GV3GED-Geography & Environmental Science Dissertation

Module Provider: Geography and Environmental Science
Number of credits: 40 [20 ECTS credits]
Level:6
Terms in which taught: Semester 1 / 2
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded:
Current from: 2023/4

Module Convenor: Dr Mike Simmonds
Email: m.j.simmonds@reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:

All students taking Geography and Environmental Science as their main degree subject are required to produce a dissertation as part of their degree. The dissertation is an original piece of research carried out by the students independently, with the support of an allocated staff adviser known as a ‘Supervisor’, and contributing to knowledge in a particular field of study. Students have a choice of dissertation topic within the range of expertise available in the Department of Geography and Environmental Science.

Aims:

The dissertation module aims to give students the experience of carrying out an original research project where they can put into practice the skills of information/data collection, analysis, and presentation gained during their degree programme. It also provides an opportunity to demonstrate that they can select a methodology appropriate to their investigation and outline and discuss its philosophical basis, including attention to research ethics as appropriate.

Assessable learning outcomes:

On completion of this module it is expected that a student will be able to:

Independently design, plan and carry out a research project;

Locate and critically evaluate literature relevant to their chosen empirical research project;

Collect, analyse and draw conclusions from empirical evidence, using appropriate research and data analysis methodologies;

Assess the limitations of the research undertaken and implications for the findings;

Produce a well-presented, clearly argued written report of their research and conclusions in the light of research aim and objectives/ research questions.

Additional outcomes:

The module also aims to develop students' project management skills and oral communication through seminars and meetings, singly and in groups, with members of academic staff. Depending on the chosen topics and methodologies, students will gain additional practice in (among other things) using equipment, carrying out field or laboratory experiments, interviewing or qualitative field techniques, skills in statistical analysis and computer modelling.

Outline content:

Students choose dissertation topic from a list of topics provided by dissertation tutors or propose their own topics providing that these are within the research expertise of the pool of  dissertation tutors. Students refine their topics in consultation with a dissertation tutor. Students meet with their dissertation tutors in groups and as individuals in Year 3. Dissertation tutors advise on academic literature, data sources, research methods and ethics. Data collection typically centres on the collection of original primary data, but detailed analysis of secondary sources may be approved by advisers. Reading requirements depend on the dissertation topics, however, the students should aim to include about not less than 30 peer reviewed research papers or monographs into the literature review. The Internet is an important source of data including statistical data and the latest governmental, inter-governmental, NGO and business reports. The students meet individually with their dissertation tutors in year 3 at regular intervals to review progress and discuss the organisation of the dissertation. Students are expected to spend a minimum of 100 hours on data collection and analysis, and the data presented in the dissertation should be commensurate with at least this level of effort. The maximum word limit is 10,000 words, including references, excluding any appendices.

Global context:

Students may address international topics if it is agreed with their adviser that they are able to organise opportunities for data collection or access to appropriate data sets for detailed analysis. 

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:

A series of briefing and guidance classes are provided for students by the module convener and other staff offering specialist support. These start with briefing sessions on topic selection and outlining the dissertation process and developing a proposal with relevant supporting documents such as research ethics review and laboratory training. Students  attend meetings individually or as part of a group with their dissertation tutor, to discuss and evaluate initial ideas and to refine to pic, aim and objectives. Thereafter, students meet on an individual basis with their dissertation tutors at mutually convenient times, with students recording key discussion and action points from meetings in their Supervision Log. The frequency and duration of the meetings vary according to the research needs and are student-led. Additional guidance lectures and support sessions focusing on frequently used data analysis techniques and frequently asked questions are provided, drawing on staff ex pertise. The exact topics and number of lectures depend on the needs of the students.

Summative assessment- Examinations:

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:

1. Academic poster summarising project aim, objectives, key relevant literature and chosen research methods, supported by references (10%)

2. Each dissertation is marked by two assessors (one of whom is a dissertation supervisor) and third assessor's opinion can be requested if there is a considerable discrepancy between the marks issued by the two designated assessors (90%)

Formative assessment methods:

Formative feedback on research proposal and draft literature review chapter.

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:
40%

Reassessment arrangements:
Resubmission of coursework.

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: There are not normally additional costs associated with dissertations. However, if the student needs to undertake fieldwork in a distant location they may have to contribute to travel and other costs. Grants towards costs may be available from the University Study and Travel Fund.

Last updated: 3 September 2024