MSc projects 2014/2015 Induction session Dr Mike Spann M.Sc Project Director

Contents Overview of a research project Administration of project Key resources Key dates and what is required in the early stages

A research project This is an exercise in individual inquiry Is driven by the student, and steered by the supervisor – it is YOUR project! Address an academically challenging research problem May use theoretical or practical based methods 60 credits

What are assessors are looking for? Evidence of individual inquiry: –A well thought out research question addressing something which is academically challenging –Good understanding of the background literature –A sensible scope of work and sensible methodologies –Validation of your work and critical review –Appreciation of the limitations of the approaches adopted Tangible deliverables

What are assessors are looking for? A well presented thesis: –A clear and concise structure –Good use of English –Clear diagrams –Clear graphs –Good references (Harvard style) –A good introduction and conclusions –Use of SI units and sensible use of significant figures

Some tips Go to the library and read through some MSc, PhD and MPhil theses – you can get some of these on the UoB website – –Will give you an idea about the standard expected Ask your supervisor to give you examples of good work –Especially if they have supervised previous projects in a similar area

Project administration and skills Use a log book and meeting forms (available in general office) – submit copies of meeting forms to PGO. It is your responsibility to meet with your supervisor and request meetings (remember staff will be away during part of the summer) Expect to report on your progress in meetings Use a work plan or chart to structure your activities

Project resources Your supervisor’s book shelf! The library The on-line library The web of science Other sites: Canvas page for project info

Project Assessment Conference Style Presentation5% Poster 5% Supervisors Assessment15% Dissertation (Final Report)70% Logbook 5%

Key dates Week 2 Autumn term – project allocation process begins Week 3 Autumn Term - project titles/supervisors will be ed out Week 4 Autumn term – agree a project title and specification and to Sam McCauley Rest of Autumn term – start preliminary work and background research into your project Spring and summer terms – start serious practical work MSc poster presentation week 1 of summer term MSc project conference day briefing in June Final dissertation. Mon. 7 th September, 2015 –See handbook for further details 12:00 noon MSc project conference day (after project submission) –Short presentations attended by staff and students –Need to have an organising committee All dates are provisional

What do I need to do now? You need to fill out the project choice form giving me some idea of your interests and the sort of project you wish to do Please hand this in to the PG office before the end of week 2 (Friday 10 th October) Alternatively there will be an electronic version on Canvas which you can fill out and to Sam McCauley (not to me!)