2024/25 Taught Postgraduate Module Catalogue

CIVE5000M MSc Dissertation

60 creditsClass Size: 250

Module manager: Ana Heitor
Email: A.Heitor@leeds.ac.uk

Taught: 1 Sep to 30 Sept (13mth) View Timetable

Year running 2024/25

Module replaces

CIVE5165M Geotechnical DissertationCIVE5335M Transport Infrastructure DissertationCIVE5340M Railway Engineering DissertationCIVE5591M EEPM DissertationCIVE5593M WASH DissertationCIVE5974M Structural Engineering Dissertation

This module is not approved as an Elective

Module summary

The dissertation module will last for the duration of your MSc programme. The submission date will vary according to whether your programme begins in September or January.

Objectives

This module is designed to develop the capabilities to:

- Define problems and research gaps of relevance to one aspect of the students MSc programme.

- Systematically collate and critically review the relevant literature with regard to scientific rigour and integrity;

- Design and manage a work programme to collect, analyse and synthesise data with appropriate regard for research ethics, IP, health and safety, and risk assessment;

- Present information in a logical and cohesive way with due regard to research integrity;

- Elicit the appropriate conclusions including critical self-reflection and lessons learnt;

- Communicate appropriately through well-structured and written reports.

Learning outcomes
On completion of the module, students will be able to:

1. Select and critically evaluate technical literature and other sources of information in order to complete an engineering task to solve complex problems (AHEP 4 Learning Outcome M4);

2. Apply a comprehensive knowledge of mathematics, statistics, natural science and/or engineering principles to the solution of a complex problem (AHEP 4 Learning Outcome M1);

3. Formulate and Analyse complex problems to reach substantiated conclusions explaining the reasons for, and advantages and disadvantages of different formal organisational structures (AHEP 4 Learning Outcome M2);

4. Demonstrated the ability to critically select and apply appropriate computational and/or analytical techniques to understand complex problems, understanding the limitations of the techniques employed (AHEP 4 Learning Outcome M3);

5. Apply knowledge of engineering management principles in the context of the research project management and legal matters including intellectual property rights (AHEP 4 Learning Outcome M15);

6. Communicate effectively on complex engineering matters with technical and non-technical audiences and evaluate the effectiveness of the methods used (AHEP 4 Learning Outcome M17);

This module contributes to the AHEP4 learning outcomes M1, M2, M3, M4, M15 and M17.

Skills outcomes
This module will be used for the summative assessment of English language competency.

Academic:

a). The ability to weigh up different arguments and perspectives, using supporting evidence to form opinions, arguments, theories and ideas;

b). The ability to deliver effective and engaging oral and visual presentations to a variety of audiences;

c). The ability to write in a clear, concise, focused and structured manner that is supported by relevant evidence;

d). The ability to use the oral, written, auditory, and visual language proficiency needed to be able to learn effectively and demonstrate understanding;

e). The ability to understand the moral principles that govern a persons behaviour or the conducting of an activity in any given context;

f). The ability to plan time, prioritise tasks and organise academic and personal commitments effectively;

g). The ability to interpret and present other people's ideas and synthesise these ideas to support opinion, argument and theories;

h). The ability to engage in good academic practice. This involves essential academic skills, such as source management and accurate referencing;

i). The ability to know when, why and how to acknowledge someone elses work or ideas.


Digital:

j). The ability to find, evaluate, organise and share information across a variety of formats and media, ensuring the reliability and integrity both of the sources that you use and of the ideas that they help you to generate.


Enterprise:

k). The ability to search for, evaluate and use appropriate and relevant information sources to help strengthen the quality of academic work and independent research.

Work Ready:

l). The ability to (both within verbal and written communication) be clear, concise and focused; being able to tailor your message for the audience and listening to the views of others;

m). The ability to prioritise, work efficiently and productively and to manage your time well in order to meet deadlines;

n). The ability to use technology appropriately and ethically to enhance efficiency, identifying appropriate technologies for tasks. Knowing how to access, learn and adapt to new technologies. Can range from basic IT skills (spreadsheets, presentations) to programming and coding ability;

o). The ability to take a logical approach to solving problems; resolving issues by tackling from different angles, using both analytical and creative skills. The ability to understand, interpret, analyse and manipulate numerical data;

p). The ability to manage self and be self-reliant. The ability to work independently, and on own initiative. Awareness of own strengths and development needs and the need for ongoing learning and proactive continuing professional development. Ability to set and achieve goals, and to seek/accept feedback. The ability to actively navigate career and networking opportunities;

q). The ability to gather information from a range of sources, analyse, and interpret data to aid understanding and anticipate problems. To use reasoning and judgement to identify needs, make decisions, solve problems, and respond with actions;

r). The ability to tolerate pressure: to stay calm and level-headed whilst working to demands and deadlines;

s). The ability to consider options, use and apply your judgement, to create possibilities and solutions. The ability to make decisions, potentially under pressure.

Syllabus

- Definition of research;
- Identification of information sources;
- Academic integrity and research ethics;
- Research design and risk assessment;
- Research methods;
- Measurement (if relevant);
- Data analysis;
- Synthesis and conclusions;
- Academic writing and referencing.

The module will include a number of lectures on ethical issues, information searching, IP matters related to the themes of this module and overall programme of study.

Teaching methods

Delivery type	Number	Length hours	Student hours
Consultation	20	1.00	20.00
Lecture	10	2.00	20.00
Private study hours			560.00
Total Contact hours			40.00
Total hours (100hr per 10 credits)			600.00

Opportunities for Formative Feedback

The students will receive feedback on their work at regular (e.g. fortnightly) consultation meetings.

Methods of assessment

Coursework

Assessment type	Notes	% of formal assessment
Essay or Dissertation	Final Dissertation	85.00
Report	Project Definition Report outlining a preliminary literature review, aims and objectives and proposed plans for the project.	10.00
In-course Assessment	Effort and Engagement (engagement with module activities as well as attendance to the taught component and supervisor progress meetings)	5.00
Total percentage (Assessment Coursework)		100.00

Resit will be by 100% resubmission of the dissertation.

Reading list

The reading list is available from the Library website

Last updated: 20/06/2024 14:03:38

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