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HORT40100

Academic Year 2024/2025

Minor Thesis (HORT40100)

Subject:
Horticulture
College:
Health & Agricultural Sciences
School:
Agriculture & Food Science
Level:
4 (Masters)
Credits:
30
Module Coordinator:
Dr Caroline Elliott-Kingston
Trimester:
Summer
Mode of Delivery:
On Campus
Internship Module:
No
How will I be graded?
Letter grades

Curricular information is subject to change.

The objective of this module is to give students a rigorous training in the planning, execution and write-up of a research project at Masters level. All candidates are required to submit a Minor Thesis (12,000-15,000 words). The topic is chosen by the candidate in consultation with academic staff in the School. It is normally in an area of research related to the courses followed as part of the MSc Horticulture taught programme. The thesis must show evidence of independent work and some originality in approach to the topic. The minor thesis will either focus on a clearly delineated field of study or it may incorporate a wider area while restricting its main emphasis to one primary aspect of the topic. Examples of approaches that may be taken are: A minor thesis may look closely at an original research theme that is clearly demarcated, or it may illustrate a familiar theory in an original way by using fresh material. The research may be laboratory, greenhouse, field-based or, in exceptional cases only, a desk study.

About this Module

Learning Outcomes:

When students have completed the thesis, candidates will have designed a research project, organised and managed a work programme efficiently, carried out a comprehensive review of scientific literature, described and applied the required scientific methods, undertaken data analyses, and written a scientific report in the form of a thesis. They should have acquired a good degree of proficiency in the following skills:
- academic writing and analytical writing;
- management of time and how to work to deadlines;
- recognition, selection and use of relevant research tools and/or facilities;
- ability to draw up a thorough, precise and informative bibliography;
- show good knowledge of how to retrieve or discover necessary information;
- be able to sift through, question and analyse evidence;
- be able to be self-critical and reflective, and know how to self-correct;
- be able to listen to and act upon the criticism/advice of others;
- understand how to present evidence and to write clearly.
The students will also present and defend a review of their chosen topic and detail their experience/results to an academic and industry audience via a visual presentation.

Indicative Module Content:

Student Effort Hours:
Student Effort Type Hours
Autonomous Student Learning

600
Lectures

0
Total

600

Approaches to Teaching and Learning:
The teaching and learning approaches used in this module include:
- active/task-based learning;
- critical writing;
- reflective learning;
- laboratory/greenhouse/field-based/studio work
- student presentations,

Requirements, Exclusions and Recommendations

Not applicable to this module.


Module Requisites and Incompatibles
Not applicable to this module.
 

Assessment Strategy
Description Timing Component Scale Must Pass Component % of Final Grade In Module Component Repeat Offered
Thesis/Dissertation: Masters research project thesis.
 Week 15 Graded No
100
 No

Carry forward of passed components
No
 

Remediation Type Remediation Timing
In-Module Resit Prior to relevant Programme Exam Board
Please see Student Jargon Buster for more information about remediation types and timing. 

Feedback Strategy/Strategies

• Feedback individually to students, on an activity or draft prior to summative assessment

How will my Feedback be Delivered?

Students will engage with their academic supervisor and will receive on-going feedback throughout the assignment phase and during the preparation of their thesis document.

Name Role
Dr Caroline Elliott-Kingston Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Dr Syed Bilal Hussain Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Dr Aisling Reilly Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Dr Noeleen Smyth Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Dr Tony Twamley Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
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