Course assessment
The separate assessment elements contribute towards the final mark as follows:
- Exam paper 1 - 15%
- Exam paper 2 - 15%
Total for this element: unseen exams = 30%
- Mini-project 1 - 13%
- Mini-project 2 - 13%
- Presentation of mini-project - 4%
Total for this element: mini-projects = 30%
- Dissertation written - 35%
- Dissertation oral presentation 5%
Total for this element: dissertation = 40%
Summative assessment Term 1
The first term of the course will be assessed in January by one 3-hour written examination paper (Paper I).
Paper I
This 3-hour written examination paper will assess learning objectives from three core modules: i) statistics, ii) Epidemiology, and iii) Infectious Disease Modelling and Statistical Genetics.
Term 1 will also be assessed by one mini-project (3,000-4,000 words) focusing on one of the core modules from Term 1.
Summative assessment Term 2
The second term will be assessed in May by one 3-hour written examination paper (Paper II).
Paper II
This 3-hour written examination paper will focus on optional modules across all strands and broader learning objectives in Term 1.
Part time MSc students will take the appropriate sections of Paper I each year and Paper II in their final year.
The second term will also be assessed by one mini-project (3,000 - 4,000 words each) to be handed in at the start of the third academic term.
Projects typically involve statistical analysis of data and /or projects in which students develop, solve and interpret a mathematical model to describe the transmission dynamics of an infectious disease.
All students will present orally mini-project 2, with this presentation lasting for 5 minutes plus 5 minutes for questions from the audience and contributing 4% to the final mark, at the beginning of Term III.
Details of mini-project requirements will be given in the Handbook.
Summative assessment Term 3
The third term will be assessed by a written research dissertation of 10,000 words. A brief oral presentation with questions from examiners will be given during the final examination, which will assist in the assessment of the student by viva voce. The oral presentation will contribute 5% to the final mark.
