Overview

The students' initial choice of dissertation topic will be organised prior to the start of the module and the topics covered will be very wide ranging across the whole spectrum of Ocean Sciences. There are lectures introducing the module, and elucidating processes such as the formulation of aims and objectives, literature searching, data searching, data presentation, and structuring a dissertation. Practical sessions on literature searching, referencing and statistical analysis are also provided. With this support provided in the early stages of the module, students will otherwise work independently but with the support of a supervisor who will generally be cognisant of, and may often be an expert in, the area of the students' dissertation topic. There will be five formal tutorials during the module. Each student will give a short oral presentation to an audience containing both fellow students and staff in a Conference-style format, and will be required to be part of that audience for other students. A final substantial dissertation will be submitted electronically through TURNITIN (plagiarism software).

Assessment Strategy

-threshold - (D- grade) A basic review of the scientific literature pertinent to the topic of research, some evidence of data collation and analysis or problem solving, basic review and appraisal of data presented (a) as a rudimentary but competent written dissertation and (b) as an adequate oral presentation

-good - (B grade) - A good review of the scientific literature pertinent to the topic of research, clear evidence of data collation and analysis or problem solving, critical review and appraisal of data presented (a) as a detailed, tabulated and/or illustrated dissertation showing clear understanding of the topic and the research questions posed and (b) as a strong, confident oral presentation.

-excellent - (A grade) - A thorough review of the scientific literature pertinent to the topic of research, extensive data collation and analysis or problem solving, excellent and critical review and appraisal of data presented (a) as a highly creative, insightful, carefully argued, tabulated and/or illustrated dissertation and (b) as a riveting, entertaining, tightly argued oral presentation.

Learning Outcomes

• Competently present a written Dissertation using tabulation, illustration and correct referencing methodology.

• Competently present their findings in an oral presentation using Powerpoint

• Critically read, assimilate, review and analyse selected published information on a specific chosen topic of research.

• Describe and provide advanced interpretive analysis of a data set

• Display evidence of original analytical thinking or problem solving

• Search for, find and bring together published information and data relevant to a specific chosen topic of research.