INMR63-MRes Dissertation (Informatics)

Module Provider: Business Informatics, Systems and Accounting
Number of credits: 100 [50 ECTS credits]
Level:7
Terms in which taught: Spring / Summer term module
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites: INMR62 Research Methods
Modules excluded:
Current from: 2018/9

Email: k.nakata@henley.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:

A dissertation is considered to be the primary instrument in developing research capability of students and providing research training on the MRes programme. A dissertation project is an independent piece of research work in the MRes programme informatics, and considered to be the most important element in the programme as it demonstrates the student’s knowledge and skills in terms of the subject area and academic research. It is normally conducted by an individual student guided by an academic supervisor in the chosen specialised domain. It gives students the opportunity to undertake a substantial research project which draws the prior knowledge and skills acquired from the past experience and from taught modules of the MRes programme. It enables students to practise writing a scientific report, allows students to develop problem-solving skills, and enables students to manage research activities and critically assess the outcomes from the project.

Aims:

The aim of the module is to enable the student to conduct research and apply the knowledge into practice through an independent project. The student should show a detailed understanding of a particular subject field. This will involve a survey of recent developments in the field, a critical analysis of these developments and a prognosis of future developments.

Assessable learning outcomes:

At the end of the module the student will be able to:

• Develop an understanding of the research topic subject matter


• Develop and acquire new skills in conducting research


• Plan and manage a systematic approach to a research project


• Carry out a literature review


• Critically approach a research problem


• Develop a solution to a given research problem


• Evaluate the solution and provide a critical appraisal


• Derive logical conclusions


• Produce a dissertation


• Present the work in form of oral presentation

Additional outcomes:

Outline content:

The dissertation project normally commences with the Research Methods module during which a research proposal is developed. The topic is normally proposed by the student and developed in consultation with the appointed supervisor.

The research work must be conducted in an ethical and professional manner. The text of the dissertation would not normally exceed 18,000 words but it may be supported by ancillary material.

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:

The dissertation project is normally conducted by an individual student guided by a supervisor. The student is expected to have regular meetings with the supervisor and contact with other members of staff, where appropriate, with expertise in the chosen research field. There is an opportunity to receive feedback on progress based on the interim report normally submitted around three months before the dissertation deadline. There is an opportunity to give an oral presentation at an interim stage to seek for feedback from staff and peers.

Summative assessment- Examinations:
None

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:

Assessment will consist of an Interim Report (10%) due on week 1 in summer term, Dissertation (80%) due on week 49, and Presentation (10%) due on week 7 summer term. The presentation assesses the student’s presentation skills.

Formative assessment methods:

Students receive feedback from their project supervisors during supervision meetings. Students will also receive formal feedback through Interim Report submitted around three months before the dissertation deadline

Penalties for late submission:
Penalties for late submission on this module are in accordance with the University policy. Please refer to page 5 of the Postgraduate Guide to Assessment for further information: http://www.reading.ac.uk/internal/exams/student/exa-guidePG.aspx

Assessment requirements for a pass:

Students will be required to obtain a mark of 50% overall through weighted average of the three components.

Reassessment arrangements:
By resubmission of Dissertation in accordance with University policy.

Additional Costs (specified where applicable):

1) Required text books: 2) Specialist equipment or materials: 3) Specialist clothing, footwear or headgear: 4) Printing and binding: For binding dissertations: 5p per page for Black & White / 30p per page for colour 5) Computers and devices with a particular specification: 6) Travel, accommodation and subsistence:

Last updated: 20 April 2018