CIE6002
(Validated in 2014-15)
Dissertation
- Credits
- 40
- Level
- HE6
- Type
- Dissertation
- Trimester 3?
- No
- ECTS
- 20
- Marking Scheme
- Numeric mark scheme (i.e. mark of 0-100)
- Pass Mark
- 40%
- Delivery Type
- This Module requires you to attend particular classes or events at particular times and in particular locations.
- Module Outline
- This module aims to provide you with an opportunity to undertake a programme of in-depth research and investigation on an agreed topic or problem area of relevance to the construction industry This module develops the student’s capacity for independent work and original critical / system thinking. Transferable skills are developed in research methods i.e. problem definition, literature/information retrieval, development of methodology, collection and analysis of data, interpretation and drawing of conclusions in the communication and presentation of a research document. There will be emphasis on pro-active and robust data collection tools, supported by a rigorous analytical approach. You are provided with a dissertation manual before commencement of the module.
Indicative Content
| 1 | Students investigate a problem in the construction industry using practical work, literature searches, theoretical investigation, questionnaires, interviews or other appropriate methods. |
| 2 | Students are required to agree an initial proposal with their supervisor before embarking upon the in-depth research. It is recommended that students meet on a regular basis with their supervisors to monitor progress to date. |
| 3 | At the end of the study, each student produces a bound document describing the work. Each student also undertakes a viva voce examination before a staff panel comprising of their dissertation supervisor and second marker. |
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this Module you will be expected to be able to:
| 1 | Have the knowledge and understanding of scientific principles and methodology necessary to underpin your education in your own construction discipline, to enable appreciation of its scientific and construction context, and to support your understanding of historical, current, and future developments and technologies |
| 2 | Have understanding of construction principles and the ability to apply them to key construction processes. Have understanding of contexts in which construction knowledge can be applied (e.g .operations and management, technology development) |
| 3 | Be able to investigate and define a problem and identify constraints including environmental and sustainability limitations, health and safety and risk assessment issues |
| 4 | Understand the need for a high level of professional and ethical conduct in construction associated with understanding the use of technical literature and other information sources showing awareness of the nature of intellectual property and contractual issues |
| 5 | Be able to identify, classify and describe the performance of systems and components through the use of analytical methods and modelling techniques |
| 6 | Be able to set, plan and achieve realistic objectives for the research document |
| 7 | Apply mathematical methods, tools and notations proficiently, where appropriate, to investigate a particular construction related problem |
| 8 | Be able to defend your work at the viva voce examination |
- Learning And Teaching Strategy
- This module contributes to the enhancement of the University’s teaching & learning strategy, placing you as students at the centre of learning activities and will use technology appropriately to support your learning and assessment. There will be an emphasis in assignment design to encourage “assessment for learning” and to promote formative assessment mechanisms and timely feedback. The assessment processes are integral to learning and staff will actively promote your engagement, progress and achievement, through a range of flexible learning approaches that give added value to the learning experience. The module encourages innovation in the use of technology to enhance learning and will use flexible modes of delivery to allow improved access to resources including the development of blended-learning activities. This module will equip you with the skills to be effective independent, employable, lifelong learners, in line with the identified Employability Skills whilst fully supporting the core Bolton Values.
Learning & Teaching Methods
| Method | KIS | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Scheduled | Scheduled | 90 |
| Independent | Independent | 310 |
| Total | 400 |
- Formative Assessment Strategy
- Students are encouraged to keep in regular contact with their supervisors and seek feedback in dissertation tutorial appointments, e-mail and other communication forms. Furthermore, students are also encouraged to ‘write their dissertation as they go’ and regularly submit their writing to supervisors for feedback.
- Summative Assessment Strategy
- The production of a dissertation report related to a suitable discipline related research subject chosen in conjunction with a supervising academic.
Summative Assessments
| Assessment | KIS | Description | Learning Outcomes | Marking Scheme | Passmark | KIS Weighting | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 001 | Dissertation | Coursework | A circa 10,000 word document | FINAL | 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 | Not applicable | - | 100% |
Learning Resources
| Ahmed, V., Popku, A. and Aziz, Z. (2016) ‘Research Methodology in the Built Environment: A selection of Case Studies’. Oxon. Routledge |
| Breach, M. (2009) Dissertation writing for engineers and scientists. Harlow: Pearson. |
| Farrell, P. with Sherratt, F. and Richardson, A. (2017) Writing a Built Environment Dissertations and Projects. Practical Guidance with Examples. Second edition. Chichester: Wiley-Blackwell |
| Fellows, R. and Liu, A. (2008) Research Methods for Construction. 3rd ed. London: Blackwell Science. |
| Holt, G. D. (1997) A guide to successful dissertation study for students of the built environment. Wolverhampton: The Built Environment Research Unit. |
| Laycock, E., Howarth, T. and Watson, P. (2016) The Journey to Dissertation Success. Routledge. Oxon |
| Murray, M. and Dainty, A. (2008) Corporate Social Responsibility in the Construction Industry. Oxon: Routledge. |
| Naoum, S. G. (2006) Dissertation Research and Writing for Construction Students. 2nd ed. Oxford: Butterworth-Heineman. |
| Website: https://rapid.lboro.ac.uk/ |
| Talis Aspire Reading lists |
- Feedback to Students
-
Formative and summative assessment feedback will be made available verbally and/or in written form. Feedback will be provided within the terms of the University’s guidelines which are provided in the Module Guides.