Module Title:Dissertation
Language of Instruction:English
Credits: 10
NFQ Level:8
Module Delivered In No Programmes
Teaching & Learning Strategies: Lectures Private Research & Study
Module Aim: The aims of the dissertation are to provide students with the opportunity: (1) to apply the knowledge and skills learned on the course to the solution of a quantity surveying, construction or facilities management problem (2) to extend their existing knowledge, expertise and skills in their chosen topic (3) to gain experience at managing a dissertation; (4) to make contact with external bodies; (5) to develop written and verbal communication skills; (6) to demonstrate their ability to carry out an independent piece of research and development work.
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this module the learner should be able to:
LO1 to manage a substantial piece of individual research and development work
LO2 to pursue an area of academic discipline of the course to a substantial depth
LO3 to search, select and critically assess literature and material relevant to a chosen area;
LO4 to apply some of the theory and techniques developed during the course to the chosen area;
LO5 to communicate effectively in writing a programme of work and, orally defend the dissertation in a logical, precise and coherent manner;
LO6 to demonstrate ability to exercise judgment, independent thought, initiative, intellectual achievement, understanding of the chosen subject matter, and the principles being applied to develop and demonstrate the ability to manage and present the dissertation in a precise and coherent manner.
Pre-requisite learning
Module Recommendations

This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is recommended before enrolment in this module.

No recommendations listed
Incompatible Modules
These are modules which have learning outcomes that are too similar to the learning outcomes of this module.
No incompatible modules listed
Co-requisite Modules
No Co-requisite modules listed
Requirements
This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is mandatory before enrolment in this module is allowed.
No requirements listed
 

Module Content & Assessment

Indicative Content
Overview
The dissertation provides students with the opportunity to carry out individual research, into a chosen aspect of study arising from the course programme. The Dissertation is a major aspect of the honours degree as it challenges students to fully demonstrate an individual understanding both of the depth and breadth of the subject areas. The dissertation will take the form of a substantial study in a subject area related to quantity surveying, construction or energy and facilities management, largely through the exercise of independent inquiry. In consultation with course lecturers, students will decide, on a title for their dissertation within the first two weeks of the academic year. Each student will be assigned a supervisor. 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 course content and problems related to the work experience of students will be considered. Students will be required to attend a seminar on research methodologies (e.g. to include themes, framework, structure, questionnaire design, referencing etc.) Supervisors may recommend students to attend research seminars organized by other departments within the Institute when such seminars are relevant and useful to the dissertation project. The supervisor will assign a coursework mark to the student related to the attendance of the research seminars, Whatever form it takes, a dissertation will normally include all of the following elements: • A literature review; • Use of internal and external resources; • Research element; • Theoretical analysis; • Validation of new and emerging techniques researched • Interpretation of results. The balance of elements in a dissertation will depend on the exact form of the dissertation. While it is expected that each dissertation will contain a literature review, a dissertation that is based entirely on a literature review will not be acceptable. Equally an analytical dissertation must contain elements of validation and interpretation.
Supervision of Dissertation Work
One lecturer will coordinate overall dissertation work and will distribute an agreed Dissertation Briefing Document to each student. Other lecturers will supervise individual dissertations. The dissertation briefing document will include details of the following: • Overall Schedule • Student log book and time recording • Detailed plan and time schedule • The role of the supervisor • The format of oral presentations • The format of the final written submission • Declaration of originality in accordance with Institute guidelines • Referencing system
General Requirements
It is expected that the dissertation will be completed in 24 out of the 30 weeks in the academic year. This will allow time for the students to prepare for their final examinations. The report will contain a minimum of 8,000 words and a maximum of 12,500 words. The dissertation briefing document will expand upon issues around word count. Students will also be required to submit their logbook along with updated progress reports on the work during the course of the dissertation. Students will be advised about the College regulations on plagiarism and about the seriousness of breaching these regulations.
Assessment of Dissertation
Dissertations will be marked according to the overall scheme set out below. The weighting of the marks will be decided by the Course Board on an annual basis. • 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
Dissertation Library
Students will be expected to present one copy of their bound dissertation to the Institute library, which will then form a basis of reference for future students. Dissertation submissions to the library will be subject to the approval of the Course Board. Special requirements: Total student participation of 10 hours per week is expected for this subject.
Assessment Breakdown%
Project100.00%
No Continuous Assessment
Project
Assessment Type Assessment Description Outcome addressed % of total Assessment Date
Project No Description 1,2,3,4,5,6 100.00 Sem 1 End
No Practical
No End of Module Formal Examination

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

 

Module Workload

Workload: Full Time
Workload Type Frequency Average Weekly Learner Workload
Tutorial 30 Weeks per Stage 0.00
Estimated Learner Hours 30 Weeks per Stage 8.67
Total Hours 260.00