2012/13 | Engineering, Mathematics and Physical Sciences Intranet

MODULE TITLE	Research Methodology	CREDIT VALUE	15
MODULE CODE	ECMM410	MODULE CONVENER	Prof Mat Collins (Coordinator)

DURATION: TERM	1	2	3
DURATION: WEEKS	11 weeks	0	0

Number of Students Taking Module (anticipated)	36

DESCRIPTION - summary of the module content

You will get an introduction to methods used in scientific research; finding research articles, critical review, peer review, presentation skills, literature synthesis. There is a strong emphasis on student engagement in the lectures and you should be prepared to stand up in front of the class and discuss things you have read.

Research proposal must be different to that in ECMM131.

AIMS - intentions of the module

The aim of the module is to introduce you to some of the ‘soft skills’ required to do research; communication, literature review, critical thinking etc. Because of the mix of different subjects, it is not possible to cover ‘hard skills’ e.g. statistical analysis, as different students will have a different baseline and have different requirements for their work.

INTENDED LEARNING OUTCOMES (ILOs) (see assessment section below for how ILOs will be assessed)

On successful completion of this module you should be able to:

Module Specific Skills and Knowledge

1. assess critically published research results;
2. demonstrate improved 'soft' skills required for research;

Discipline Specific Skills and Knowledge

3. assess critically research in mathematics, computer science and engineering;

Personal and Key Transferable / Employment Skills and Knowledge

4. read, assess and present critically research results.

SYLLABUS PLAN - summary of the structure and academic content of the module

Introduction: what is research, why research, what is original, research ethics and integrity, copyright and plagiarism; Research process: description and analysis of all major steps from formulating a problem to presenting results; Literature survey: sources of information, efficient and effective literature search (library/internet/other), critical reading and assessment, writing a literature review, referencing (styles, software); Research problem formulation: research strategy (questions, objectives, hypothesis) and research design (definitions and functions); Data analysis: general (planning the analysis, use of statistical theory, mathematical models), quantitative methods ((non)parametric statistical tests, regression) and qualitative methods (analysis of interviews, questionnaires and focus group results); Presentation of research results: writing papers and dissertations; doing oral presentations; Planning and managing research projects: managing time, mapping your project, dealing with people and institutions, sharing responsibility, etc.; What is research proposal, typical proposal content, guidelines for writing up different sections of a typical proposal, proposal assessment criteria/process, funding bodies and types of proposals. Advanced methods.

LEARNING AND TEACHING

LEARNING ACTIVITIES AND TEACHING METHODS (given in hours of study time)

Scheduled Learning & Teaching Activities	22.00	Guided Independent Study	128.00	Placement / Study Abroad

DETAILS OF LEARNING ACTIVITIES AND TEACHING METHODS

Category	Hours of study time	Description
Scheduled Learning & Teaching activities	22	Lectures
Guided independent study	128	Reading of research articles and preparation of presentations, posters etc.

ASSESSMENT

FORMATIVE ASSESSMENT - for feedback and development purposes; does not count towards module grade

Form of Assessment	Size of Assessment (e.g. duration/length)	ILOs Assessed	Feedback Method
There is no formative assessment within this module.

SUMMATIVE ASSESSMENT (% of credit)

Coursework	100	Written Exams	0	Practical Exams	0

DETAILS OF SUMMATIVE ASSESSMENT

Form of Assessment	% of Credit	Size of Assessment (e.g. duration/length)	ILOs Assessed	Feedback Method
Scientific talk and poster	10	1 poster, 15 minute talk	1,2,3,4	Oral
Coursework – peer review of paper	25	2 pages A4	1,4	Written
Coursework - review of literature	65	6 pages A4	2,3	Written

DETAILS OF RE-ASSESSMENT (where required by referral or deferral)

Original Form of Assessment	Form of Re-assessment	ILOs Re-assessed	Time Scale for Re-reassessment
All above	Coursework (100%)	All	Completed over summer with a deadline of last week of August

RE-ASSESSMENT NOTES

The module is assessed entirely by coursework, all referred/deferred assessments be by assignment.

RESOURCES

INDICATIVE LEARNING RESOURCES - The following list is offered as an indication of the type & level of
information that you are expected to consult. Further guidance will be provided by the Module Convener

ELE – http://vle.exeter.ac.uk

Reading list for this module:

Type	Author	Title	Edition	Publisher	Year	ISBN	Search
Set	Bryman, A. and Bell, E.	Business Research Methods		Oxford University Press	2011	978-0199284986	[Library]
Set	Kumar, R.	Research Methodology: a step by step guide for beginners		Sage Publications	2005	978-0761962144	[Library]
Extended	Dawson, C.	A Practical Guide to Research Methods: A User-friendly Manual for Mastering Research Techniques and Projects	Electronic	How to Books Ltd.	2007	978-1845282301	[Library]
Extended	Creswell, J.W.	Research Design: Qualitative, Quantative and Mixed Methods Approaches		Sage Publications	2009	978-0761924425	[Library]
Extended	Swetnam, D.	Writing your Dissertation		How To Books Ltd.	2000	978-1857036626	[Library]
Extended	Bell, J.	Doing your Research Project: A Guide for First-time Researcher in Education, Health and Social Science		Open University Press	2010	978-0335215041	[Library]

CREDIT VALUE	15	ECTS VALUE	7.5

PRE-REQUISITE MODULES	None
CO-REQUISITE MODULES	None

NQF LEVEL (FHEQ)	M (NQF level 7)	AVAILABLE AS DISTANCE LEARNING	No
ORIGIN DATE	Monday 12 March 2012	LAST REVISION DATE	Friday 30 November 2012

KEY WORDS SEARCH	Research Skills, Scientific Research, Critical Assessment, Literature Review

Computer Science

ECMM410 - Research Methodology (2012)