Module Details

Module Code: INTR9006
Title: Engineering Research Skills
Long Title: Engineering Research Skills
NFQ Level: Expert
Valid From: Semester 1 - 2019/20 ( September 2019 )
Duration: 1 Semester
Credits: 5
Field of Study: 5213 - Interdisciplinary Engineering
Module Delivered in: 4 programme(s)
Module Description: The learner develops a project brief from a broad area of engineering research, identifying areas where further research is required. The project brief is to include development of aims and objectives for the research project. The learner will develop engineering specific research skills including design of experiments. The learner will also be introduced to a range of advanced problem solving techniques.
 
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this module the learner will be able to:
# Learning Outcome Description
LO1 Develop a project brief with aims and objectives in an identified area where further research is required.
LO2 Design experiments, analyse experimental data, validate results, and present the findings.
LO3 Apply problem solving techniques such as risk assessment and decision analysis to engineering problems.
LO4 Apply advanced data analysis techniques to datasets in an engineering context.
Dependencies
Module Recommendations

This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is strongly recommended before enrolment in this module. You may enrol in this module if you have not acquired the recommended learning but you will have considerable difficulty in passing (i.e. achieving the learning outcomes of) the module. While the prior learning is expressed as named MTU module(s) it also allows for learning (in another module or modules) which is equivalent to the learning specified in the named module(s).
Incompatible Modules
These are modules which have learning outcomes that are too similar to the learning outcomes of this module. You may not earn additional credit for the same learning and therefore you may not enrol in this module if you have successfully completed any modules in the incompatible list.
No incompatible modules listed
Co-requisite Modules
No Co-requisite modules listed
Requirements

This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is mandatory before enrolment in this module is allowed. You may not enrol on this module if you have not acquired the learning specified in this section.
No requirements listed
 
Indicative Content
Research Methods
Engineering research methods; literature review, project planning and management, research methodology, written and oral communications, plagiarism, research ethics, project brief (aims and objectives), intellectual property and technology transfer in research.
Project Brief
Identify areas where further research is required. Outline project aims and objectives and present a work schedule demonstrating how these aims/objectives will be achieved. The work schedule should be achievable and demonstrate the scope, feasibility, technical complexity and appropriateness of the proposed work.
Design of Experiments
Introduction to structured approaches to the design of experiments, including data analysis, validation of results and error analysis. Develop an experimental design plan to critically evaluate the number and range of required experiments.
Problem Solving Techniques
Problem solving techniques for engineering including statistical approaches to risk assessment (logic frequency, statistical models, judgement and Bayes Theorem) and decision analysis (primitive models and drawback, decision trees).
Data Analysis Techniques
Data mining for the extraction of consistent patterns and/or systematic relationships between variables from large datasets. Application of techniques such as genetic algorithms, regression analysis, and clustering to engineering problems.
Module Content & Assessment
Assessment Breakdown%
Coursework100.00%

Assessments

Coursework
Assessment Type Project % of Total Mark 25
Timing Week 9 Learning Outcomes 3
Assessment Description
Apply risk assessment and decision analysis techniques to an engineering problem
Assessment Type Written Report % of Total Mark 25
Timing Week 12 Learning Outcomes 1
Assessment Description
Develop a project brief complete with aims and objects
Assessment Type Project % of Total Mark 50
Timing Week 13 Learning Outcomes 2,4
Assessment Description
Apply data analysis techniques to an engineering problem; design an experiment and conduct related analysis for an engineering research proposal.
No End of Module Formal Examination
Reassessment Requirement
Coursework Only
This module is reassessed solely on the basis of re-submitted coursework. There is no repeat written examination.

The University reserves the right to alter the nature and timings of assessment

 

Module Workload

Workload: Full Time
Workload Type Contact Type Workload Description Frequency Average Weekly Learner Workload Hours
Lecture Contact Delivery of engineering research skills Every Week 1.50 1.5
Lecture Contact Preparation of project brief Every Week 0.50 0.5
Independent Learning Non Contact Application of research skills Every Week 5.00 5
Total Hours 7.00
Total Weekly Learner Workload 7.00
Total Weekly Contact Hours 2.00
Workload: Part Time
Workload Type Contact Type Workload Description Frequency Average Weekly Learner Workload Hours
Lecture Contact Delivery of engineering research skills Every Week 1.50 1.5
Lecturer-Supervised Learning (Contact) Contact Preparation of project brief Every Week 0.50 0.5
Independent Learning Non Contact Application of research skills Every Week 5.00 5
Total Hours 7.00
Total Weekly Learner Workload 7.00
Total Weekly Contact Hours 2.00
 
Module Resources
Recommended Book Resources
  • Tony Greenfield and Sue Greener. (2016), Research Methods for Postgraduates, 3rd. John Wiley & Sons, [ISBN: 9781118341469].
  • Peter Levin. (2011), Excellent Dissertations, Student Friendly Guidelines, 2nd. Open University Press, [ISBN: 9780335238637].
  • Gina Wisker. (2008), The postgraduate research handbook, 2nd. Palgrave, London, [ISBN: 9780230521308].
  • John A. Sharp, John Peters, Keith Howard, and John Peters. (2002), The Management of a Student Research Project, 3rd. [ISBN: 978075468548].
Supplementary Book Resources
  • Edited by Andrew Knight, Les Ruddock. (2009), Advanced research methods in the built environment, Wiley Blackwell, [ISBN: 9781444309515].
  • Robert K. Yin. (2014), Case study research: design and methods, 5th. [ISBN: 9781452242569].
This module does not have any article/paper resources
Other Resources
 
Module Delivered in
Programme Code Programme Semester Delivery
CR_ECHBI_9 Master of Engineering in Chemical and Biopharmaceutical Engineering 1 Mandatory
CR_CCEEE_9 Master of Engineering in Civil Engineering (Environment and Energy) 9 Mandatory
CR_EMENG_9 Master of Engineering in Mechanical Engineering 1 Group Elective 1
CR_CSTEN_9 Master of Engineering in Structural Engineering 9 Mandatory