D3151 Dissertation Assessment Information

Instruction
This assignment is a 4000 word written assignment and constitutes 100% of the module mark.
You are required to submit a substantial piece of written work in the form of a well-referenced
review of a topic of contemporary relevance. A range of topics is allowed, subject to course
relevance and feasibility in the time available. Information is available on previous topics to
stimulate ideas but you cannot duplicate exactly a past topic (e.g. diabetes is a common topic,
but the exact focus of the dissertation will differ).

Assessment Format
Your dissertation should demonstrate an ability to think scientifically, to critically analyse research
publications, to suggest your own interpretations and to write in a coherent, scientific style. Your
dissertation should include the following sections:-

Title: The final title should clearly and accurately indicate the nature and scope of the dissertation.
However, a topic area should be submitted initially early in the semester; this should then be
refined in discussion at the drop-in sessions or via e-mail contact with the module co-ordinator.
Put a formal Title Page as your first page of the submitted Dissertation

Contents: A page listing the main sections with their page numbers.

Glossary: A list of abbreviations, specialised terms and acronyms used in your text.

Abstract: A summary of your review and conclusions approx 300-400 words (1 page).

Main text: Introduction to topic; Literature review and critical evaluation of published work (this
should make up the main bulk of your 4,000 words); Concluding remarks/ interpretations/
suggestions for future research.

References: The Dissertation should be fully referenced using the QMU ‘Write & Cite’ guidelines
http://libguides.qmu.ac.uk/referencing . The majority of your sources should be primary and from
2008 onwards.
Appendices: There should be no appendices

Word count: The word count excludes abstract, in-text references, tables, figures and final
reference list.

If the word count is exceeded by more than 10% the mark will be restricted to a maximum of 40%
in line with QMU regulations. Prior to submission you should complete the assignment
submission sheet (available at the end of this assignment information and on the hub) and copy
and paste the completed information to the start of your assignment.

For more information regarding good scholarship and plagiarism click on this link.

Assessment Submission
An electronic copy of the assignment should be submitted to the assignment dropbox on the hub
by 12noon on Monday 3rd December 2018 (Week 13). A paper copy is not required. If you
submit your assignment after the deadline your assignment will be noted as late (unless you have
an agreed extension to the submission deadline e.g. an individual learning plan or agreed
extenuating circumstances). If you submit the assignment after your agreed deadline marks will
be awarded in line with QMU regulations i.e. up to and including 6 days after the deadline a
maximum of 40% will be awarded and if 7 or more days after the deadline a mark of 0% will be
awarded.

When uploading the Dissertation you be will be asked for the module title and you should use the
following format ONLY ‘matric number_module code’. When you have uploaded and confirmed
the submission you will receive a digital receipt. This acts as proof of submission so you must
keep this for your records. If you do not receive a digital receipt, your assignment has not been
submitted and will be recorded as a non-submission. This link has helpful information about
submitting assessments.

In line with QMU guidance feedback for assessments should normally be provided no more than
20 working days after submission and so feedback for this assignment should be available no
later than Thursday 10thJanuary 2019.
Marking Criteria
The Dissertation will be marked in line with the UG grade descriptors and the following attributes
should be included within your dissertation. The attributes shown relate to the A* grade and the
full rubric can be found in the D3151 HUB area.

Criteria Attributes
Understanding of question Articulates an outstanding and comprehensive
/problem understanding of the question or problem.

Inclusion of information and Includes all of the relevant key information and issues raised
issues raised by the question.

Demonstration and Demonstrates outstanding in-depth knowledge of appropriate

knowledge of appropriate reading through extensive references.
reading

Problem solving, critical Shows outstanding originality in problem solving, critical

thinking, analysis and thinking, analysis and evaluation.
evaluation

Presentation of arguments Presents outstanding arguments in a fluent and convincing

manner.

Ability to synthesise concepts, Displays an outstanding ability to synthesise concepts,

knowledge and theory knowledge and theory.

Value judgements and Shows in-depth awareness of value judgements and

assumptions assumptions embodied in the question.

Referencing No errors or omissions – followed write and cite.

Overall Work representing original, critical thinking, outstanding

academic accomplishment. Unlikely the work could be
bettered in the time available.
DPPR Assessment Submission Sheet
Prior to submitting any assessment to the dropbox for marking you should complete the table
below and copy it to the front page of your assessment.

Matriculation Number

Module Code

Module Title

Assessment title if applicable (e.g. if you have

been given a choice of topics state the topic
you have chosen)
Word Count

Do you have an agreed individual learning plan

which you would like the marker to be aware
of?
Do you have an agreed extenuating
circumstances for this assessment?