Faculty of Technology – Course work Specification 2016/17 Module name: Research Methods Module code: ENGT 5214 Title of the Assignment: Assignment A: This coursework item is: Formative This summative coursework will be marked anonymously No The learning outcomes that are assessed by this coursework are: 1. Critique a body of literature 2. Generate a clear research aim and set of objectives 3. Consider appropriate methods for the study This coursework constitutes 30% to the overall module mark. Date Set: 03/02/2017 Date & Time Due: 19/03/2017 Your marked coursework and feedback will be available to you on: If for any reason this is not forthcoming by the due date your module leader will let you know why and when it can be expected. The Head of Studies ([email protected]) should be informed of any issues relating to the return of marked coursework and feedback. 14/04/2017 When completed you are required to submit your coursework to: All completed coursework must be sent to the module leader electronically using the Blackboard VLE ‘send assignment’ facility. To access this, see the ‘send assignment’ button to the left of the screen when viewing this module. Work submitted by other means will not be accepted. Late submission of coursework policy: Late submissions will be processed in accordance with current University regulations which state: “the time period during which a student may submit a piece of work late without authorisation and have the work capped at 50% if passed is 14 calendar days. Work submitted unauthorised more than 14 calendar days after the original submission date will receive a mark of 0%. These regulations apply to a student’s first attempt at coursework. Work submitted late without authorisation which constitutes reassessment of a previously failed piece of coursework will always receive a mark of 0%.” Academic Offences and Bad Academic Practices: These include plagiarism, cheating, collusion, copying work and reuse of your own work, poor referencing or the passing off of somebody else's ideas as your own. If you are in any doubt about what constitutes an academic offence or bad academic practice you must check with your tutor. Further information and details of how DSU can support you, if needed, is available at: http://www.dmu.ac.uk/dmu-students/the-student-gateway/academic-support-office/academicoffences.aspx and http://www.dmu.ac.uk/dmu-students/the-student-gateway/academic-support-office/bad-academicpractice.aspx Assignment A Tasks to be undertaken: This assignment is intended to support your initial research design and thesis planning through the presentation of: • A clear provisional research aim and three objectives (approx 100 words) • Review four key papers relevant to your study (approx. 700 words) • Outline provisional method for how you intend to undertake your study (approx. 700words) This assignment should not be more than 1500 words excluding references Deliverables to be submitted for assessment: 1500 word report How the work will be marked: Assessment will be based on the extent to which the learning outcomes listed above have been met. Band Description 70% - 100% “Distinction Level” Excellent work which demonstrates that the student: • Possesses an authoritative grasp of the conceptual context within which the work was undertaken • Is able to display originality, insight and powers of in-depth critical analysis in the solution offered and/or is able to sustain an argument displaying originality, insight into current debates and conceptual positions, indepth critical analysis, and is capable of expressing this argument clearly, concisely and accurately • Possesses a high degree of relevant technical competence 60% - 69% “Merit Level” A clear grasp of an appropriate methodology suitably focused on the topic/problem. A good level of understanding, organisation and relevant technical ability. An ability to synthesise material and to construct responses which reveal good skills of critical analysis and insight. 55% – 59% “pass level” A coherent response to the task undertaken demonstrating a sound grasp of appropriate methodology. Work will be accurate and appropriately organised with clear evidence of skills of critical analysis. 50% – 54% “marginal pass level” The grasp of material and methodology is such as to enable a basic response to the task undertaken. Work will generally be accurate and appropriately organised with some evidence of critical analysis. 45% – 49% “marginal fail” The work demonstrates some understanding of the topic/problem but overall the achievement in terms of understanding, technical accuracy, organisation and critical analysis does not justify a pass mark. 40% - 44% “fail” Student’s performance is deficient in most respects, revealing inadequate grasp of the material, poor organisational and technicalability and poorly developed communication skills. No evidence of critical analysis. A clear fail. Module leaders/tutor names: Prof. Mark Lemon; Dr. Richard Cross Contact details: [email protected]; [email protected]