University of St Andrews

Key information

SCOTCAT credits : 60

ECTS credits : 30

Level : SCQF level 10

Semester: Full Year

Availability restrictions: Core - Available only to students who intend an Honours Degree in Sustainable Development.

Planned timetable: To be arranged.

This module is largely based upon independent study. Students select a research question in Sustainable Development, mount a research programme to investigate the topic, and write a dissertation on the work. The topic is selected during the second semester of the junior honours year; data can be collected during the following vacation with data analysis and the writing of the dissertation taking place over both semesters of Senior Honours. Each student is supervised by a member of the teaching staff from an appropriate disciplinary area who will ensure that the topic chosen is viable and advise students on data collection and analysis. Students attend an introductory session at the start of semester 2, followed by a series of 'workshop' sessions covering aspects of research design and process during the semester Individual tutorials are decided between the individual student and their supervisors.The dissertation will normally be based in the disciplinary area of the student's partner subject, but in recognition of the interdisciplinary nature of the field of study of sustainable development and of the SD Programme, the dissertation will itself be interdisciplinary to some extent. An important component of the dissertation is the annual Senior Honours Research Conference at which all students present their work to members of the school and to Junior Honours students as an oral presentation.

Relationship to other modules

Pre-requisite(s): Before taking this module you must take SG3201 or take SG3203 or take SG3204 or take SD3100

Anti-requisite(s): You cannot take this module if you take SD4002 or take SD4297

Learning and teaching methods and delivery

Weekly contact: Up to 8 hours of guided study per student over the semester (one-to-one supervision, by arrangement with supervisor), plus a 1 day (8-hour) conference

Scheduled learning hours: 16

Guided independent study hours: 584

Assessment pattern

As used by St Andrews: Dissertation and Conference Paper = 100%

As defined by QAA
Written examinations : 0%
Practical examinations : 0%
Coursework: 100%

Re-assessment: Oral Examination = 100%

Personnel

Module teaching staff: Team taught