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2019/20 Undergraduate Module Catalogue

LUBS3303 Economics Dissertation

40 creditsClass Size: 250

Module manager: Andrew Mearman
Email: a.j.mearman@leeds.ac.uk

Taught: Semesters 1 & 2 (Sep to Jun) View Timetable

Year running 2019/20

Pre-requisites

LUBS2140Intermediate Microeconomics
LUBS2610Intermediate Macroeconomics

This module is mutually exclusive with

LUBS3302Economics Joint Honours Final Year Project

Module replaces

LUBS3300 Economics Dissertation

This module is not approved as a discovery module

Module summary

This module is an independent study in Economics on a topic of the student's choice. Lectures and computer lab support will be provided, and each student will have a supervisor to offer guidance, but essentially the module helps develop students' self-management and self-direction. The module is assessed via a 8,000 word paper on the chosen research topic plus a presentation.

Objectives

This module aims to provide students with the skills and knowledge to conduct a substantial research project in economic theory, applied economics, business economics or financial economics according to their programme of study, independently of detailed guidance from staff.

Learning outcomes
Upon completion of this module students will be able to:
- Critically assess the current state of knowledge relevant to their research question
- Interpret quantitative or qualitative data and draw inferences and conclusions relevant to a research objective

Skills outcomes
Upon completion of this module students will be able to:
Transferable
- Apply research skills, critical analysis and communication skills in the context of independent working
- Communicate research context, methodology and outcomes in both written and oral forms
- Collect and analyse quantitative or qualitative information

Subject Specific
- Formulate an economics research question and select an appropriate method or methods to address the question based on theoretical analysis and available data.


Syllabus

Indicative content:
The module is the last of the programme's strand of modules concerned with research skills' development. Students will be expected to:
- define a research question
- abstract and simplify their question in order to identify and model the core of their topic
- select an appropriate methodology for the analysis of their question
- collate, structure and analyse qualitative and/or quantitative information sources, both secondary and (where relevant) primary
- establish and critically assess the current state of knowledge
- use appropriate techniques to analyse data
- think critically about their own research and to place it in context
- draw policy inferences (where relevant)
- use skills in time management
- communicate their research effectively both orally and in writing
- develop qualities of independence and initiative

Teaching methods

Delivery typeNumberLength hoursStudent hours
Supervision Meetings40.753.00
Lecture131.0013.00
Practical41.004.00
Private study hours380.00
Total Contact hours20.00
Total hours (100hr per 10 credits)400.00

Private study

Students will choose their own research topic and execute a project on that. Their main tasks are:
- Review relevant literature
- Design an appropriate research methodology and execute it
- Write the document into a coherent single paper.

Independent study will shift in emphasis from reviewing literature, to collecting data, conducting analysis and then writing up.

Opportunities for Formative Feedback

Students will be guided initially by the module leader in choosing a topic. They will then receive supervision from a staff member allocated to them, compromising 4 x 45 minute meetings. Supervisors are permitted to read and feedback on one draft chapter.

Methods of assessment


Coursework
Assessment typeNotes% of formal assessment
Essay or Dissertation8,000 words75.00
Oral Presentation10 minutes, recorded25.00
Total percentage (Assessment Coursework)100.00

The resit for this module will be 100% by coursework - resubmission of improved 8,000 word dissertation.

Reading list

There is no reading list for this module

Last updated: 02/05/2019

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