BENV5005 DissertationJava

Java Python MSc Architecture and Sustainability programme

Dissertation

Module Title: Dissertation

Short Module Title: Dissertation

Module Code: BENV5005 Credit Value: 60.00 Credit Level: Academic Level 7

Module description:

The modules' successful completion will demonstrate the development of an independent learning ability essential at the master’s level.  Throughout their MSc programme, students have been exposed to a range of transferable skills that are essential for employment and for continuing professional development after master's study.

The module is an opportunity for students to demonstrate clearly that they have exercised initiative, personal responsibility, and complex decision-making and have acted autonomously in planning and implementing tasks at a professional level. Students will be supported to demonstrate a systematic and comprehensive understanding of the techniques applicable to their selected research topic.

Learning outcomes:

1. Evaluate critically current research in an Architecture and Sustainability topic area (Research Project);

2. Demonstrate a systematic understanding of knowledge and a critical awareness of advanced scholarship in a selected research area, sustaining an argument, and synthesising material effectively (Research Project);

3. Demonstrate effective evaluation of methodologies and address possible ethical implications (Research Project);

4. Show self-direction and originality in tackling and solving problems (Research Project);

5. Act autonomously in managing a large and complex research project to a final resolution stage (Research Project).

Assessment

Type of assessment	Duration/ volume in hours/words	Assessment weighting %	Final assessment (X = yes)	Minimum threshold mark % (if not standard)	Essential component (X = yes)	Anonymously marked = AM or exemption code*
Research Project	12,000	100%	X			OPT01

*OPT01: Individually distinct work; OPT02: Reflection on development of own work; OPT03: Presentation; OPT04: Individually negotiated work; OPT05: Work placement/experience/assessment

Assessment Notes:

The submission of a dissertation (LOs 1–5) takes the form. of a word-processed document that rigorously tests a research question that is raised by a critical review of literature. The dissertation's target length is 12,000 words, based on primary source material and substantial independent advanced scholarship.

Reassessment:

Students failing the module are allowed to resubmit the research project, subje BENV5005 DissertationJava ct to the assessment board’s decision and university regulations.

Expected methods of delivery

This module runs over Blocks 5 and 6, and represents the resolution stage of ADH PGT academic studies.

Formative assessments are delivered through a programme of 1:1 tutorials on a planned schedule, discussing the direction of the study and formulating the outline of the research project, the literature review, methodological approaches, and deliverables. The objective of these tutorials is to enable students to define and formulate research problems, select appropriate methods for specific research questions, and appreciate the strengths and weaknesses of alternative research methods and their complementarities. These formative assessments will help understand the basics of how to conduct a research design, including time management, collection and collation of data, presentation, and dissemination of results. These formative assessments and feedback on students’ work will be carried out throughout Blocks 5 and 6 to provide motivation to students and therefore encourage learning. These will be recorded by the student.

Each student must prepare for a viva session to discuss and defend their work.

Texts

Several books offer sound advice, including:

· Bell, J. (2010) Doing Your Research Project: A Guide for First-time

· Researchers in Education and Social Science (electronic book). Maidenhead.  Mc Graw Hill.

· Booth, W. C., Colomb, G. G., Williams, J. M. (2003). The Craft of Research.  Second Edition. Chicago: University of Chicago Press.

· Bryman, A (2004) Social Research Methods (2nd ed). Oxford. Oxford University Press.

· Clough, P & Nutbrown, C. (2002) A Student’s Guide to Methodology. London. Sage Publications.

· Collins, H. (2010) Creative Research: The Theory and Practice of Research for the Creative Industries. Lausanne. AVA Academic (electronic book)

· Crème P and Lea MR, Writing at university: a guide for students, Buckingham: Open University Press, 1997

· Creswell, J. W. & Piano Clark, V. (2011) Designing and Conducting Mixed Methods Research (2nd ed). London. Sage Publications.

· GASH, S. (1999) Effective Literature Searching for Research, 2nd ed. Aldershot, Gower

· Groat, Linda N. and Wang, David C. 2013. Architectural Research Methods. New York (electronic book)

· LUCK, M. (1999) Your Student Research Project, Aldershot, Gower

· NAOUM, Shamil (1998), Dissertation research and writing for construction students, Butterworth Heinemann.

· Pears, R, Shields, GJ (2016) Cite them right: the essential of refencing guide. Tenth edition. London: Palgrave

· SHARPE, J.A.; HOWARD, K. (1996) The Management of the Student Research Project, 2nd ed. Aldershot, Gower

3 Choice and approval of the subject for investigation

The staff associated with the module will provide individual guidance and counselling to each student, but the choice of subject rests firmly with you. Additionally, the module permits a large element of individual choice as to the form. which the submitted project may take.

4 Initial Proposals

You will be required to present your initial dissertation proposals Week 39, giving you the opportunity to share ideas, while stimulating discussion and encouraging clarification of what may still be quite nebulous propositions.

7 Summary of Timetable

Week 38 Introduction

Week 39 Initial proposals

Week 39-48 One to one tutorials

Week 40 Submit ethics application via Worktribe if ‘yes’ is the outcome of the screening questions

Week 49 Viva

Week 50 Final submission

Writing a Research Topic Question

Research is about asking and answering a question. Your statement should give a reason for the research and indicate the aims and objective(s) of study. What is the research question or in other words, what will the research explain, critique, and interpret? It is important that the scope of the research is appropriate to the word limit set