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 14/04/2017
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 (m.clarkson@dmu.ac.uk) should be informed of any issues
relating to the return of marked coursework and feedback.
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 students 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/academic-
offences.aspx and
http://www.dmu.ac.uk/dmu-students/the-student-gateway/academic-support-office/bad-academic-
practice.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. 700
 words)

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% Excellent work which demonstrates that the
Distinction Level 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, in-
depth critical analysis, and is capable of
expressing this argument clearly, concisely
and accurately
Possesses a high degree of relevant
technical competence
60% - 69% A clear grasp of an appropriate methodology
Merit Level 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% A coherent response to the task undertaken
pass level demonstrating a sound grasp of appropriate
methodology. Work will be accurate and
appropriately organised with clear evidence
of skills of critical analysis.
50% 54% The grasp of material and methodology is
marginal pass such as to enable a basic response to the
level task undertaken. Work will generally be
accurate and appropriately organised with
some evidence of critical analysis.
45% 49% The work demonstrates some understanding
marginal fail 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% Students performance is deficient in most
fail respects, revealing inadequate grasp of the
material, poor organisational and technical
 ability 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: mlemon@dmu.ac.uk; rcross@dmu.ac.uk