MTMG99-Dissertation project

Module Provider: Meteorology
Number of credits: 60 [30 ECTS credits]
Level:7
Terms in which taught: Summer term module
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded:
Current from: 2019/0

Email: k.haines@reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:
A major piece of independent full time research with dissertation writing skills assessed.

Aims:
The aim of the dissertation is to enable the student to acquire the skills needed for scientific research in assembling a body of information and arriving at a critical appraisal of it and, if appropriate, carrying out original research and/or data analysis. A secondary aim is to help the student develop his/her own specific interests in the general field of meteorology and it may also be a preparation for research or other work in a particular field.

Assessable learning outcomes:

At the end of this module the student should have demonstrated ability in the following areas:

• Project planning

• Assembly of a body of information on a particular topic including recent/current research using library and internet searches

• Editorial skill in organising and synthesising relevant material

• Critically reviewing published work; highlighting strengths and weaknesses of research in the chosen area

• Design of experiments (where appropriate)

• Data analysis (where appropriate)

• Use of relevant software packages

• Clear and concise report writing and organisation of written material

Additional outcomes:

The dissertation will give the student practical training in time management and enhance the student’s ability to work and learn independently.

Outline content:

The content of the dissertation depends on the topic undertaken.

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:

Students are expected to work very much independently in this module. However each student is assigned a project supervisor and students are expected to arrange progress meetings with supervisors on a regular basis (typically once a week). The supervisor is expected to read and comment on one draft of the thesis before final submission provided it is handed in according to an agreed schedule. Each student will give a brief, unassessed oral presentation of their project progress normally soon after the end of the Summer Term, and will receive formative feedback.

Reading lists for meteorology modules are available here https://reading.rl.talis.com/departments/mps_met.html

Summative assessment- Examinations:

N/A.

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:

Formative assessment methods:
Oral presentation with formative feedback is provided part way through the dissertation.

Penalties for late submission:
Penalties for late submission on this module are in accordance with the University policy. Please refer to page 5 of the Postgraduate Guide to Assessment for further information: http://www.reading.ac.uk/internal/exams/student/exa-guidePG.aspx

Assessment requirements for a pass:

50%.

Reassessment arrangements:
Re-submission of dissertation up to a maximum of 12 months after the original submission deadline date.

Additional Costs (specified where applicable):

1) Required text books: 2) Specialist equipment or materials: 3) Specialist clothing, footwear or headgear: 4) Printing and binding: 5) Computers and devices with a particular specification: 6) Travel, accommodation and subsistence:

Last updated: 10 April 2019