Module descriptor template: updated Aug 2013

MODULE SPECIFICATION TEMPLATE

MODULE DETAILS

Module title Research Methodology

Module code BE226

Credit value 10

Level Mark the box to the right of the

appropriate level with an ‘X’

Level 4 Level 5 X Level 6 Level 7 Level 8

Level 0 (for modules at foundation level)

Entry criteria for registration on this module

Pre-requisites Specify in terms of module codes or

equivalent

N/A

Co-requisite modules Specify in terms of module codes or

equivalent

N/A

Module delivery

Mode of delivery Taught X Distance Placement Online

Other

Pattern of delivery Weekly X Block Other

When module is delivered Semester 1 Semester 2 X Throughout year

Other

Brief description of module

content and/ or aims Overview (max 80 words)

This module provides experience of a range of activities fundamental for

undertaking a research programme. It introduces the scope of research

undertaken within the department, school and university, and presents the

opportunities for future research.

In particular this module provides the opportunity to develop a research

programme suitable for completion as an Honours Project in the Final

Year.

Module team/ author/

coordinator(s)

ML: Dr Emmanuel ABOAGYE-NIMO

Dr Poorang PIROOZFAR

(BE staff to introduce to the students their research interests and

experience)

School Environment and Technology

Site/ campus where

delivered

Moulsecoomb

Course(s) for which module is appropriate and status on that course

Course Status (mandatory/ compulsory/

optional)

BSc(Hons) Architectural Technology Compulsory

BSc(Hons) Building Surveying Compulsory

BSc(Hons) Construction Management Compulsory

BSc(Hons) Project Management for Construction Compulsory

MODULE AIMS, ASSESSMENT AND SUPPORT

Aims To develop the research skills and techniques required to identify, plan,

Module descriptor template: updated Aug 2013

undertake and report a research programme

Learning outcomes Upon completion of the module the student should be able to:

1. Identify aims and objectives of a research programme;

2. Collect, collate and evaluate literature

3. Collect, collate and analyse data

4. Develop a project outline appropriate for an honours project

Content This module prepares the Built Environment students for undertaking

independent research project for their Honours Project. It will use both

group and individual activities and mini tasks in class to introduce to the

students the techniques, methods and tools they would need to utilise

to carry out their research. It involves techniques for literature search,

critical review of literature, proper academic writing and planning a

research project taking into account all the risks, ethics and

contingencies which are deemed required for a practical/applied

research.

The module will be delivered through lectures supported by additional

reading, and practice materials to help students gain first-hand

experience of what they need to do to conduct their Honours Projects

successfully. Activities and tasks will be introduced to engage the

students and two CWs are designed to encourage both group and

individual research activities and help the students develop their skills

from a collaborative to an independent mode in their research

enquiries.

Learning support Indicative reading list:

Collis, J. and Hussey, R. (2003). Business Research: a practical guide

for undergraduate and postgraduate students, 2nd ed., Basingstoke:

Palgrave Macmillan.

Creswell, J. W. (2014). Research design: qualitative, quantitative, and

mixed methods approaches, 4th ed., Thousand Oaks : SAGE

Publications

Creswell, J. W and Plano Clark, V. L. (2011). Designing and conducting

mixed methods research, 2nd ed., London: SAGE

Fellows, R. and Liu, A. (2008). Research methods for Construction, 3rd

ed., Oxford: Wiley Blackwell

Holt, G. D. (1998). A Guide to Successful Dissertation Study for

Students of the Built Environment, 2nd ed., Wolverhampton: Built

Environment Research Unit, University of Wolverhampton

Kumar, R. (2014). Research Methodology: A Step-by-Step Guide for

Beginners, 4th ed., Los Angeles: Sage Publications

Naoum, S. G. (2013). Dissertation Research and Writing for

Construction Students, 3rd ed., Abingdon: Routledge

Punch, K.F. (2005). Introduction to Social Research: Quantitative and

Qualitative Approaches, London: Sage Publications.

Yin, R. K. (2014). Case study research: design and methods, 5th ed.,

London: SAGE 2014

Teaching and learning activities

Module descriptor template: updated Aug 2013

Details of teaching and

learning activities

This is a single module equivalent to 100 study hours, and will be

delivered through a combination of lectures, and group tutorials (36

hours), and 64 hours group/private study and project work time.

Allocation of study hours (indicative) Where 10 credits = 100 learning hours

Study hours

SCHEDULED

This is an indication of the number of hours students can expect to

spend in scheduled teaching activities including lectures, seminars,

tutorials, project supervision, demonstrations, practical classes and

workshops, supervised time in workshops/ studios, fieldwork, and

external visits.

36

GUIDED INDEPENDENT

STUDY

All students are expected to undertake guided independent study

which includes wider reading/ practice, follow-up work, the

completion of assessment tasks, and revisions.

64

PLACEMENT

The placement is a specific type of learning away from the University.

It includes work-based learning and study that occurs overseas.

TOTAL STUDY HOURS 100

Assessment tasks

Details of assessment on

this module

Coursework 100%:

Assessment 1: Group Research Projects (LO1, LO3)

Assessment 2: Individual Honours Project (HP) Outline in

coordination with HP Supervisors (LO1, LO2 and LO4)

Types of assessment task1 Indicative list of summative assessment tasks which lead to the award of credit or which are required for

progression.

% weighting (or indicate if

component is

pass/fail)

WRITTEN

Written exam

COURSEWORK

Written assignment/ essay, report, dissertation, portfolio, project

output, set exercise 100

PRACTICAL

Oral assessment and presentation, practical skills assessment, set

exercise

EXAMINATION INFORMATION

Area examination board Built Environment & Civil Engineering Area Examination Board

Refer to Faculty Office for guidance in completing the following sections

External examiners

Name Position and institution Date appointed Date tenure

ends

Mr Kenneth Boston University of Ulster 01/10/2013 30/09/2017

1 Set exercises, which assess the application of knowledge or analytical, problem-solving or evaluative skills, are included

under the type of assessment most appropriate to the particular task.

Module descriptor template: updated Aug 2013

QUALITY ASSURANCE

Date of first approval Only complete where this is not the

first version

1994

Date of last revision Only complete where this is not the

first version

October 2015

Date of approval for this

version

Q&S editorial changes April 2016

Version number 12

Modules replaced Specify codes of modules for which

this is a replacement

N/A

Available as free-standing module? Yes No X