILO: Module-specific skills
On successfully completing the module you will be able to...
- 1. Plan and execute an original research project
- 2. Research extensively and critically on a chosen academic topic and demonstrate application of the underlying economics concepts and/or research processes
ILO: Discipline-specific skills
On successfully completing the module you will be able to...
- 3. Use appropriate information, research and data resources and apply broader discipline knowledge to the specific research project
- 4. Present and assess findings in a manner consistent with the norms of the discipline of economics
ILO: Personal and key skills
On successfully completing the module you will be able to...
- 5. Work independently, and seek and apply advice from the supervisor
- 6. Take responsibility for the direction and management of a research project through to completion and submission
- 7. Present research in a clear and academic format
Syllabus plan
This is an independent research module. However, it does include a series of lectures covering research methods that will facilitate students in undertaking a traditional research dissertation or literature review dissertation.
Taught sessions will cover:
- How to identify and scope-out a topic; research questions, approaches, and methods
- Research fields in economics
- Academic writing in economics: structure, tone, and logic
- Accessing and integrating previous relevant academic literature
- Finding and using data
- Developing a statistical/econometric approach; producing, reporting, and interpreting results
- Avoiding common mistakes, misunderstandings and pitfalls
- Helpful software and tools for research and writing
Learning activities and teaching methods (given in hours of study time)
| Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities | Guided independent study | Placement / study abroad |
|---|---|---|
| 10 | 290 | 0 |
Details of learning activities and teaching methods
| Category | Hours of study time | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Scheduled Learning & Teaching activities | 5 | Supervision with support from your nominated supervisor. |
| Scheduled learning & teaching activities | 5 | Lectures |
| Guided independent study | 150 | Reading and research |
| Guided independent study | 140 | Writing up a dissertation |
Formative assessment
| Form of assessment | Size of the assessment (eg length / duration) | ILOs assessed | Feedback method |
|---|---|---|---|
| Draft chapters | As appropriate to the project and position in the research and writing process | 1-7 | Verbal and/or written feedback |
| Project Proposal | Up to 2 A4 pages | 1-7 | Verbal and/or written feedback |
Summative assessment (% of credit)
| Coursework | Written exams | Practical exams |
|---|---|---|
| 100 | 0 | 0 |
Details of summative assessment
| Form of assessment | % of credit | Size of the assessment (eg length / duration) | ILOs assessed | Feedback method |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dissertation | 100 | Maximum of 10,000 words excluding any tables, charts and appendices, and equations | 1-7 | Verbal and/or written feedback |
Details of re-assessment (where required by referral or deferral)
| Original form of assessment | Form of re-assessment | ILOs re-assessed | Timescale for re-assessment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dissertation | Revision of the dissertation based on the given feedback | 1-7 | Referral/Deferral Period |
Re-assessment notes
Deferral – if you have been deferred for any assessment you will be expected to submit the relevant assessment. The mark given for a re-assessment taken as a result of deferral will not be capped and will be treated as it would be if it were your first attempt at the assessment.
Referral – if you have failed the module overall (i.e. a final overall module mark of less than 40%) you will be expected to submit the relevant assessment. The mark given for a re-assessment taken as a result of referral will be capped at 40%.
Indicative learning resources - Basic reading
Suggested readings:
“A Guide to Writing in Economics” Prepared by Paul Dudenhefer, Writing Tutor, EcoTeach Center and Department of Economics, Duke University, http://lupus.econ.duke.edu/ecoteach/undergrad/manual.pdf
Indicative learning resources - Web based and electronic resources
Web based and electronic resources:
- ELE based discussion forums
- Various journal articles will be suggested
| Credit value | 30 |
|---|---|
| Module ECTS | 15 |
| Module pre-requisites | BEE1038 or BEE2041 or BEE2032 (or one of the co-requisites: BEE3066 or BEE3071). |
| Module co-requisites | BEE3066 or BEE3071 (or one of the pre-requisites: BEE1038 or BEE2041 or BEE2032). Not to be taken with BUS3001. |
| NQF level (module) | 6 |
| Available as distance learning? | No |
| Origin date | 18/07/2019 |
| Last revision date | 01/02/2024 |
