Teaching
There are approximately twelve or more options courses focusing on advanced topics across a broad range of aspects of Earth Sciences. MASt students are required to choose six of these options.
Students also undertake a substantial individual research project, this will be designed between the student and the supervisor of their choice with help of a mentor.
An optional field trip runs during the late Lent Term/Easter vacation. This is a key part of the course and attendance is strongly encouraged.
| One to one supervision |
Each student will have a Supervisor for their research project, and lecturers may arrange small group supervisions for the options courses, but students are encouraged to take advantage of the supervision system more generally. Twelve hours of supervision are recommended for the research project. |
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| Seminars & classes |
The Department hosts a broad range of seminars and seminar series, and all students are encouraged to attend as many as possible. This is the best way of tracking the very latest research, and seeing how it gets done (and presented). The weekly Departmental Seminars and Bullard Seminars are particularly recommended. |
| Lectures |
Each student will choose to study six out of at least twelve option courses. These are taught via lectures, and the majority of options also have practicals. Options run for 4, 6, or 8 weeks, meeting once or twice a week, totalling between 12 and 16 hours of teaching (lectures and practicals) per option course. |
| Practicals |
Some options will run practicals alongside lectures. Others will provide literature discussions or other formats of learning. |
| Small group teaching |
Students will meet with supervisors frequently. Supervisions and revision sessions are organised for option courses. |
| Journal clubs |
There are some subject-specific Journal Clubs, and there is a weekly 'Isotope Coffee' session. |
| Literature Reviews |
Students will submit a scientific piece of writing, inspired by one of the seminars, twice during the year. This will include literature review. |
| Posters and Presentations |
At the end of Michaelmas Term MASt students will produce a poster on their research project, showing initial data, analyses and results. Students will receive feedback on their poster. At the end of Lent Term, MASt students will be expected to give a 10-12 minute presentation on their project to their fellow students, the Course Co-ordinator, and other research and academic members of staff. Feedback on the presentation will be provided. |
| Taught/Research Balance |
Equal Taught/Research
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Feedback
Students will receive formative feedback from their project supervisor during, and up to, the project hand-in deadline. The poster session and oral presentation also offer opportunities for feedback on the student's ideas and thinking, as well as formative feedback on the presentations itself.
Students will receive further feedback regarding other aspects of their work from their supervisor, Director of Studies, option course leaders, and the designated Course Co-ordinator.
Assessment
Thesis / Dissertation
An individual research project of 7,500 words is required.
Written examination
Six unseen option papers during the main Easter Term examination period.
Two scientific pieces of work inspired by one or more seminars in the department.
Practical assessment
Some of the options have assessed practicals, or examined practical papers, in addition to the written option papers.
Other
A viva voce (oral) will be held after examinations in relation to either the individual research project or Earth Sciences generally.