CSMRS16NU-Research Studies

Module Provider: School of Mathematical, Physical and Computational Sciences
Number of credits: 10 [5 ECTS credits]
Level:7
Semesters in which taught: Semester 1 module
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded:
Current from: 2023/4

Module Convenor: Dr Lily Sun
Email: lily.sun@reading.ac.uk

NUIST Module Lead: Guangzhu Peng
Email: gz.peng@nuist.edu.cn

Type of module:

Summary module description:

This module covers key concepts, methods and techniques that are required in the process of a research project from the formulation of research problems to devise and validate outcomes.

Aims:

This module aims to enable students to understand and appreciate the different methods of scientific investigation and data analysis, including the selection and justification of qualitative and quantitative methods in research projects. Students should be able to employ appropriate methods to interpret and critically appraise research findings with respect to designing the research process, carrying out data analysis, devising solutions, validating outcomes, and evaluating research processes. 

Assessable learning outcomes:

At the end of the module the student should demonstrate the abilities of:

• understanding of methods and techniques employed in research;


• comparing and critically evaluating research materials from a wide range of literature sources;


• selecting and justifying suitable methods (e.g. qualitative and quantitative methods) for the analysis of materials;


• applying suitable approaches to data collection, research design and validation of scientific results;


• considering and addressing ethical and professional issues;

Additional outcomes:

Critical thinking, creative problem solving, professional writing, and argumentation skills.

Outline content:

• Structure and plan a research project


• Choose research methods


• Formulate research questions/hypothesis


• Carry out literature review and reporting findings and critiques


• Collect and analyse qualitative and quantitative data in order to draw sound conclusions


• Address ethical issues involved in research


• Adopt mixed methods for design research (including methodology, experiment, result validation and verification)


• presentation and report writing

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:

The module comprises lectures and seminar sessions. There is a major piece of coursework that enable students to demonstrate their understanding of the research methods, and application of the research methodology.

Contact hours:

	Semester 1	Semester 2
Lectures	10
Seminars	10
Guided independent study:
Wider reading (independent)	20
Wider reading (directed)	20
Preparation for tutorials	10
Carry-out research project	10
Essay preparation	10
Reflection	10
Total hours by term	100	0
Total hours for module	100

Summative Assessment Methods:

Method	Percentage
Written assignment including essay	100

Summative assessment- Examinations:

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:

The coursework consists of two pieces of written assignment:

1. Literature review in relation to a chosen problem domain (40%)


2. A research project proposal in relation to a chosen problem domain (60%)

Formative assessment methods:

Formative feedback will be provided during the seminar sessions.

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:

Resubmission of the coursework.

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: 5 May 2023