Archaeological Science Dissertation
| Module title | Archaeological Science Dissertation |
|---|---|
| Module code | ARC3010 |
| Academic year | 2024/5 |
| Credits | 45 |
| Module staff | Dr Alex Pryor (Convenor) |
| Duration: Term | 1 | 2 | 3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Duration: Weeks | 10 | 10 |
| Number students taking module (anticipated) | 10 |
|---|
Module description
The Archaeological Science Dissertation provides the opportunity for you to undertake a substantive piece of independent archaeological research using scientific methods. With the assistance of a supervisor, you will conceive a research question and design an appropriate method of investigation. You will start preparing for the dissertation during the second term of year 2, and will continue working over the summer and into year 3. This module is open to students studying on the BSc Archaeological Science program only.
Module aims - intentions of the module
This module aims to provide an opportunity to undertake a substantive piece of independent research using the methods and techniques learned over the course of your studies. It is expected that in most cases, you will make use of the archaeology laboratories and specialist analytical equipment available in the department.
Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)
ILO: Module-specific skills
On successfully completing the module you will be able to...
- 1. Critically analyse and deploy primary scientific archaeological data and acquire a detailed knowledge of the subject area under investigation
- 2. Give informed interpretations of original data that acknowledge uncertainties
- 3. Prepare and deploy appropriate illustrative material
- 4. Demonstrate knowledge of the chronological and methodological frameworks of the research area and use related conventions in their correct contexts
ILO: Discipline-specific skills
On successfully completing the module you will be able to...
- 5. Undertake a sustained enquiry
- 6. Deploy bibliographic skills
- 7. Evaluate conflicting opinions
ILO: Personal and key skills
On successfully completing the module you will be able to...
- 8. Devise, implement and keep to a work schedule
- 9. Produce a substantial written report, engaging in critical discussions of complex issues regarding interpretation of data
- 10. Write clearly and concisely in good English
Syllabus plan
Whilst the content may vary from year to year, it is envisioned that it will cover some or all of the following topics:
- Introduction to dissertations (early in semester 2 of stage 2) : dissertation Handbook issued.
- Consultation with potential supervisor to define topic (during semester 2 of stage 2).
- Semester 1 in Stage 3: meeting with supervisor to discuss progress made during vacation.
- Semester 1 and 2: complete data collection with guidance from supervisor as necessary.
- Further meetings with supervisor in Semester 2 and 3
- Dissertations are regarded as examinable components and as such, feedback will not be available until after the exam board has met.
Learning activities and teaching methods (given in hours of study time)
| Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities | Guided independent study | Placement / study abroad |
|---|---|---|
| 11 | 289 | 0 |
Details of learning activities and teaching methods
| Category | Hours of study time | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Scheduled Learning and Teaching | 1 | Introductory Lecture |
| Scheduled Learning and Teaching | 2 | Meetings with dissertation supervisor |
| Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities | 8 | Research skills sessions (delivering training in specific skills such as statistical analysis, making maps, making good figures, and similar). |
| Guided Independent Study | 289 | Background research, data collection and data collection by independent study |
Formative assessment
| Form of assessment | Size of the assessment (eg length / duration) | ILOs assessed | Feedback method |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dissertation proposal form | 200 words | 1 | Oral discussion |
Summative assessment (% of credit)
| Coursework | Written exams | Practical exams |
|---|---|---|
| 100 | 0 | 0 |
Details of summative assessment
| Form of assessment | % of credit | Size of the assessment (eg length / duration) | ILOs assessed | Feedback method |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dissertation plan | 10 | 1000 words | 4,5,8 | Mark and written comments |
| Written dissertation | 90 | 9000 words | 1-10 | Mark and written comments |
| 0 | ||||
| 0 | ||||
| 0 | ||||
| 0 |
Details of re-assessment (where required by referral or deferral)
| Original form of assessment | Form of re-assessment | ILOs re-assessed | Timescale for re-assessment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dissertation plan | Dissertation plan 1000 words | 4,5,8 | Referral/deferral period |
| Written dissertation | Dissertation with 9000 word limit | 1-10 | Referral/deferral period |
Re-assessment notes
Deferral – if you miss an assessment for certificated reasons judged acceptable by the Mitigation Committee, you will normally be either deferred in the assessment or an extension may be granted. The mark given for a re-assessment taken as a result of deferral will not be capped and will be treated as it would be if it were your first attempt at the assessment.
Referral – if you have failed the module overall (i.e. a final overall module mark of less than 40%) you will be required to submit a further assessment as necessary. If you are successful on referral, your overall module mark will be capped at 40%.
Indicative learning resources - Basic reading
- Baxter, l., Hughes, C. & Tight, M. (1996): How to Research.
- Buckingham: Open University Press. Bell , J. (1993): Doing your Research Project. Buckingham: Open University Press.
- Creswell, J.W. (1994): Research Design: Qualitative and Quantitative Methods. London: Sage.
- Gardiner, M. and Kearns, H. (2011). "Turbocharge you writing today." Nature475: 129-130.
- Parsons, J. & Knight, P.G. (1995): How to do tour Dissertation in Geography and Related disciplines. London: Chapman & Hall.
- Rudestam, K.E. & Newton, R.R. (1992): Surviving your Dissertation. London: Sage.
| Credit value | 45 |
|---|---|
| Module ECTS | 22.5 |
| Module pre-requisites | None |
| Module co-requisites | None |
| NQF level (module) | 6 |
| Available as distance learning? | No |
| Origin date | 01/10/2018 |
| Last revision date | 15/04/2019 |
