Managing Your Final Year Project Louise Livesey Academic Skills Adviser This workshop will: -Introduce the differences between projects and dissertations -Explore the process for producing your completed project. -Examine the links between theory and practice when designing experiments or testing designs

Today’s Plan 1.Differences between dissertations and final project reports 2.The process of producing a completed project report or dissertation 3.Links between theory and practice for designing experiments or testing designs 4.Tips for writing your final year project report or dissertation

Generally speaking, if a … report is required, answer an exploratory question or hypothesis; collecting evidence and analysing it, or designing an item and testing it; and offering recommendations. Format specified by the course and school. dissertation is required, the research activity will be in- depth and use of primary and secondary sources; fieldwork; professional practice. An extended essay with sections specified by the course or school. 1.Differences:dissertations and final project reports

Stages of process 2.The process of producing a complete work

Activities in Agree Your Proposal Draw up your proposal Check with your supervisor Obtain Ethics Clearance 2.The process of producing a complete work

Activity 1: Activities in Choose a Research ?/Hypothesis More than one research ? To support the main central ? e.g. Consider the level of interest in and usefulness of your research; and availability, cost, maintenance and storage of resources. Create a list of key words 2.The process of producing a complete work

Activity 1: Activities in Reviewing the Literature Contact subject librarian Select most relevant texts Read carefully making notes Keep a list of everything you read 2.The process of producing a complete work

Activity 1: Activities in Implementing Research Identify the participants, equipment and other resources required. Design and create materials, and recording documents and databases Collect and collate data Keep accurate records. 2.The process of producing a complete work

Activity 1: Activities in First Draft Set your ideas in some sort of coherent form Write in bullet points then expanding to sentences. Sentences drawn together into paragraphs, Use visuals Do not worry about the reader – they will never see this version. 2.The process of producing a complete work

Activity 1: Activities in Revise, Edit and Proofread Double the length of time you think it might take you as a back-up. Remind yourself of your central question/hypothesis Check the order of ideas and the flow Make sure your text is in an appropriately academic style and contains subject specific terminology. Check your grammar, punctuation, spelling, citations and references Look in your module or programme handbook for any format requirements 2.The process of producing a complete work

Activity 1: Activities in Final Draft submission 2.The process of producing a complete work Hooray!

The Scientific Method 3.Links between theory and practice

4. Tips for writing Be brutal – if you have left yourself only a little time, write just the words you will use in the word count. Cover the basics – try to make sure your sources are off the reading list or are mentioned in lecture materials. If you cannot get hold of the recommended sources, at least use current ones (where appropriate). Answer. The. Question. Or. Brief. (even if it is yours) Still allow some time for attention to detail because poor referencing, punctuation, and formatting can be costly in terms of marks.

References Birmingham Law School. How to Write a Research Proposal. Birmingham: University of Birmingham. [online] Available at: proposal.aspx [Accessed ] Cottrell, S. (2013). The Study Skills Handbook. 4th ed. Basingstoke: Palgrave Macmillan Ltd. Tomato Sphere. (2014) The Scientific Method. Canada: Let’s Talk Science [online] Available at: resources/teachers-guide/principal-investigation/scientific-method.cfm [Accessed ] Wisker, G. (2009) The Undergraduate Research Handbook. Basingstoke: Palgrave Macmillan Ltd.

Academic Skills Advice Where are we? Chesham Building B0.23 What do we do? Support undergraduate students with their academic skills by running clinics and workshops, having bookable appointment slots, and enabling students to drop-in for Instant Advice. Who are we? Michael and Helen specialise in Maths Support; Lucy and Russell advise students on study skills; and I (Louise) deliver the workshops When can you come for help? Everyday both face to face and on-line How do I get in touch? academic- or website skillsacademic-

Any questions?