New Module Form
Essential Information Required for
Module Manager
ACADEMIC YEAR ___________
Module Detail
Title Research Methods for Engineers
(maximum 50 characters)
Description
The aim of this course is to equip candidates with skills to conduct autonomous
research in a rigorous an dsciplined manner. It is essential for the effective
generation, collection, analysis and interpretation of scientific knowledge. The primary
assessment is through three assignments (two written research assignments and one
oral presentation).
(brief description of the content of the module between 75 – 150 words)
*Note Field to indicate taught through Irish/English/Erasmus
English
Course Instances (s)
ME Civil, Energy, Electrical & Electronic,
mechanical, biomedical, Computer
science & IT
1SPE, 2SPE, 3SPE, 4SPE
1SPD, 2SPD, 3SPD, 4SPD
Module version number and date approved
xx/xx/2012
*
xx/xx/2012
xx/xx/2012
Date Retired
Module Owner / Lecturer
Module Administrator Details
Dr. Kathryn Cormican
Jane Bowman
Please specify main contact person(s) for exam related queries and contact number /email
Module Code
(
Office use only)
Module Type
ECTS
Core= Student must take the module
Optional = Choice for Student
Multiple of 5 ects
5 ects
Optional for
Core for
Course Requirement
(i.e. where a module has to be passed at 40%)
Semester Taught
Semester Examined
Semester 1
Requisite(s)
Semester 1
Co-Req.
Modules 
If they take module X they must take
module Y
Pre-Req
Modules 
The student must have taken and
passed a module in previous year
Excl.Req.
Modules 
If they take module X they CANNOT
take module Y
Module Assessment
Assessment Type
Exam Session
Duration
1st Sitting
Continuous Assessment
Semester 1
Not Applicable
2nd Sitting
Bonded Modules
Shared Material Bond
ME520
(modules which are to be
examined at the same date and
time)
Draft Created by Syllabus Team as part of Academic Simplification 2012/2013
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PART B
Workload:
ECTS credits represent the student workload for the programme of study, i.e. the total time
the student spends engaged in learning activities. This includes formal teaching, homework,
self-directed study and assessment.
Modules are assigned credits that are whole number multiples of 5.
One credit is equivalent to 20-25 hours of work. An undergraduate year’s work of 60 credits is
equivalent to 1200 to 1500 hours or 40 to 50 hours of work per week for two 15 week
semesters (12 weeks of teaching, 3 weeks study and formal examinations).
Module Schedule
No. of Lectures Hours 24
No. of Tutorials Hours
No. of Labs Hours
Recommended No. of self study
hours 80
Other educational activities(Describe)
and hours allocated
Lecture Duration
Tutorial Duration
Lab Duration
Placement(s) hours
2 hours
Communication (oral and writing) skills
workshop 8 hours
*Total range of hours to be automatically totalled (min amount to be hit)
Module Learning Outcomes
(CAN BE EXPANDED)
On successful completion of this module the learner should be able to:
1Understand the research process, methods and tools
2Write up a scientific research proposal
3Undertake a literature search
4Use bibliographic software, e.g. Endnote
5Generate a conceptual model
6Collect data in a scientific manner
7Analyse data and evidence
8Be familiar with appropriate sampling methods, measures and power
9Be familiar with the concepts of scientific reliability and validity
10Synthesise, present and report research findings in an acceptable manner
Module Learning, Coursework and Assessment
Learning Outcomes at module level should be capable of being assessed. Please indicate assessment methods and the outcomes they will assess
Assessment type,
eg. End of year exam, group project
Continuous Assessment
Continuous Assessment
Continuous Assessment
Outcomes
assessed
% weighting
1; 3; 4; 10
40
1; 2; 8; 10
20
1; 2; 3; 4; 5; 6; 7;
8; 9; 10
40
Indicative Content (Marketing Description and content)
Understand the research process; Define the problem; Use database systems; Use
Endnote for referencing; Critical thinking and argument mapping; Write a systematic
literature review; Understand academic integrity and use Turnitin; Determine an
appropriate research method; Generate a conceptual model; Collect research data
(design for experiments; sampling methods; measures and power); Structure and
analyse findings; Test for reliability and validity; Communications workshop
(academic writing and presentation skills)
Draft Created by Syllabus Team as part of Academic Simplification 2012/2013
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Module Resources
Suggested Reading Lists
Library
Physical (e.g. AV’s)
J. P.Holman (2001) Experimental Methods for
Engineers, 7th edition, NY
Figliola, R. S., Beasley, D.E. (2006) Theory and Design
for Mechanical Measurements 4th ed., John Wiley &
Sons, Inc., Hoboken
Flick, U. (2007) The Sage Qualitative Research Kit.
London: Sage.
Fowler, F. (2009) Survey Research Methods. Thousand
Oaks: Sage Publications.Yin, R.K. (2003) Case Study
Research: Design and Methods. Thousand Oaks: Sage
Publications
Stringer, E.T. (2007) Action Research. Thousand Oaks:
Sage Publications
Journal
Leydens, J. A., B. M. Moskal, et al. (2004). "Qualitative
methods used in the assessment of engineering
education." Journal of Engineering Education 93(1): 65
- 72.
IT (e.g. software + version)
Admin
Endnote; SPSSX; NVivo
FOR COLLEGE USE ONLY
Student Quota
Quota
(where applicable only)
(identify number per module where applicable only)
Module:
Number:
Discipline involved in Teaching
Share of FTE
*(drop down for disciplines within school)
*(% out of 1)
RGAM
NB:
Notes on some fields are for the technical side when considering which
software company to use.
Draft Created by Syllabus Team as part of Academic Simplification 2012/2013
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