Unit information: Dissertation in 2020/21

Unit name	Dissertation
Unit code	EMATM0055
Credit points	60
Level of study	M/7
Teaching block(s)	Academic Year (weeks 1 - 52)
Unit director	Dr. Hauser
Open unit status	Not open
Pre-requisites	none
Co-requisites	none
School/department	School of Engineering Mathematics and Technology
Faculty	Faculty of Engineering

Description including Unit Aims

Students are expected to carry out an in-depth survey of relevant literature and to undertake some primary research to ensure that their investigation contributes to existing research in the field. The primary research may involve a wide range of activities such as: carrying out a quantitative survey, an evaluation case study or action research study, or developing an experimental piece of software or hardware. The written dissertation should make clear how the primary research was designed and conducted and discussion of the outcomes of primary research should be clearly related to existing literature. The body of the dissertation should be supplemented by a critical review of all aspects of the research process, including the design and production of the report itself.

Intended Learning Outcomes

Students will be expected to produce written work which is assessed in terms of its:

1. Appropriateness of research method(s) to the investigation;
2. Level of conceptual and/or technical difficulty;
3. Depth and breadth of secondary research;
4. Collection and use of primary evidence;
5. Coherence of argument, logic and quality of conclusions (specific and general)
6. Quality of writing and presentation;
7. Accuracy and completeness of citation and listing of references;
8. Critical appraisal of the research process

Teaching Information

Regular meetings with dissertation supervisors

Assessment Information

Dissertation (100%), 15,000 words maximum

Reading and References

To be suggested by the project supervisor as appropriate