Related Course/s:

Aims & Objectives:

• Identify the basic principles of academic research and the fundamentals concepts of research.
• Interpret and critically evaluate previously published research in a formal literature review.
• Describe the characteristic features of common research methods and debate their relative merits.
• Identify a research question (or project problem/objective) and justify the selection of an appropriate and ethically managed research method.
• Produce a written research/project proposal/report/paper and effectively present information in an oral presentation.

Teaching Methods:

2 x 2 hour Lectures per week for 6 weeks (24 hrs)

Assessment:

Generic Skills Outcomes:

• Are capable in their chosen professional, vocational or study areas. 
• Operate effectively in work and community situations. 
• Are adaptable and manage change. 
• Ability to apply knowledge of basic science and engineering fundamentals. 
• In-depth technical competence in at least one engineering discipline. 
• Ability to understand problem identification, formulation and solution. 
• Ability to utilise a systems approach to design and operational performance

Content:

• Defining research. 
• Specifying roles of student and supervisor. 
• Developing a research/project question/problem/objective. 
• Presentation techniques. 
• Reviewing the literature.
• Planning research/project design. 
• Ethics. 
• Writing a research/project proposal. 
• Qualitative and quantitative research methodologies. 
• Writing a research paper and technical report with corresponding writing skills.

Reading Materials:

Leedy, PD & Ormrod, JE, Practical Research: Planning and Design, 8th edn, Prentice Hall, 2005.