Environmental Science Dissertation module (EV41004)

In this module, you will choose your own research topic. You will be helped in doing so by your staff supervisor. They will aid you in designing a project and carrying out independent research on that topic. This will culminate in you submitting a 10,000-word dissertation.

This will be the culmination of your undergraduate journey. It will enable you to put into practice what you have been learning the previous three years.

You will have dedicated supervision time with a member of staff throughout the year. You will also have additional lectures and workshops on methods and writing. Most of your time will be spent in independent study.

What you will learn

In this module you will:

• undertake a significant independent piece of research work
• build and show knowledge and research skills in a particular sub-area of Environmental Science
• show ability to collaborate with a member of staff and others in ‘the field’

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

• show knowledge that covers and integrates principal areas, features, boundaries, terminology, and conventions of one or more particular fields of Environmental Science
• show knowledge and understanding of the ways in which knowledge in the field is developed. This will include a range of established techniques of enquiry or research methodologies
• offer insights and interpretations to those problems and issues befitting a specialist in Environmental Science
• show some originality and creativity in dealing with those problems and issues
• plan, design, and implement an independent research project
• conduct a 10-minute presentation on your project and write a 10,000-word final report

Assignments / assessment

• poster presentation (20%)
  • This will outline research design during early stages of research
• dissertation thesis (80%)

This module does not have a final exam.

Teaching methods / timetable

• Seven workshops/lectures
  • These will start at the end of level 3 and continue throughout level 4 (13 hours in total across whole module)
• individual support from your supervisor - 8 hours in total across whole module