CAHID MSc Research Project Dissertation module (CA53006)

In this module, you will plan and conduct an independent research project.

You will work with a supervisor to investigate a research topic of interest to you. You will write a thesis and present your findings. Many students find this module the most enjoyable part of their MSc as they decide what area to study.

You can focus your project on topics related to your current or future career pathway. This module offers you the opportunity to carry out a project independently. Your project could consist of a literature review, practical or grant proposal. Throughout you will receive the guidance and advice of one of our members of staff as a supervisor.

You will further develop your critical analytical skills. You will produce a piece of work that shows your understanding of the state-of-art of your chosen topic. This module will help you to also further develop other skills, such as your writing, independent research skills and statistics knowledge.

You will be encouraged to explore different topics. CAHID staff have significant experience in many areas related to forensic human identification. These include:

• juvenile osteology
• age assessment
• assessment of sexual dimorphism and population affinity
• skeletal pathology and trauma
• virtual anthropology
• bone histomorphometry

What you will learn

In this module, you will:

• learn how to search for relevant literature
• learn to write a thesis
• gain in-depth knowledge about your topic area
• practise time and project management

By the end of this module, you will be able to:

• plan and conduct a small research project
• identify good quality sources of information
• gather and analyse data from literature
• communicate your findings to other people

Assignments / assessment

• Dissertation (word count varies according to type of dissertation) (90%)
• Statistics quizzes (10%)

This module does not have a final exam.

Teaching methods / timetable

This module runs in semester 3. It will provide you with the opportunity to work independently on a substantial piece of work. In this work, you will critically analyse and evaluate a chosen topic. The work will include:

• meetings with your project supervisor
• feedback from your project supervisor
• independent study and research

There will be teaching associated with the statistics knowledge. This will take the form of regular tutorials through the second semester.