Summary of dissertation assessment

Broadly there are five criteria for assessment of the dissertation of a project by an Honours or Masters student, each normally of equal weight.

Incorporation of established knowledge:

critically read and assimilate well established knowledge relevant to the project (e.g. in textbooks), not otherwise covered in coursework, then demonstrate by critically incorporating the material in the dissertation.

Assimilation of research literature:

demonstrate throughout the dissertation the ability to place and relate the project and its achievements to the scientific research literature that have been discivered (e.g. articles in journals & proceedings). A literature survey only partially achieves this gaol. Critically incorporate relevant material showing breadth and understanding.

Implementation of scientific techniques:

a project typically involves significant programming and/or analysis. Reason for choice and use of techniques, their planning, design, implementation and analysis and interpretation of results are expected, bearing in mind the technical sophistication and difficulty.

Technical writing:

the dissertation should demonstrate clarity of exposition, appropriate citations, good use of language, good document layout, appropriate use of diagrams, good introductory summary and final conclusions.

Innovation:

whereas new knowledge in mathematics or computer science are not expected; originality and innovation in concept, design, analysis and interpretation are assessed.

A more detailed discussion of each of these aspects of the assessment of a dissertation is provided in the guide: Assessment of Dissertations by Professor Tony Roberts.