Module Information
Course Delivery
Assessment
| Assessment Type | Assessment length / details | Proportion |
|---|---|---|
| Semester Assessment | Short thesis (approx. 40,000 word) | 100% |
| Supplementary Assessment | Corrections to Thesis re-submission | 100% |
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this module students should be able to:
1. Carry out their research proposal competently and efficiently, undertake an in-depth literature review; and develop and test a hypothesis
2. Present results obtained and evaluate them using an appropriate statistical analysis, discuss in depth their chosen subject area
3. Work to a planned timetable
4. Produce a learned report of the investigation in the form of a thesis
Brief description
The main focus of the work should be the review and analysis of existing data from the student's workplace.
Aims
The short thesis (20,000 words) is intended to provide both meaningful research for the industry, and for DAg candidates, a solid foundation for the longer Part II thesis and this should be considered in terms of the ultimate aim of embedding research within the place of work and providing direct and effective knowledge exchange of benefit to the company.
Content
Literature Review (by 6 months)
Students, with the support and guidance of their supervisor(s), will provide a typed literature review (or similar piece of written work) of 10-15 pages (around 5000 words) to the Assessor. This review can form the basis of the introductory sections of the short thesis. It should and provide documentable evidence of students' writing ability. Feedback to the student will be given during an informal telephone interview with the Assessor or Supervisor.
Review and Analysis of Data (12 months)
Students will outline their methodologies and collate relevant data existing in their workplace and beyond. Data will be analysed and examined using appropriate statistical methods. Results should be discussed in the context of current literature and of practices within their business. Initial conclusions, gaps and fallibilities will be identified. (around 15,000 words)
Submit Short Thesis (24 months)
Module Skills
| Skills Type | Skills details |
|---|---|
| Application of Number | The thesis will require the interpretation of scientific publications and the manipulation and statistical analysis of raw data sets. Assessed in the thesis. |
| Communication | The literature review will provide documentable evidence of students' writing ability. Written skills will be assessed within the thesis. |
| Improving own Learning and Performance | Through developing skills in the reading and interpretation of scientific publications, preparation of written work and working to deadlines. Assessed in the thesis. |
| Information Technology | The thesis will require the use of internet based academic journal search engines and the retrieval of academic journal papers. Data must be analysed using appropriate statistical software. |
| Personal Development and Career planning | Student on this module will already be in employment. However the applied nature of the module should enhance career development. |
| Problem solving | The short thesis centers on addressing research problems arising from the workplace. Thus problem solving is an essential attribute. |
| Research skills | This module will build on skills developed in the Research Methodologies module. This will be assessed within the thesis. |
| Subject Specific Skills | Subject specific concepts relating to ruminant based production systems will be developed and assessed as part of the thesis. |
Notes
This module is at CQFW Level 7