Mineralogical Society of Great Britain and Ireland
Masters Level Equivalence Report
An applicant for CSci, whose degree is at Bachelors level, will need to submit a
report, ~1000 words long, to indicate that subsequent work undertaken has been at a
level equivalent to a Masters Degree dissertation. (Reports >2000 words long will be
returned to the applicant for editing.)
The following statements describe the attributes applicants for CSci must demonstrate
at Masters level. Applicants are not expected to demonstrate all of these attributes. A
Chartered Scientist would:
1.
Problem-solving skills
Have the ability to formulate problems in precise terms and to identify
key issues.
Have the ability to tackle open-ended problems and problems of an
unfamiliar nature using appropriate methodology and taking into
account the possible absence of complete data.
Have the confidence to try different approaches in order to make
progress on challenging problems.
Use mathematics in problem solving.
2.
Investigative Skill
Manipulate precise and intricate ideas, to construct logical arguments
and to use technical language correctly.
Undertake independent investigations.
Have the skills required to aid the investigation by utilising relevant
textbooks and other available literature including databases and the
Internet and interact with colleagues to derive information to support
the investigation.
Critically analyse results and draw valid conclusions based on the data
generated.
Understand error analysis and be able to compare results obtained with
expected outcomes, theoretical predictions or with published data.
Evaluate the significance of the results in context.
3.
Experimental work
Carry out experimental with some originality and work independently
or manage the work of others.
Make best use of recognised analytical methods relevant to the
situation.
Analyse results and draw sound conclusions.
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Relate any conclusions made to current theories.
Critically compare the results of model calculations with those from
experiment and observation.
Use specialised equipment; identify appropriate pieces of equipment
and master new techniques and equipment.
In the Masters-Level Equivalence report, the use of past reports, written as part of the
applicant’s work and professional development, is encouraged rather than re-writing
such past reports.
The applicant must attest that the report represents their own work, and the Society
reserves the right to make enquiries as to authenticity. Where the work reported has
been carried out with the applicant working as part of a team, it is imperative that the
applicant’s contributions to the work are clearly delineated and due acknowledgement
given to the contributions of the other team members.
The types of work that may form the basis of the Masters Equivalence Report
correspond in level to project reports produced in the final year of a four year
integrated Masters degree, or a one year MSc programme, but need not be a thesis.
They may include:
 Investigation and reporting of a project/problem in any area of Mineral Science,
Geoscience, Materials Science, Geochemical Science.
 A piece of academic research published in a peer reviewed journal
 An internal technical report
 Design and analysis of a survey of (e.g.) contaminated land with
recommendations and conclusions
 An assessment of a landfill site and its possible impact on adjacent groundwater
systems or gas generation
 Environmental impact assessment that contains a significant geological
component
 A modelling-based investigation of a geological, or geochemical phenomenon
N.B. This list is not exhaustive or prescriptive.
The Masters Equivalence report will be assessed by Society-appointed scrutineers and
they will also be responsible for assessing the application overall. These scrutineers
will be selected for their knowledge of the subject area expertise/competence claimed
by the applicant.
Assessment of Equivalence will be made solely on the Report submitted. Reports will
be kept by the Society but will remain confidential.
If an application for CSci is unsuccessful then a new submission may be made at any
time, without prejudice.
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