CE3BED-BEng research method-Dissertation

Module Provider: School of Construction Management and Engineering, School of Built Environment
Number of credits: 40 [20 ECTS credits]
Level:6
Terms in which taught: Autumn / Spring term module
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded:
Current from: 2023/4

Module Convenor: Dr Michael Peters
Email: m.d.peters@reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:

This module is designed to further develop the knowledge and skills acquired throughout the programme and enhance their research skills to solve and engineering problem or answer research questions. The dissertation provides students with an opportunity to conduct an intensive investigation into one research topic and to present their findings in a formal manner in accordance with academic conventions and the requirements of the subject. In addition, this module enables students to develop advanced skills in written communication through the production of a written dissertation.

Aims:

This module aims to develop a range of key skills required to conduct a research project and answer a research question or solve an engineering problem.

Assessable learning outcomes:

On successful completion of this module the student should be able to:

• Define achievable and relevant aims, objectives and research questions,


• Conduct a critical literature review and refine the research questions and adequately record and acknowledge sources,


• Collect (secondary or primary) data relevant to the research question, whether through library research, observation and experiments, laboratory work, interviews or surveys,


• Outline the ethical issues associated with research and explain how these issues are addressed,


• Select an appropriate data analysis technique, either quantitative or qualitative or a mixed method with justifications,


• Present the outcomes of research in tables, figures, drawings and graphs and explain them within the text,


• Develop conclusions and recommendations for future work,


• Present the study well, using language that is well-considered, grammatically correct, fluent or succinct; with the work structured, with headings, sub-headings and paragraphs and a clear summary,


• Identify the health and safety issues associated with research and explain how these issues are addressed throughout the research process. 

Additional outcomes:

• To conduct an in-depth study of on a research topic under the supervision of a supervisor,


• To build personal self-confidence for students by applying the theory and concepts learnt in the taught modules in a research project,


• To plan a research project and manage time.

Outline content:

• Planning your dissertation


• Clarification of research question, aims and objectives


• Conducting a critical literature review


• Developing a research methodology


• Conducting data collection and carrying out data analysis


• Presenting the results of data analysis and discussing the findings


• Developing a conclusion


• Addressing the limitation of the research


• Highlighting the future work


• The course is supportive of student-led hands on learning through research. The main point of contact, guidance and support throughout is the dissertation supervisor. There are a small number of taught elements that cover research skills; advanced library skills and guidance/trouble-shooting on the dissertation process.


• Dissertation surgery (which is available throughout the Autumn term and during the Spring term up to the submission deadline). Students can book a 15 minute appointment with the convenor to discuss any aspect of their progress and future direction..

Global context:

The skills and knowledge that students will acquire from this module have global applications.

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:

Teaching in this module will be by means of lectures and supervisions. These sessions will be complemented by guided independent study.

Independent study hours needed depend on the learning style of each individual. The following guide for independent study hours is just an example.

• Hands-on learning through individual study.


• Supervision by dissertation supervisor either individually or in a small group to check progress on and guide individual study. Generic help for hands-on learning is also made available through the course, with:
  
  
  
  • Handbook to guide students and their supervisors in preparation of the dissertation: this includes details of supervisor research interests, templates for data collection and details of dissertation binding etc.
  
  
  • A revision lecture at the start of the Autumn term – to include a reminder of research skills, project-managing a research projec t, structuring a dissertation and highlighting the importance of time management and planning. An emphasis on the importance of making progress steadily throughout the Autumn and Spring terms;
  
  
  • A Q&A panel session seminar during the Autumn term where students can consult a panel of experienced colleagues on key aspects of dissertation techniques and approaches;
  
  
  • A writing up seminar in the Spring term focusing in particular on approaches to structuring the Res ults, Discussion and Conclusion chapters; 
  
  
  • One small group advanced library skills seminar. Led by a member of the library, this covers advanced literature search techniques (optional, max 20 students per seminar - students use sign-up sheet to join);
  
  
  • As noted earlier there is a ‘rolling’ dissertation surgery where students can book a 15 minute appointment with the module convenor at any point during the Autumn and Spring term to discuss particu lar aspects of their own dissertation. Blackboard notes on research skills and dissertation preparation are available to students. Further library and statistical support is also available to individual students as required.
  
  
  
  

 

Contact hours:

	Autumn	Spring	Summer
Lectures	1
Seminars	1	1
Project Supervision	4	4
Guided independent study:
Wider reading (independent)	53	44
Wider reading (directed)	10	10
Peer assisted learning	3	3
Advance preparation for classes	2	2
Carry-out research project	110	90
Dissertation writing	20	30
Reflection	6	6
Total hours by term	210	190	0
Total hours for module	400

Summative Assessment Methods:

Method	Percentage
Set exercise	100

Summative assessment- Examinations:

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:

One dissertation of 10,000 - 15,000 words, to be submitted online.

Formative assessment methods:

Students will receive formative feedbacks on their research outputs from their supervisors throughout the supervisory process.

Penalties for late submission:

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 40%

Reassessment arrangements:

Students who have failed in their first attempt will be provided with an opportunity to Re-submit their dissertation.

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: 30 March 2023