OBJECTIVE
The objective of this coursework is to enhance students' technical report writing skills. The required data for this report are to be obtained through visual observation of a geological site and literature reviews.
MODULE LEARNING OUTCOMES
i. Explain how geological processes have shaped and fashioned the Earth, producing its rocks and minerals.
ii. Evaluate the importance of maps and mapping techniques in interpreting geological structures.
The structure of the current report is expected to contain at least the following
1) COVER PAGE
- College name & logo
- Department name
- Student's name and I.D. number
- Semester: Fall 2015
2) TABLE OF CONTENTS
Provide a table of contents with corresponding page numbers.
3) EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The executive summary of your report is the most important part of your paper. It is the first (and sometimes the only) thing others will read and the last thing you should write. Include the following in your executive summary.
- provide a brief description of the site visit.
- incorporate the purpose of your visit, and materials and methods (the methodology) applied.
- include your conclusion
4) INTRODUCTION
In the introduction part of your report, you are attempting to inform the reader about the rationale behind your work. In other words, you are justifying why your work is an essential component of the module you are taking (Applied geology, CIVL 0005). The introduction is written with the view of introducing the topic of your paper and setting it into a broad context, gradually narrowing down to your learning outcomes. You may also state what type of approach you will be using in your paper for the entire discussion of your topic. Suffice to write a maximum of one page introduction.
5) MATERIALS AND METHODS
Equipment, chemicals, and other materials used should be mentioned in this section. This section also covers the data collection and analysis methods, such as computer models (software), mathematical models, questionnaires, interviews, visual observations, etc.
6) RESULTS
The purpose of a results section is to present and illustrate your findings. Make this section a completely objective report of the results, and save all interpretations for the discussion.
7) DISCUSSIONS
The objective here is to provide an interpretation of your results and support for all of your conclusions, using evidence from your site-visit, literature review and generally accepted knowledge, if appropriate. The significance of findings should be clearly described.
8) CONCLUSIONS
In academic writing, a well-crafted conclusion can provide the final word on the value of your analysis, research, or paper. Complete your conclusions with conviction! Consider the conclusion from the reader's perspective. At the end of a paper, a reader wants to know how to benefit from the work you accomplished in your paper.
Include the following in your conclusion.
- How do the ideas in your report connect to what we have discussed in class, or to what scholars have written in their treatment of your topic?
- What new ideas have you added to the conversation? What ideas do you critique?
- What are the limitations of your data, methods, or results?
- What are the consequences of the strongest idea that comes out of your report?