Research Ethics and Methodology - 2023 entry

This module aims to introduce you to the main principles governing engineering profession and research, to the ethical issues informed by the professional code of conduct, and to the importance of adopting an inclusive approach and of supporting equality, diversity and inclusion.

You will get an introduction to the main methods used in scientific and engineering research, including the use of AI tools, finding research articles, critical engagement, literature synthesis, and communication of the results to a wide audience. 
 

You will be introduced to ethics, engineering profession, equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI) in engineering practice. The discussion on EDI will cover diversity in Engineering profession and ethics, inclusive cultures in engineering. These topics will be carried out via lecture, class discussions, and a case study.

You will learn project management and risk management, including the techniques required to apply efficiently project and risk management principles to a wide range of projects, including industrial and research projects. The project management topic will also include but not limited to intellectual Property Rights, types of intellectual property, management of intellectual property rights, and understanding Intellectual Property for Engineers. These topics will be delivered in a lecture with some discussions using several case studies.

The module is suitable for non-specialist students.

The module is recommended for interdisciplinary pathways.
 

The module has three main aims:

• The first aim of is to introduce you to the essential elements of ethics and EDI applied in engineering profession and in research projects.
• The second aim is to introduce you to the main research methods and to develop some of the skills you need to carry out research, such as formulation of research questions, methodology development and management of the ethical challenges. Other soft skills required in research such as communication, literature review and critical thinking will be addressed.
• The third aim is to deliver an in-depth understanding of project management and risk management, including the techniques and tools required to apply efficiently project and risk management principles to a wide range of projects, including research projects and intellectual property rights.

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

Module Specific Skills and Knowledge: 

Discipline Specific Skills and Knowledge: 

Personal and Key Transferable / Employment Skills and Knowledge: 

Whilst the module’s precise content may vary from year to year, it is envisaged that the syllabus will cover some or all of the following topics:

• Introduction to ethics: what is and how does it impact engineering. Engineering profession and its code of conduct;
• The principles of ethics in engineering profession and in research. Engineering and sustainable development;
• What is research, why research, what is original, research ethics and integrity, copyright and plagiarism;
• Literature review: sources of information, efficient and effective literature search, critical reading and assessment, writing a literature review, understanding and using AI tools, including their advantages and limits;
• Research problem formulation: research strategy (questions, objectives, hypothesis) and research design (definitions and functions);
• Data collection and analysis: general (planning the analysis, use of statistical theory, mathematical models), quantitative methods and qualitative methods (interviews, questionnaires and focus group);
• Presentation of research results: writing papers and dissertations; doing oral presentations;
• Project planning: project management functions, processes and phases, Critical path analysis;
• Introduction to risk management, including security risks.
• Intellectual Property Rights: definition and its context in engineering; Types of intellectual property and their examples
• Management of Intellectual Property Rights; understanding Intellectual Property for Engineers.

Deferral – if you have been deferred for any assessment you will be expected to submit the relevant assessment. The mark given for a re-assessment taken as a result of deferral will not be capped and will be treated as it would be if it were your first attempt at the assessment.

Referral – if you have failed the module overall (i.e. a final overall module mark of less than 50%) you will be expected to submit the relevant assessment. The mark given for a re-assessment taken as a result of referral will be capped at 50%.

Where there are practical reasons why the original form of assessment on a module cannot be replicated for referral or deferral purposes, an alternative form of assessment must be used. Examples of when this approach is justified include where the original assessment relied on fieldwork, group work, access to specialist equipment, or input from visiting staff; or where the process of assessment throughout the module was intricate, involving many assessments. The method of reassessment should address as many of the module’s intended learning outcomes as is possible.

Reading list for this module:

Robert McGinn. 2018. The Ethical Engineer. Princeton University Press. 978-0-691-17770-0

McMillan, K., Weyers, J. 2010 How to Write Dissertations and Project Reports.  Pearson Education. 978-0273726937

Jennifer Boyle & Scott Ramsey 2017. Palgrave Study Skills: Writing for Science Students. Macmillan Education. 978-1-137-57151-9

Margot Northey & Judi Jewinski 2016. Making Sense: A Students guide to Research and Writing Engineering and the Technical Sciences. Oxford University Press. 978-0-19-901025-7

J. R. Meredith 2000. Project Management: A Managerial Approach. John Wiley & Sons. 0471298298

P. W.G. Morris,  J. K. Pinto and J. Söderlund. 2011.  The Oxford Handbook of Project Management. Oxford University Press. 9780199563142.

Web-based and electronic resources:

• ELE
• Royal Academy of Engineering & Engineering Council. Statement of Ethical Principles for the Engineering Profession: https://www.engc.org.uk/media/2334/ethical-statement-2017.pdf
• Royal Academy of Engineering. Engineering Ethics in Practice: a guide for engineers: www.raeng.org.uk/publications/other/engineering-ethics-in-practice-shorter
• Royal Academy of Engineering. Engineering for Sustainable Development: Guiding Principles: https://www.engc.org.uk/engcdocuments/internet/website/Engineering%20for%20Sustainable%20Development,%20Royal%20Academy%20of%20Engineering.pdf

Reading list for this module: