Study information

Research Methodology - 2024 entry

MODULE TITLEResearch Methodology CREDIT VALUE15
MODULE CODEECMM410 MODULE CONVENERProf Ken Evans (Coordinator)
DURATION: TERM 1 2 3
DURATION: WEEKS 11
Number of Students Taking Module (anticipated) 41
DESCRIPTION - summary of the module content

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

As well as delivering summaries of papers, you and your fellow students will prepare and run two conferences in which each student will talk about a scientific topic of their choice for 10 minutes. There is also a creative element, and you will be required to design a poster using papers from the literature.

This module is appropriate for you if you have a background in a numerate subject and some experience of programming in a 
recognised modern computer language.

PGR students have to register for this module via the online Taught Module Request form

 

 

AIMS - intentions of the module

The aim of the module is to introduce you to some of the soft skills you need to carry out research, such as communication, literature review and critical thinking. Because of the mix of different subjects, it is not possible to cover hard skills such as statistical analysis, because individual students will have a different baseline and have varying 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 critically appraise published research results;   (M4)
2 demonstrate improved soft skills required for research. (M4)
 
Discipline Specific Skills and Knowledge:
3 assess research in mathematics, computer science and engineering. (M4)
 
Personal and Key Transferable / Employment Skills and Knowledge:
4 read, appraise and present research results critically. (M17)
 
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 Guided Independent Study 128 Placement / Study Abroad
DETAILS OF LEARNING ACTIVITIES AND TEACHING METHODS
Category Hours of study time Description
Scheduled learning and 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
Not applicable      
       
       
       
       

 

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
         
Coursework – peer review of paper 30 2 pages A4 All; M4,M17 Written
Coursework - review of literature 60 6 pages A4 1-3; M4 Written
Presentation 10 5 to 6 minutes All; M4, M17 Oral
         

 

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

Coursework – peer review of paper

 Coursework – peer review of paper

 All; M4, M17

Referral/Deferral period

Coursework - review of literature

Coursework - review of literature

1-3; M4

Referral/Deferral period

Presentation

Presentation

 All; M4, M17

August Ref/Def period

 

RE-ASSESSMENT NOTES

Reassessment will be by coursework in the failed or deferred element only. For referred candidates, the module mark will be capped at 50%. For deferred candidates, the module mark will be uncapped.

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

 

 

 

 

Reading list for this module:

Type Author Title Edition Publisher Year ISBN
Set Bryman, A. and Bell, E. Business Research Methods Oxford University Press 2011 978-0199284986
Set Alley, M. The Craft of Scientific Writing 3rd Springer 2009
Extended Creswell, J.W. Research Design: Qualitative, Quantative and Mixed Methods Approaches Sage Publications 2009 978-0761924425
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
Extended Swetnam, D. Writing your Dissertation How To Books Ltd. 2000 978-1857036626
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
CREDIT VALUE 15 ECTS VALUE 7.5
PRE-REQUISITE MODULES None
CO-REQUISITE MODULES None
NQF LEVEL (FHEQ) 7 AVAILABLE AS DISTANCE LEARNING No
ORIGIN DATE Tuesday 10th July 2018 LAST REVISION DATE Thursday 16th May 2024
KEY WORDS SEARCH Research skills; scientific research; critical assessment; literature review.

Please note that all modules are subject to change, please get in touch if you have any questions about this module.