Postgraduate Course: Palaeontology and Geobiology Dissertation (MRes) (PRGE11018)
Course Outline
| School | School of Geosciences |
College | College of Science and Engineering |
| Credit level (Normal year taken) | SCQF Level 11 (Postgraduate) |
| Course type | Dissertation |
Availability | Not available to visiting students |
| SCQF Credits | 120 |
ECTS Credits | 60 |
| Summary | Through close research supervision and training tailored to each student, the dissertation course aims to:
· expose students to a range of key debates concerning methodology and ideas
· provide students with tools for critical understanding
· offer training in appropriate research methods related to students¿ particular areas of research focus
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| Course description |
During the first semester, the research (dissertation) project will be developed and some preliminary work carried out. Most of the data collection, analysis and submission of the dissertation will take place between January and August.
A principal supervisor and a second supervisor are appointed to guide and monitor the work. Supervisors may be drawn both from within and without the University, allowing students to conduct research in a wide range of areas relevant to Palaeontology and Geobiology.
The dissertation constitutes the main work in which students demonstrate the extent to which they have achieved ability for independent study. The dissertation is a discrete piece of research. It is expected to include:
· An introduction setting the project in context
· Outline of hypotheses to be tested and research aims,
· A review of related literature
· A discussion of the research design, and methods of data collection and analysis,
· A report of findings/results
· Discussion and conclusions
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Entry Requirements (not applicable to Visiting Students)
| Pre-requisites |
|
Co-requisites | |
| Prohibited Combinations | |
Other requirements | None |
Course Delivery Information
|
| Academic year 2017/18, Not available to visiting students (SS1)
|
Quota: None |
| Course Start |
Full Year |
Timetable |
Timetable |
| Learning and Teaching activities (Further Info) |
Total Hours:
1200
(
Lecture Hours 5,
Seminar/Tutorial Hours 20,
Supervised Practical/Workshop/Studio Hours 5,
Feedback/Feedforward Hours 5,
Summative Assessment Hours 5,
Programme Level Learning and Teaching Hours 24,
Directed Learning and Independent Learning Hours
1136 )
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| Assessment (Further Info) |
Written Exam
0 %,
Coursework
100 %,
Practical Exam
0 %
|
| Additional Information (Assessment) |
Research diary (5%)
Poster presentation (5%)
Oral presentation (5%)
Popular science article (in Scientific American style) on the dissertation, which we will publish on our degree website/blog (5%)«br /»
Dissertation (80%)«br /»
|
| Feedback |
Oral and/or written feedback will be given on formative and assessment components of the course. |
| No Exam Information |
Learning Outcomes
On completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- understand key debates appropriate to students¿ particular research interests and focus
- understand how theoretical concepts ¿translate¿ into methodological and hypothesis-testing frameworks
- how to apply interdisciplinary perspectives to their research interests and design original and critically robust research projects
- respond critically to how particular methods are applied in practice
- communicate ideas clearly to a range of audiences
|
Additional Information
| Graduate Attributes and Skills |
Knowledge and understanding
Students will know key concepts and methodological approaches concerning their chosen research topic
Research and Enquiry
Students will be able to apply interdisciplinary perspectives to their research interests, and design and pursue original and critically robust research projects
Personal and Intellectual Autonomy
Students will be able to articulate their own approach to theories and methodologies, and understand and be able to put into practice the principles of research design
Communication
Students will be able to communicate ideas clearly to a range of audiences, and have well-developed presentational skills efficiently use library and IT resources
Personal Effectiveness
Students will able to have well-developed group working skills, and work both independently and in teams.
Technical/practical skills
Students will be able to synthesize diverse source materials to construct convincing interdisciplinary and other scientific arguments |
| Keywords | Palaeontology,Geobiology,Palaeobiology |
Contacts
| Course organiser | Dr Rachel Wood
Tel: (0131 6)50 6014
Email: Joshua.Stapp@ed.ac.uk |
Course secretary | Mrs Katy Cameron
Tel: (0131 6)50 5854
Email: |
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