MTHM050 | 2025/6 | University of Exeter

MODULE TITLE	Research Project in Statistics	CREDIT VALUE	60
MODULE CODE	MTHM050	MODULE CONVENER	Dr Claire Foullon (Coordinator)

DURATION: TERM	1	2	3
DURATION: WEEKS	0	11	11

Number of Students Taking Module (anticipated)	5

DESCRIPTION - summary of the module content

In this module, you will work on a research problem in Statistics. You will apply your understanding of the underlying theory and application of Statistics. The project will require understanding of the setting, a critical review of possible approaches, choice of appropriate methodology, data analysis and a clear and concise write up of the background, data, methodology, results and conclusions. This is an independent project, supervised by an expert from the relevant area, and culminates in writing a dissertation, describing your research and its results. Research topics can be selected from across the breadth of the application of Statistics.

AIMS - intentions of the module

This module aims to give you in-depth experience of developing and applying Statistical methodology, preparing you for work in a commercial setting or further post-graduate work. The module aims to build on the knowledge and skills you have acquired in the taught modules of the programme to allow you to investigate an area of particular interest to you. It aims to give you experience of many aspects of research work, including problem formulation, literature review, planning, tool development, experimentation, analysis, interpretation and presentation of results.

INTENDED LEARNING OUTCOMES (ILOs) (see assessment section below for how ILOs will be assessed)

On successful completion of this module you should be able to:

Module Specific Skills and Knowledge

1. Review and appraise recent research in a topic relevant to Statistics;

Discipline Specific Skills and Knowledge

2. Apply appropriate statistical methods and/or development techniques to analyse challenges in the context of other fields to the application in question;

Personal and Key Transferable / Employment Skills and Knowledge

3. Write a concise, clear and accurate technical report;
4. Work independently and to a deadline on an extended statistical investigation;

5. Give a cogent oral presentation on your work to a non-specialist audience;

SYLLABUS PLAN - summary of the structure and academic content of the module

Term 1: You will choose your project from a list of staff-proposed topics, ranking five preferences by the end of Week 11. A Project Forum in Week 6 will help you explore options and discuss with supervisors. Allocations will be confirmed by the end of term, based on preferences, motivation, and prerequisites.

Term 2, Term 3 and Summer: You will research and write your project, supported by regular meetings with your supervisor and entries in a student-supervisor logbook. A seminar series will develop your research and presentation skills. You will submit a 1-page project skeleton at the start of Term 3 and receive formative feedback from your supervisor and an independent marker. You will give a public oral presentation in June following the exam period, and submit your final dissertation by the due date (around 1st September) in accordance with University submission requirements.

LEARNING AND TEACHING

LEARNING ACTIVITIES AND TEACHING METHODS (given in hours of study time)

Scheduled Learning & Teaching Activities	22	Guided Independent Study	578	Placement / Study Abroad	0

DETAILS OF LEARNING ACTIVITIES AND TEACHING METHODS

Category	Hours of study time	Description
Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities	22	Individual supervision
Guided Independent Study	578	Private study and assessment preparation

ASSESSMENT

FORMATIVE ASSESSMENT - for feedback and development purposes; does not count towards module grade

Form of Assessment	Size of Assessment (e.g. duration/length)	ILOs Assessed	Feedback Method
Project skeleton	1 page	1-4	Written
Student-supervisor logbooks	2 x approximately 2,500 words	1, 3-4	Written

SUMMATIVE ASSESSMENT (% of credit)

Coursework	100	Written Exams	0	Practical Exams

DETAILS OF SUMMATIVE ASSESSMENT

Form of Assessment	% of Credit	Size of Assessment (e.g. duration/length)	ILOs Assessed	Feedback Method
Good research practice	10	Portfolio, approximately 5,000 words	1, 3-4	Written
Presentation	10	10 minutes + questions	1-3, 5	Written
Written dissertation	80	No to exceed 50 pages of A4 including tables / diagrams / appendices / bibliography	1-4	Written

DETAILS OF RE-ASSESSMENT (where required by referral or deferral)

Original Form of Assessment	Form of Re-assessment	ILOs Re-assessed	Time Scale for Re-assessment
Good research practice, written dissertation and presentation	Coursework (100%)	1-4	Referral/Deferral Period

RE-ASSESSMENT NOTES

Deferrals: Reassessment will be by coursework and take the form of a resubmission of the Written dissertation (8/9) and Good research practice (1/9) in the deferred element only. For deferred candidates, the mark will be uncapped.

Referrals: Reassessment will be by resubmission of the Written dissertation worth 100% of the module only. For referred candidates, the mark will be capped at 50%.

RESOURCES

INDICATIVE LEARNING RESOURCES - The following list is offered as an indication of the type & level of
information that you are expected to consult. Further guidance will be provided by the Module Convener

Research papers and relevant sections of textbooks as appropriate to the topic of the individual project. Suitable references will be suggested by the programme coordinator in advance of the projects commencing.

Bowden, J. Writing a report: how to prepare, write and present really effective reports Library online 8th ed. Oxford: How To Books 2008 1848032889, 9781848032880

Katz, M.J. From research to manuscript: a guide to scientific writing Library online Springer 2009 1402094671, 9781402094675

McMillan, K. and Weyers, J.D.B. How to write dissertations & project reports Library online 2nd ed. Harlow: Pearson 2011 9780273743842, 9780273743835

McMillan, K. and Weyers, J.D.B. How to write essays & assignments. Library online 2nd ed. Harlow: Pearson 2011 0273743813, 9780273743811

Web based and Electronic Resources:

ELE.

Reading list for this module:

There are currently no reading list entries found for this module.

CREDIT VALUE	60	ECTS VALUE	30

PRE-REQUISITE MODULES	None
CO-REQUISITE MODULES	None

NQF LEVEL (FHEQ)	7	AVAILABLE AS DISTANCE LEARNING	No
ORIGIN DATE	Tuesday 12th March 2024	LAST REVISION DATE	Tuesday 23rd September 2025

KEY WORDS SEARCH	Research Project, Statistics

Research Project in Statistics - 2025 entry