Module Details

The information contained in this module specification was correct at the time of publication but may be subject to change, either during the session because of unforeseen circumstances, or following review of the module at the end of the session. Queries about the module should be directed to the member of staff with responsibility for the module.
Title Multidisciplinary MRes Research Project
Code RISK661
Coordinator Dr FA Diaz De La O
Civil Engineering and Industrial Design
f.a.diazdelao@liverpool.ac.uk
Year CATS Level Semester CATS Value
Session 2017-18 Level 7 FHEQ Whole Session 90

Aims

1) To prepare students in achieving high impact scholarly outputs relating to the area of decision-making under Risk and Uncertainty, by developing their research skills and capabilities through pursuing a multidisciplinary investigation under the guidance of dual academic supervisors (from distinct discipline areas) and industry advisor; this all as preparation for continuing their investigative work further at PhD level.

2) To develop the abilities of the students to work independently and with others to research, design, implement, execute and communicate creative solutions to practical problems.


Learning Outcomes

The ability to undertake independent research in the area of decision-making under Risk and Uncertainty, and in doing so also critically evaluate current knowledge and available techniques to apply it effectively in a professional context.

The ability to use the existing literature and appropriate methodologies, including research texts/journals and computational tools/software, to obtain and organise information on topics related to Risk and Uncertainty.


Syllabus

Synthesis of information from relevant literature and other elements of the MRes course, to produce a review paper for a feasibility study investigation.

Preperation of a plan of research work, and its conduct over an extended period: gaining a comprehensive understanding of applicable techniques ; analysing and extracting salient information; undertaking critical analyses for communication.

Synthesis and evaluation of knowledge of a particular topic and its use, to produce a research summary paper and associated poster for advanced scholarship.

Preperation and presentation of research reports, posters and papers, in making an original contribution to knowledge, this is to be of high international standing in the area of decision-making under Risk and Uncertainty.


Teaching and Learning Strategies

Seminar - A mixture of generic and bespoke seminars focused on IT-related support specific to risk determination and uncertainty quantification, (e.g. models, software, industry-relevant tools, etc), this provided by industry experts and external partners supportive of the CDT.

Tutorial - Regular project meetings with academic supervisor(s) and industrial advisors, to guide the direction and quality of research work being proposed, undertaken and published.

Workshop - A week-long colloquia (in the form of an Easter School) comprising master-classes given by experts in technical aspects of risk determination and uncertainty quantification (to augment students'' ongoing research investigative work), and in academic publishing (to ensure students'' final MRes outputs can be of an international standard for later publication in the early stages of the PhD element of the CDT)

Assessment - Preparation of papers (feasibility study proposal and literature review; interim findings and report; along with summary paper and poster suitable for an international conference) and presentations to panels of supervisors and external advisors; as well as interim output at a poster-session of the colloquia.


Teaching Schedule

  Lectures Seminars Tutorials Lab Practicals Fieldwork Placement Other TOTAL
Study Hours   30
A mixture of generic and bespoke seminars focused on IT-related support specific to risk determination and uncertainty quantification, (e.g. models, software, industry-relevant tools, etc), this provided by industry experts and external partners supportive of the CDT.
50
Regular project meetings with academic supervisor(s) and industrial advisors, to guide the direction and quality of research work being proposed, undertaken and published.
    30
A week-long colloquia (in the form of an Easter School) comprising master-classes given by experts in technical aspects of risk determination and uncertainty quantification (to augment students' ongoing research investigative work), and in academic publishing (to ensure students' final MRes outputs can be of an international standard for later publication in the early stages of the PhD element of the CDT)
40
Preparation of papers (feasibility study proposal and literature review; interim findings and report; along with summary paper and poster suitable for an international conference) and presentations to panels of supervisors and external advisors; as well as interim output at a poster-session of the colloquia.
150
Timetable (if known)              
Private Study 750
TOTAL HOURS 900

Assessment

EXAM Duration Timing
(Semester)
% of
final
mark
Resit/resubmission
opportunity
Penalty for late
submission
Notes
             
CONTINUOUS Duration Timing
(Semester)
% of
final
mark
Resit/resubmission
opportunity
Penalty for late
submission
Notes
Coursework  Report maximum 25 pa  Early in Semester 2   25  Yes    Feasibility report and presentation: Critical appraisal of literature and feasib 
Coursework  Max 15 minutes (Pres  End of Semester 2 (preferably   25  Yes    Research poster presentation: Interim findings of investigative work 
Coursework  Summary paper mimimu  Semester 3  50  Yes    Summary paper, contextual statement and presentation Notes (applying to all assessments) The feasibility report will give students the opportunity to take ownership of their research project, (having refined it from that initially set out by their supervisors and external advisor), and to put forward an appropriate feasibility study that is suitably planned, and draws heavily on a critical appraisal of relevant literature as well as other elements of the taught MRes. The investigative work will be assessed through a ‘traditional’ interim means (poster/report), final summary paper and associated poster, along with viva voce presentations. The colloquia – at mid-point of the MRes year – will assess outline concepts for the final poster to be used in summarising the feasibility study and findings, so as to ensure the work meets standards for international publication in the area of risk and uncertainty. It is vital to stress that all components of this RISK661 module are mandatory; hence a pass is required in all of these components. As such, each component would need to be assessed, with resits being made available, prior to completion of the module.  

Recommended Texts

Reading lists are managed at readinglists.liverpool.ac.uk. Click here to access the reading lists for this module.
Explanation of Reading List: