CEM10B-Research dissertation

Module Provider: School of Construction Management and Engineering, School of Built Environment
Number of credits: 40 [20 ECTS credits]
Level:7
Terms in which taught: Spring / Summer term module
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites: CEM10A Research skills
Modules excluded: CEM18B Engineering Research and Dissertation CEM19B Energy Research Dissertation
Current from: 2022/3

Module Convenor: Prof Libby Schweber
Email: l.schweber@reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:

Students are provided with academic supervision to support their dissertation research and writing on a topic of their choice.

Aims:

The aim is equip students with the necessary understanding, knowledge and skills to produce a dissertation including all parts of a research project.

Assessable learning outcomes:

By the end of the module, it is expected that the student will be able to demonstrate ability in the following areas:

• Conduct and communicate research in construction at a postgraduate taught level.


• Select and use appropriate research methods and methodologies, including how to formulate research problems and an appreciation of alternative approaches to research.


• Apply recognised research strategies and techniques, and to produce a sustained and logical argument on a specific research topic.


• Develop clear and concise dissertation writing and organisation of written material.

Additional outcomes:

On completion of this module students will have had the opportunity to develop:

• Transferable skills in interpersonal communication, written communication, critical thinking, problem solving and time management.


• Competence in written and verbal communication through the preparation of the dissertation.


• Practical training in time management and independent learning.

Outline content:

Dissertation work is student-led and the student’s individual study is central to the learning andÌýteaching on this module. Students are expected to work independently for the vast majority of the learning hours of the dissertation project. Students are also expected to actively maintain contact with their supervisor.

SBE MSc Dissertation Handbook is provided to guide students and their supervisors in preparation of the dissertation, including all of the relevant templates.

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:

Supervised dissertation work.

Contact hours:

Ìý	Autumn	Spring	Summer
Project Supervision		5	5
Guided independent study:		195	195
Ìý	Ìý	Ìý	Ìý
Total hours by term		200	200
Ìý	Ìý	Ìý	Ìý
Total hours for module	400

Summative Assessment Methods:

Method	Percentage
Dissertation	100

Summative assessment- Examinations:

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:

One dissertation - approximately 12,000-15,000 words (The dissertation should be prepared in accordance with the current School "MSc Dissertation Handbook".); submission date: TTWk 50

Formative assessment methods:

One draft literature review and research design chapter, submission date: TTWk 41.

Penalties for late submission:

The below information applies to students on taught programmes except those on Postgraduate Flexible programmes. Penalties for late submission, and the associated procedures, which apply to Postgraduate Flexible programmes are specified in the policy £Penalties for late submission for Postgraduate Flexible programmes£, which can be found here: /cqsd/-/media/project/functions/cqsd/documents/cqsd-old-site-documents/penaltiesforlatesubmissionpgflexible.pdf
The Support Centres will apply the following penalties for work submitted late:

• where the piece of work is submitted after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): 10% of the total marks available for that piece of work will be deducted from the mark for each working day (or part thereof) following the deadline up to a total of five working days;
• where the piece of work is submitted more than five working days after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): a mark of zero will be recorded.

The University policy statement on penalties for late submission can be found at: /cqsd/-/media/project/functions/cqsd/documents/cqsd-old-site-documents/penaltiesforlatesubmission.pdf
You are strongly advised to ensure that coursework is submitted by the relevant deadline. You should note that it is advisable to submit work in an unfinished state rather than to fail to submit any work.

Assessment requirements for a pass:

A mark of 50% overall

Reassessment arrangements:

To be reassessed by re-submission of dissertation. Students are required to contact the School to confirm reassessment arrangements.

Additional Costs (specified where applicable):

1) Required text books:Ìý None

2) Specialist equipment or materials:Ìý None

3) Specialist clothing, footwear or headgear:Ìý None

4) Printing and binding:Ìý None

5) Computers and devices with a particular specification:Ìý None

6) Travel, accommodation and subsistence:Ìý None

Last updated: 22 September 2022