CEM10A-Research skills

Module Provider: School of Construction Management and Engineering, School of Built Environment
Number of credits: 20 [10 ECTS credits]
Level:7
Terms in which taught: Autumn term module
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded: CEM18A Engineering Research and Dissertation CEM19A Energy Research Skills
Current from: 2022/3

Module Convenor: Prof Libby Schweber
Email: l.schweber@reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:

Students are provided with research skills lectures and workshops to support their dissertation research and writing on a topic of their choice.

Aims:

The aim is equip students with the necessary understanding, knowledge and skills to formulate research problems, develop and apply appropriate investigative approaches, interpret data and present findings. The knowledge and skills developed will provide broad-based support for students to engage in reflexive scholarship in all of their taught modules. This module has a specific emphasis on preparing students to prepare a research proposal for their dissertation.

Assessable learning outcomes:

By the end of the module, it is expected that the student will be able to demonstrate ability in the following areas:

• Identify a suitable topic for academic research and formulate appropriate and rigorous research questions, aims and objectives for that topic.


• Plan and conduct a search for literature relevant to the research question; evaluate and critically review that literature


• Avoid plagiarism in their writing.


• Develop a research strategy, using an appropriate sample set, source of data and analysis approach for investigating their research question.


• Acquire the relevant knowledge, awareness and appreciation of ethical issues and ensure their own research is ethical.


• Develop a dissertation proposal.


• Plan a project.


• Assemble a body of information on a particular topic.


• Develop editorial skills in the organisation and synthesis relevant material.


• Design and develop appropriate data collection and analysis strategies.


• Undertake analysis and evaluation of data.

Additional outcomes:

On completion of this module students will have had the opportunity to develop:

• Transferable skills in interpersonal communication, written communication, critical thinking, problem solving and time management.


• Competence in written and verbal communication through the preparation of assignments.


• Practical training in time management and independent learning.

Outline content:

The module is designed to develop understanding and knowledge through a structured and developmental series of topics:

• Research philosophy


• Research design and research ethics


• Critical literature review and research positioning


• Specific research methods


• Dissertation

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:

Lectures, practical exercises and group work.

Contact hours:

	Autumn	Spring	Summer
Lectures	8
Practicals classes and workshops	18
Guided independent study:	174
Total hours by term		0	0
Total hours for module	200

Summative Assessment Methods:

Method	Percentage
Written assignment including essay	70
Project output other than dissertation	15
Set exercise	15

Summative assessment- Examinations:

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:

 

One on-line test - submission date: TTWk 20

One group project report - approximately 2,000 words; submission date: TT Wk 10

One dissertation research proposal - approximately  4000 words; submission date: - TT Wk 20 (Full time) & TT Wk42 (Flexible modular)

Formative assessment methods:

Penalties for late submission:

The below information applies to students on taught programmes except those on Postgraduate Flexible programmes. Penalties for late submission, and the associated procedures, which apply to Postgraduate Flexible programmes are specified in the policy £Penalties for late submission for Postgraduate Flexible programmes£, which can be found here: https://www.reading.ac.uk/cqsd/-/media/project/functions/cqsd/documents/cqsd-old-site-documents/penaltiesforlatesubmissionpgflexible.pdf
The Support Centres will apply the following penalties for work submitted late:

• where the piece of work is submitted after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): 10% of the total marks available for that piece of work will be deducted from the mark for each working day (or part thereof) following the deadline up to a total of five working days;
• where the piece of work is submitted more than five working days after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): a mark of zero will be recorded.

The University policy statement on penalties for late submission can be found at: https://www.reading.ac.uk/cqsd/-/media/project/functions/cqsd/documents/cqsd-old-site-documents/penaltiesforlatesubmission.pdf
You are strongly advised to ensure that coursework is submitted by the relevant deadline. You should note that it is advisable to submit work in an unfinished state rather than to fail to submit any work.

Assessment requirements for a pass:

A mark of 50% overall

Reassessment arrangements:

One piece of course work (worth 100%). . Students are required to contact the School to confirm reassessment arrangements.

Additional Costs (specified where applicable):

1) Required text books:  

2) Specialist equipment or materials:  

3) Specialist clothing, footwear or headgear:  

4) Printing and binding:  

5) Computers and devices with a particular specification:  

6) Travel, accommodation and subsistence:  

Last updated: 22 September 2022