ES4T001 - MSc Project 29 Sep 2020 - 31 Aug 2027 | Version 3

Associated Module Information

Module Code: ES4T001
Module Title: MSc Project
Faculty: Faculty of Computing, Engineering and Science
Faculty Group: Chemical and Environmental Sciences
Faculty Sub Group: Earth and Environmental Science
Module Leader: Amelia Grass
Module Team: Gareth Powell, Tracie McKinney, Anthony Caravaggi, Amelia Grass, Emma Higgins, Niamh Breslin, Rhian Newman, Natalie Lubbock, Tim Patterson
First Intended Intake: SEP 2015 Final Year of Intake: 2012
Date Closed:
Credit Value: 60 Credit Level: 7
Language: English
Percentage of Module Taught in Welsh: 0
Equivalent Module:
HECOS codes: 100469 - environmental management
HECOS Code Weighting: 100

Document Version Information

Version 3
Valid From 29 Sep 2020
Valid To 31 Aug 2027

Module Aims

The aims of this module are to enable students to:

1. Study in depth a relevant topic of their choice.
2. Assess and evaluate the value and relevance of primary and secondary data.
3. Integrate knowledge and skills developed in previous modules and apply them to novel and complex situations.
4. Present a Project report of a standard expected of an MSc. level student

Content Summary

The MSc. project involves the student in detailed research and technical report writing about a specific subject area. It aims to promote experience in information retrieval, develop skills in evaluating and interpreting data from dispersed sources, and develop a critical approach to data evaluation, and produce balanced conclusions. The results of the investigation are written up and presented as a technical report. Student-led learning and implementation is at the centre of this module. While guidance is available when requested, the students will be encouraged to explore their own interests in a manner appropriate for MSc. study.

Important aspects will include:
Selection of a suitable area for research: Verbal dialogue with lecturer and organisation concerned. Undertake background reading into chosen area. Undertake a feasibility study.

Production of an introduction: providing reasons for studying the subject area. General introduction to the subject area provides a background to the topic studied. The aims of the project are understood. Limitations are presented.
Undertake a literature review: Relevant information is selected and included in the review. Information sources’ covering the scope of the project is evaluated. Information is compiled, selected, interpreted and summarised in student’s own words.
Use of appropriate methodology/practical skills: Methodology is presented and suitable methods are chosen. Details of equipment/survey techniques are clearly outlined.

Presentation of results: Clearly presented and explained. Use of a variety of appropriate display techniques. Use of Information Technology. Statistical analysis of results

Discussion and conclusions: Major aspects of the project are discussed including limitations. Summary data is presented. Relevant conclusions are made. A comprehensive bibliography is presented.

Learning and Teaching Methods

Activity Type Hours
Directed Study 456
Project supervision 20
Practical classes and workshops 16
Fieldwork 96
Seminar 12
Total Hours Selected 600

Learning Outcomes

# Learning Outcome
LO1 Demonstrate advanced practical skills in areas such as fieldwork, laboratory procedures and data manipulation.
LO2 Present and defend the methods and findings of the work during critical questionning.
LO3 Conduct a critical in-depth analysis of a complex problem or situation, generating appropriate management-relevant conclusions and/or recommendations.

Module Requisites

N/A

Assessment Criteria

Assessment Category Assessment Type Description Duration Word Count Weight (%) Best of? Pass Mark
Asynchronous Assessment Report 1 Research Project Proposal 0 1500 10 No 40
Synchronous Onsite Oral Assessment Presentation (Synchronous Onsite) 1 Presentation on an element chosen from research project 15 N/A 10 No 40
Asynchronous Assessment Dissertation / Major Project 1 Research Project 0 10000 80 No 40

Assessment Matrix

Assessment Type Learning Outcomes
LO1 LO2 LO3
Report 1
Presentation (Synchronous Onsite) 1
Dissertation / Major Project 1

Reading List

Dytham, C. (2011) Choosing and Using Statistics: A Biologists Guide, 3rd Ed. Wiley-Blackwell.

Rudestam, K.E & Newton, R.R. Surviving your Dissertation, 3rd ed. SAGE. 2003.Van Emden & Easteal. Technical Writing & Speaking - An Introduction. Mcgraw- Hill. 1996.Murray, R. How to write a thesis. OUP. 2006.Maylor & Lock. Project management, 8th ed. Gower. 2003.Parsons & Knight. How to do your Dissertation in Geography and Related Disciplines. Chapman and Hall. 1995.