Thesis Evaluation

The following marking scheme is a guideline that will be used to mark theses, although it is recognised that it may not be exactly applicable to every project. For example, if a project is concentrated on algorithm design or improvement, the student might not need to demonstrate that the project is user-oriented. In this case, the allocated 10% of the `user specifications' criterion may be allocated to algorithm elegance or something like that. The examiners will look at each criterion carefully and make a decision in each individual case. Nevertheless, all the criteria mentioned below provide a good indication of what is important in a thesis.

Students are urged to consider the relative importance of the two main assessment categories (Documentation and Project). In particular, it is noted that an excellent project that is poorly described in the thesis will fare badly in the first category. Thus, to maximise your chances for a first class result you should ensure that you achieve your project goals and write them up well.

Thesis: 45%

5%

Statement of problem, assumptions and objectives

10%

Literature review and evaluation of alternative solutions

10%

Description of the investigations that lead up to the final solution, the design of the solution, etc.

15%

Description of the final solution, testing performed, and conclusions reached.

5%

Summary and suggestions for further work

Project: 55%

20%

Quality of solution (if programming is involved, consideration is given to modularity, efficiency, etc)

15%

Innovation of solution

5%

Quality of proofs or tests

15%

Achievements