CE3CCD-Dissertation

Module Provider: School of Construction Management and Engineering, School of Built Environment
Number of credits: 40 [20 ECTS credits]
Level:6
Terms in which taught: Autumn / Spring term module
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded:
Current from: 2022/3

Module Convenor: Dr Michael Peters
Email: m.d.peters@reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:

To conduct all parts of a research project and to deliver a dissertation that includes aims and objectives, argument, literature review, data collection, data analysis, conclusions and recommendations. The dissertation provides students with an opportunity to conduct an intensive investigation into one research topic and to present their findings in a formal manner in accordance with academic conventions and the requirements of the subject. In addition, this module enables students to develop advanced skills in written communication through the production of a written dissertation.

Aims:
To produce a dissertation thesis including all parts of a research project.

Assessable learning outcomes:

• To define achievable and relevant aims and objectives.


• To conduct individual research on a clear theme and making best use of the available evidence to develop and test an argument.


• To conduct a literature review, taking maximum advantage of the literature through a structured literature searches, to review literatures critically and refine the research questions and to record and acknowledge sources in a consistent and correct format.


• To collect (secondary or primary) data relevant to the research question (or central study aims), whether through library research, observation and photographs, lab work, interviews or surveys.


• To take appropriate steps to ensure data collection is ethical and appropriately recorded and acknowledge sources.


• To use appropriate data analysis techniques, whether statistical, quantitative or qualitative.


• To display data and results in tables, figures, drawings and graphs with accompanying explanatory text.


• To develop conclusions and recommendations that follow from the work and provide a useful starting point for future work.


• To present the study well, using language that is well considered, grammatically correct, fluent or succinct; with the work structured, with headings, sub-headings and paragraphs and a clear summary.

Additional outcomes:

• To develop skills in self-organized study, creative and analytical thinking and communication; 


• To conduct in-depth study of one topic to beyond degree level;


• To develop connections to the research base within the School and elsewhere; and


• To understand the value of research to industry and, in some cases, to policy makers and other relevant stakeholders.

Outline content:

• The course is supportive of student-led hands on learning through research. The main point of contact, guidance and support throughout is the dissertation supervisor. There are a small number of taught elements that cover research skills; advanced library skills and guidance/trouble-shooting on the dissertation process.


• Dissertation surgery (which is available throughout the Autumn term and during the Spring term up to the submission deadline). Students can book a 15 minute appointment with the convenor to discuss any aspect of their progress and future direction.

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:

Dissertation work is student-led and the student’s individual study is central to the learning and teaching on this module. Hence the main teaching and learning methods include:

• Hands-on learning through individual study.


• Supervision by dissertation supervisor either individually or in a small group to check progress on and guide individual study. Generic help for hands-on learning is also made available through the course, with:
  < ul>
  
• Handbook to guide students and their supervisors in preparation of the dissertation: this includes details of supervisor research interests, templates for data collection and details of dissertation binding etc.


• A revision lecture at the start of the Autumn term – to include a reminder of research skills, project-managing a research project, structuring a dissertation and highlighting the importance of time management and planning. An emphasi s on the importance of making progress steadily throughout the Autumn and Spring terms;


• A Q&A panel session seminar during the Autumn term where students can consult a panel of experienced colleagues on key aspects of dissertation techniques and approaches;


• A writing up seminar in the Spring term focusing in particular on approaches to structuring the Results, Discussion and Conclusion chapters; 


• One small group advanced library skills seminar. Led by a member of the library, this covers advanced literature search techniques (optional, max 20 students per seminar - students use sign-up sheet to join);


• As noted earlier there is a ‘rolling’ dissertation surgery where students can book a 15 minute appointment with the module convenor at any point during the Autumn and Spring term to discuss particular aspects of their own dissertation. Blackboard notes on research skills and dissertation preparat ion are available to students. Further library and statistical support is also available to individual students as required.

Contact hours:

	Autumn	Spring	Summer
Lectures	1
Seminars	1	1
Project Supervision	4	4
Guided independent study:	209	180
Total hours by term	215	185	0
Total hours for module	400

Summative Assessment Methods:

Method	Percentage
Dissertation	100

Summative assessment- Examinations:

N/A

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:

One dissertation of 10,000 - 15,000 words, to be submitted. Thesis will be marked by two independent markers and then moderated.

Formative assessment methods:

Penalties for late submission:

The Support Centres will apply the following penalties for work submitted late:

• where the piece of work is submitted after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): 10% of the total marks available for that piece of work will be deducted from the mark for each working day (or part thereof) following the deadline up to a total of five working days;
• where the piece of work is submitted more than five working days after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): a mark of zero will be recorded.

The University policy statement on penalties for late submission can be found at: https://www.reading.ac.uk/cqsd/-/media/project/functions/cqsd/documents/cqsd-old-site-documents/penaltiesforlatesubmission.pdf
You are strongly advised to ensure that coursework is submitted by the relevant deadline. You should note that it is advisable to submit work in an unfinished state rather than to fail to submit any work.

Assessment requirements for a pass:
A mark of 40%

Reassessment arrangements:
Re-submission of dissertation

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: 22 September 2022