Module Details

Module Code: DISS C4701
Module Title: Dissertation
Title: Dissertation
Module Level:: 8
Credits:: 10
Module Coordinator: Stephen Whelan
Module Author:: Stephen Whelan
Domains:  
Module Description: This is an inter-disciplinary module which aims to consolidate and integrate the students’ knowledge, skills and competences across the range of discipline areas covered as part of their degree. This subject will provide students with the opportunity to complete a major piece of research-based work. Students will produce a thesis of approximately 10,000 to 12,000 words in length which will be applied to a particular area of agriculture. The subject matter will reflect the specific areas of interest to the student. The research will have a practical element, and will reinforce educational, industrial and farm placement linkages.

The aims of the dissertation module are to equip students with the knowledge and skills to carry out an ethical piece of research and to extend their existing knowledge, expertise, and skills in their chosen topic. Students will also gain experience in managing their research project, often through collaboration with external bodies. Written and verbal communication skills will be enhanced in during the completion of the thesis. This will cumulate in the completion of a written thesis as well as an oral presentation to their peers.
 
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this module the learner will be able to:
# Learning Outcome Description
LO1 Plan, design and implement a project from the identification of the hypothesis, the methodology and the writing and communication of the results of the research.
LO2 Demonstrate the ability to search, select and critically assess literature and material relevant to a chosen area.
LO3 Demonstrate the ability to exercise judgement, independent thought, initiative, intellectual achievement, an understanding of the chosen subject matter and the principles being applied.
LO4 Demonstrate the ability to critically apply the tools of quantitative and qualitative research, theory and techniques analysis.
LO5 Show leadership in the completion of the thesis project including setting up meetings with the thesis supervisor and third parties involved in the project.
Dependencies
Module Recommendations

This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is recommended before enrolment in this module.
No recommendations listed
Co-requisite Modules
No Co-requisite modules listed
Additional Requisite Information
No Co Requisites listed
 
Indicative Content
Module Management
Each student will be assigned a supervisor based on the interest of the student and each supervisor will supervise not more than four students. Following consultation with their thesis supervisor, students should decide upon the topic and hypothesis of their thesis. This should be completed within the first four to five weeks of Semester 1 in Year 4. The supervisor will guide the student on a path of self-directed and self-motivated learning. The exact theme of dissertation will be a result of discussion and compromise between the student and the supervisor. The actual topic of research must be in line with the programme content. The student and supervisor will meet up at regular intervals during the academic year to discuss progress, deal with any issues or problems that may arise and ensure that work is progressing satisfactorily. A record will be kept of all meetings between the student and the supervisor. Each student will be provided with a Dissertation Project Guideline Information Pack at the commencement of the module which gives the specific details on the requirements for the dissertation. Each completed dissertation will be marked by two supervisors separately to ensure a consistent standard is maintained across all dissertations.
Research areas:
Students are free to choose a research topic of their choice in so long as it is in keeping with the ethos of the agricultural programme to which they are enrolled. Topics may include experimentation with animals. However, such experiments must be based on productive traits and not be subject to an animal experimentation licence. Equally, crop and research and consumer attitude type research should also fall within the normal ethical guidelines of IT Carlow. Having decided on the research area, students should consult with their supervisor as to what is possible and realistic to complete within the timeline of their academic calendar.
Dissertation
Research will be marked according to the points set out. The relevant weighting of each of the points shall be determined by the research supervisor. Research Element; Topic and thesis definition; Literature review; Structure and methodology; Breadth and depth of the research; Analysis of relevant material and issues; Conclusions and recommendations; Management of individual research and development work; Demonstration of independent thought and initiative; Demonstration of understanding of the chosen subject matter; Quality and style of written presentation; Quality and style of oral presentations; Student's personal learning and development;
Module Content & Assessment
Assessment Breakdown%
Continuous Assessment25.00%
Project75.00%

Assessments

Full Time

Continuous Assessment
Assessment Type Written Report % of Total Mark 15
Timing n/a Learning Outcomes 1,2,3
Non-marked No
Assessment Description
Students will complete a literature review of ca. 4000 to 5000 words that reflects the depth and breadth of knowledge pertaining to their area of research.
Assessment Type Presentation % of Total Mark 10
Timing Sem 2 End Learning Outcomes 1,2,3,4
Non-marked No
Assessment Description
Students are to complete a presentation of their research findings to the wider agricultural community. This will be in the form of an industry showcase.
Project
Assessment Type Project % of Total Mark 30
Timing End-of-Semester Learning Outcomes 1,3,4,5
Non-marked No
Assessment Description
Design and execution of the of the laboratory and field work associated with the thesis project
Assessment Type Project % of Total Mark 45
Timing End-of-Semester Learning Outcomes 1,2,3,4,5
Non-marked No
Assessment Description
Completion of the written thesis including an experimental chapter detailing the work completed. The thesis should demonstrate the depth and breadth of student knowledge in the specific area of their research.
No Practical
No End of Module Formal Examination
Reassessment Requirement
Exam Board
It is at the discretion of the Examination Board as to what the qualifying criteria are.
Reassessment Description
Re-assessment will be based on repeat coursework. This is at the discretion of the exam board contingent on the nature of the failed submission. The student the student may have to complete a number of components of the project or it may be requested to repeat and attend the module.

SETU Carlow Campus reserves the right to alter the nature and timings of assessment

 

Module Workload

Workload: Full Time
Workload Type Workload Category Contact Type Workload Description Frequency Average Weekly Learner Workload Hours
Contact Hours Contact Dissertation 12 Weeks per Stage 0.25 3
Independent Learning Non Contact Dissertation 12 Weeks per Stage 6.00 72
Total Weekly Contact Hours 0.25
 
Module Resources
Recommended Book Resources
  • IT Carlow – Wexford Campus : Interdisciplinary Project Guidelines.
  • Murray, R.. (2011), How to Write a Thesis, 3rd. Oxford University Press.
  • Bhullar, G.S., & Bhullar, N.K.. (2012), Agricultural Sustainability Progress and Prospects in Agricultural Research, Academic Press.
Supplementary Book Resources
  • Denscombe, M.. (2010), The Good Research Guide: for small-scale social research projects, 4th. Open University Press.
  • Ruxton, G.D. and Colegrave, N.. (2010), Experimental Design for the Life Sciences, 2nd. Open University Press, Oxford.
  • Anderson, J and Poole, M.. (2001), Assignment and Thesis Writing, Wiley, Australia.
  • Bell J.. (2005), Doing your research project: a guide for first-time researchers in education, health and social sciences, 4th. Open University Press.
  • Randy, J. and Glatthorn, A.. (2005), Writing the winning thesis or dissertation : a step-by-step guide, 2nd. Corwin Press., Thousand Oaks, California.
  • Polonsky, D. and Polonsky, M.. (2005), Designing and managing a research project: a business student's guide, Sage Publications, Inc., Thousand Oaks, California.
  • Muijs D.. Doing quantitative research in education with SPSS, 2004. Sage Publications, Thousand Oaks, California.
  • Collis J.. (2003), Business research: a practical guide for undergraduate and postgraduate students, 2nd. Palgrave Macmillan.
  • White, B.. (2003), Dissertation Skills for Business and Management Students, Continuum.
This module does not have any article/paper resources
This module does not have any other resources
Discussion Note: