The dissertation will give students the opportunity to complete a major piece of independent research to address a laboratory management problem. The course will culminate in the delivery of an extended written assignment and viva to account for the final 60 credits of the MSc Laboratory Management programme. Students will gain experience in research methodology and report writing.

The project will involve regular interaction and meetings with the project and/or University supervisor. The project will take place on a part-time basis over 1 year.

None

Written Assignment - Dissertation Report (6000-8000 words) (65%) (ILO 1-4)

Project Output (Other than dissertation) - Supervisor Report (10%) (ILO 5,6)

Oral Assessment and Presentation - Viva (25%) (ILO 1-4, 6)

Note

Students who wish to obtain academic, industrial or clinical specialisms should complete their projects in a relevant topic pertaining to the chosen specialist environment.

The dissertation course aims to provide students with the opportunity to reflect and apply the knowledge acquired during the taught elements of the MSc programme. Students will undertake a piece of independent, original research concerning the application of explicit management principles and/or practices related to their chosen specialism in the field of laboratory management.

The dissertation course aims to enable students to:

■ develop and demonstrate their understanding of key concepts, theories and contemporary issues identified in the degree programme.

■ plan, organise, conduct and complete a distinctive and substantial piece of independent research.

By the end of this course students will be able to:

■ Critically evaluate specific issues related to a particular disciplinary area.

■ Conduct literature searches and critically evaluate the credibility of primary and secondary source material.

■ Develop appropriate research designs, including formulation of appropriate key questions/hypotheses and selection of suitable data collection/analytical techniques to address a specific laboratory management problem.

■ Write a coherent, accessible and extended report addressing a contemporary management approach or issue and draw conclusions/make recommendations based on its findings.

■ Plan and mange time effectively by prioritising tasks and meeting deadlines.

■ Work co-operatively and effectively with supervisor/colleagues to develop interpersonal and teamwork skills within the chosen specialism environment.

Students must submit at least 75% by weight of the components (including examinations) of the course's summative assessment.