Module Details

Module Code: MATH9001
Title: Research Methods
Long Title: Research Methods
NFQ Level: Expert
Valid From: Semester 1 - 2017/18 ( September 2017 )
Duration: 1 Semester
Credits: 5
Field of Study: 4610 - Mathematics
Module Delivered in: 1 programme(s)
Module Description: This module requires the learner to plan and solve a real-world problem using big data from industry, academia or government, e.g. collecting and processing real data, designing and implementing big data methods and tools, applying and evaluating data techniques to solve a real problem. The learner will undertake a piece of research conducted largely independently with academic supervision and, where appropriate, in collaboration with industry.
 
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this module the learner will be able to:
# Learning Outcome Description
LO1 Propose a research question, develop the research methodology and project a plan for the research project.
LO2 Undertake preliminary experimental/design/analytical/modelling work as appropriate.
LO3 Evaluate critically a number of solutions to the identified problem.
LO4 Communicate effectively the idea and contribution of the proposed research project.
LO5 Select a potential peer-review conference/journal paper for the research work and identify how this work may contribute to furthering knowledge in the specific field.
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).
9098 COMP8042 Analytical and Scientific Prog
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 Skills and Planning Methods
Review research skills including technical writing, research methodology and project planning. Identify a real-world problem using big data and create an appropriate research question. Principles of research and design. Role of hypotheses. Construction and planning of experiments. Plagiarism. Ethics. Intellectual Property. Referencing. Publication Types. Peer Review. Library Catalogue. E-book database and online databases.
Research Principles and Methodologies
Research in a professional context, in support of planning, decision-making and policy analysis; the impact of research. Research principles (eg validity, reliability, generalisability); qualitative and quantitative approaches and rationale (eg empirical, basic, applied, practical and action research).
Reporting of Data Analysis and Management
Data management, cleaning, analysis, interpretation, presentation and preparation.
Thesis Development and Publication
Structure of a Masters Thesis and a peer-reviewed conference/journal. Preparation for conference. Identify an appropriate journal/conference and identify how it may contribute to the wider knowledge in the field.
Module Content & Assessment
Assessment Breakdown%
Coursework100.00%

Assessments

Coursework
Assessment Type Presentation % of Total Mark 30
Timing Week 7 Learning Outcomes 1,2,4
Assessment Description
Communicate the work to be undertaken which includes the research question and a preliminary literature review in oral format.
Assessment Type Written Report % of Total Mark 70
Timing Week 13 Learning Outcomes 1,2,3,4,5
Assessment Description
Submit a report of the research to be undertaken which will include a project brief, work schedule, the analysis and outcomes of preliminary work, overall findings and a project plan for the realisation stage.
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 Lecture delivering theory underpinning learning outcomes Every Week 2.00 2
Lab Contact Practical to develop individual proposal Every Week 1.00 1
Independent & Directed Learning (Non-contact) Non Contact Independent Study/Research 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 Lecture delivering theory underpinning learning outcomes Every Week 2.00 2
Lab Contact Practical to develop individual proposal Every Week 1.00 1
Independent & Directed Learning (Non-contact) Non Contact Independent Study/Research 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
  • Martyn Denscombe. (2014), The Good Research Guide, 5th. Open University Press, McGraw-Hill Education, [ISBN: 9780335264704].
  • Prabhat Pandey, Meenu Mishra Pandey. (2015), Research Methodology: Tools and Techniques,, 1st. Bridge Centre, [ISBN: 9786069350270].
Supplementary Book Resources
  • Steven J. Taylor, Robert Bogdan, Marjorie DeVault. (2016), Introduction to Qualitative Research Methods: A Guidebook and Resource, 4th. Wiley, [ISBN: 9781118767214].
  • James D.Lester. (2014), Writing Research Papers: A Complete Guide, 15th. Pearson, [ISBN: 9780321952950].
This module does not have any article/paper resources
Other Resources
 
Module Delivered in
Programme Code Programme Semester Delivery
CR_SDAAN_9 Master of Science in Data Science & Analytics 2 Mandatory