Introductory description

This module is compulsory for students on an MSc in Statistics and is not available for students on other courses.

The objectives of writing a dissertation are to allow a student to demonstrate the ability;

• to complete a major and worthwhile piece of research work, with some guidance, but largely self-motivated;
• to write an academic paper that is well-organised and which clearly and concisely communicates its contents to its readers;
• to apply knowledge of statistics and probability theory gained through coursework to a specific area of study, - to demonstrate ability to acquire further knowledge of additional statistical methodologies as required by the topic, and to show ability to acquire a good understanding of the underlying scientific problem.
• to identify and formulate a scientific problem and to show evidence of skills of inquiry, logical reasoning, probabilistic modelling and statistical analysis in addressing that problem.

Module web page

Module aims

Outline syllabus

This is an indicative module outline only to give an indication of the sort of topics that may be covered. Actual sessions held may differ.

Students will be allocated a dissertation supervisor in the Department of Statistics. The module will entail regular supervisory meetings as well as independent study and research on a chosen topic and the writing of the dissertation. The dissertation will be on a topic within mathematics or statistics. Students will be provided with a list of available topics but may suggest their own provided this is agreed with the supervisor.

Learning outcomes

By the end of the module, students should be able to:

• Write an academic paper or research report that is well-organised and which clearly and concisely communicates its contents to a specialist audience
• Produce an extended piece of academic writing with appropriate referencing of literature review
• Plan, develop and complete a piece of advanced research work themed in mathematics and statistics
• Understand, apply and evaluate theory and / or methodology of relevant literature; showing good judgement in their selection, application and interpretation
• Demonstrate an in-depth understanding of an advanced topic in Mathematics or Statistics

Indicative reading list

• Krantz, S.G. (2017) A primer of mathematical writing: Being a disquisition on having your ideas recorded, typeset, published, read, and appreciated, V. 243, AMS.
• Allan, E.F., Abeyasekera, S., and Stem, R.D. (2006) Writing up research: a statistical
  perspective. The University of Reading Statistical Service Centre.
• Neville, C. (2010) The complete guide to referencing and avoiding plagiarism. McGraw-Hill Education (UK).

Subject specific skills

-Plan, develop and complete a piece of advanced research work themed in mathematics and statistics;
-Demonstrate in-death understanding of an advanced topic in Mathematics or Statistics;

Transferable skills

-Understand, apply and evaluate theory and/or methodology of relevant literature, showing good judgement in their selection, application and interpretation;
-Write an academic paper or research report that is well-organised and which clearly and concisely communicates its contents to specialist audience;
-Produce and extended piece of academic writing with appropriate referencing of literature review.