NES3200 : Earth and Environmental Science Dissertation
- Offered for Year: 2024/25
- Module Leader(s): Dr Mark Ireland
- Owning School: Natural and Environmental Sciences
- Teaching Location: Newcastle City Campus
Semesters
Your programme is made up of credits, the total differs on programme to programme.
| Semester 1 Credit Value: | 10 |
| Semester 2 Credit Value: | 20 |
| ECTS Credits: | 15.0 |
| European Credit Transfer System | |
Aims
- To give students the opportunity to carry out a substantial, individual piece of work which addresses
current and future issues in earth science.
- To obtain a deeper understanding of an earth science topic than made possible by following a taught
programme of study.
- To develop independent study skills and prepare an extended individual piece of work.
Outline Of Syllabus
The project might involve the student working within one of the School's established research groups, or
elsewhere in collaboration with another industrial or academic partner. The student will be supervised, throughout their project, by an experienced scientist or engineer.
The supervisor will provide advice on the approaches and methods that are best suited to the research problem. The student will give an early stage presentation in the first Semester outlining their detailed research
plan, followed by their dissertation write up towards the end of the second Semester.
Teaching Methods
Teaching Activities
| Category | Activity | Number | Length | Student Hours | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Guided Independent Study | Assessment preparation and completion | 1 | 80:00 | 80:00 | Preparation of dissertation |
| Guided Independent Study | Assessment preparation and completion | 1 | 20:00 | 20:00 | Preparation of early stage project presentation, to gain feedback at an early stage of the project |
| Structured Guided Learning | Lecture materials | 1 | 1:00 | 1:00 | Online via Canvas - Module introduction and recap |
| Guided Independent Study | Assessment preparation and completion | 1 | 180:00 | 180:00 | Independent research leading to dissertation |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Workshops | 4 | 1:00 | 4:00 | Workshops to aid the development of skills in designing a project, and completing dissertation |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Dissertation/project related supervision | 15 | 1:00 | 15:00 | Project supervision meetings - in person |
| Total | 300:00 |
Teaching Rationale And Relationship
Students will investigate a specific issue in environmental science or earth science and through laboratory,
field and/or desk based analysis produce a dissertation that allows them to pursue their own ideas and to
gain a deeper understanding of the subject.
Assessment Methods
The format of resits will be determined by the Board of Examiners
Exams
| Description | Length | Semester | When Set | Percentage | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oral Examination | 15 | 1 | M | 10 | Early stage project oral presentation |
Other Assessment
| Description | Semester | When Set | Percentage | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dissertation | 2 | M | 90 | Dissertation (journal paper format, suggested 6000 words, plus additional supplementary material) |
Assessment Rationale And Relationship
The specialist and generic skills, and the knowledge and understanding practiced and developed during this module are assessed primarily through examination of a written final journal-style paper, with additional supplementary material for their supporting data and information.
The use of a journal style format develops the student’s ability to concisely present their key findings. Complementary skills in project planning and self-assessment, and in communication skills, are practiced and assessed through the first semester oral presentation that also gives further peer and academic feedback at a critical stage within the overall project.
Reading Lists
Timetable
- Timetable Website: www.ncl.ac.uk/timetable/
- NES3200's Timetable