Module Details

Module Code: PHYS7018
Title: Methodological Research
Long Title: Methodological Research
NFQ Level: Intermediate
Valid From: Semester 1 - 2019/20 ( September 2019 )
Duration: 1 Semester
Credits: 5
Field of Study: 4411 - Physics
Module Delivered in: 2 programme(s)
Module Description: The aim of this module is to provide the learner with research and advanced presentation skills in preparation for placement and project work. The learner will develop skills to enable them to define a research topic, gather and analyse data and present the data in oral and written format
 
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this module the learner will be able to:
# Learning Outcome Description
LO1 formulate a research question or technical review topic
LO2 apply research and data gathering methods for the purpose of reporting
LO3 determine the appropriateness of research methodologies for different technical and research questions
LO4 prepare and present a written report of appropriate conclusions from an analysis of quantitative and qualitative data
LO5 reference and acknowledge all sources and contributions
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
Presentation Concepts
Explain course specific topic with a level of complexity to suit different clients
Research types and methods
Questionnaire development. Interview techniques. Focus groups. Primary and secondary sources. Case studies. Sample sizes. Validity and reliability of data. Online databases. Computer generated questionnaires.
Analysing and Interpreting Information
Evaluation Methods. Qualitative and quantitative data analysis. Hypothesis generation and testing. Developing a methodology for analysis.
Ethics in research
Academic honesty, informed consent, acknowledgement of sources.
Module Content & Assessment
Assessment Breakdown%
Coursework100.00%

Assessments

Coursework
Assessment Type Presentation % of Total Mark 25
Timing Week 4 Learning Outcomes 1,5
Assessment Description
Overview presentation on a research topic
Assessment Type Practical/Skills Evaluation % of Total Mark 30
Timing Every Week Learning Outcomes 2,3,4,5
Assessment Description
Lab sessions on research practice methods
Assessment Type Presentation % of Total Mark 15
Timing Week 12 Learning Outcomes 4,5
Assessment Description
Oral presentation on research findings and Conclusions
Assessment Type Written Report % of Total Mark 30
Timing Week 12 Learning Outcomes 1,2,3,4,5
Assessment Description
Written report submission on research findings
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 Research Methods Every Week 2.00 2
Lab Contact Computer Aided Research Every Week 1.00 1
Independent & Directed Learning (Non-contact) Non Contact Research Exercises Every Week 4.00 4
Total Hours 7.00
Total Weekly Learner Workload 7.00
Total Weekly Contact Hours 3.00
Workload: Part Time
Workload Type Contact Type Workload Description Frequency Average Weekly Learner Workload Hours
Lecture Contact Research Methods Every Week 2.00 2
Lab Contact Computer Aided Research Every Week 1.00 1
Independent & Directed Learning (Non-contact) Non Contact Research Exercises Every Week 4.00 4
Total Hours 7.00
Total Weekly Learner Workload 7.00
Total Weekly Contact Hours 3.00
 
Module Resources
Recommended Book Resources
  • Loraine Blaxter, Christina Hughes and Malcolm Tight. (2006), How to research, 3rd. Open University Press, Milton Keynes, [ISBN: 9780335217465].
  • John W. Creswell,. (2008), Research Design, 3rd. SAGE Publications Inc., [ISBN: 9781412965576].
  • Vilnius Gediminas Technical University. (2011), Environmental Reporting of Industrial and Supply Chain Business Processes within the Context of Sustainable Development, Verslas: teorija ir praktika, [ISBN: 1648-0627].
Supplementary Book Resources
  • Laurie Rozakis. (2007), Schaum's quick guide to writing great research papers, 2nd. McGraw-Hill, New York, [ISBN: 9780071488488].
This module does not have any article/paper resources
Other Resources
 
Module Delivered in
Programme Code Programme Semester Delivery
CR_SESST_8 Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Environmental Science and Sustainable Technology 6 Mandatory
CR_SPHYS_7 Bachelor of Science in Applied Physics and Instrumentation 6 Elective