Module Details

Module Code: BULD8001
Title: Construction Research Develop.
Long Title: Construction Research Development
NFQ Level: Advanced
Valid From: Semester 1 - 2022/23 ( September 2022 )
Duration: 1 Semester
Credits: 5
Field of Study: 5821 - Building Science
Module Delivered in: 2 programme(s)
Module Description: This module provides students of construction with guidance on research methods and the research process. Students will develop a literature review.
 
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this module the learner will be able to:
# Learning Outcome Description
LO1 Identify construction related research problems.
LO2 Evaluate the relevant arguments associated with the research problem.
LO3 Prepare a research plan for the research material.
LO4 Compile and produce a critical literature review.
LO5 Communicate project outcomes to peers and staff in written/verbal format
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
Meaning of Research.
Scientific study, critical investigation, systematic inquiry.
Selecting a Dissertation Topic.
Realistic topic, specific and narrow, accessibility of information, work plan.
Literature review.
Rationale, sources of information, analysing/reviewing an article, plagiarism.
Introduction to research methodologies.
Theoretical frameworks, outline of research methodologies.
Dissertation literature review
Preparation of a dissertation literature review document including working title, draft introduction chapter including purpose/aim/objectives/hypothesis, literature review chapters, references.
Module Content & Assessment
Assessment Breakdown%
Coursework100.00%

Assessments

Coursework
Assessment Type Written Report % of Total Mark 5
Timing Week 1 Learning Outcomes 1
Assessment Description
Submission of dissertation working title and brief explanation.
Assessment Type Written Report % of Total Mark 10
Timing Week 4 Learning Outcomes 1,2
Assessment Description
Report on research rationale/justification/hypothesis/aims/objectives, outline of chapters, work plan.
Assessment Type Essay % of Total Mark 10
Timing Week 8 Learning Outcomes 2,3
Assessment Description
Essay on research to include a critical review of three (minimum) relevant academic journal papers.
Assessment Type Oral Examination/Interview % of Total Mark 5
Timing Week 12 Learning Outcomes 1,2,3,4,5
Assessment Description
Attend an interview for an oral examination on the literature review.
Assessment Type Written Report % of Total Mark 70
Timing Week 12 Learning Outcomes 1,2,3,4
Assessment Description
Dissertation literature review including working title, draft introduction chapter containing purpose/aims/objectives/hypothesis, literature review chapters and references.
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 Theory on course topics and worked examples. Every Week 1.00 1
Tutorial Contact One to one review of course topics and worked examples by assigned supervisor Every Week 0.50 0.5
Independent & Directed Learning (Non-contact) Non Contact Review of lecture notes and recommended material and preparation of worked examples for tutorial supervisory sessions Every Week 5.50 5.5
Total Hours 7.00
Total Weekly Learner Workload 7.00
Total Weekly Contact Hours 1.50
Workload: Part Time
Workload Type Contact Type Workload Description Frequency Average Weekly Learner Workload Hours
Lecture Contact Theory on course topics and worked examples. Every Week 1.00 1
Tutorial Contact One to one review of course topics and worked examples by assigned supervisor Every Week 0.50 0.5
Independent & Directed Learning (Non-contact) Non Contact Review of lecture notes and recommended material and preparation of worked examples for tutorial supervisory sessions Every Week 5.50 5.5
Total Hours 7.00
Total Weekly Learner Workload 7.00
Total Weekly Contact Hours 1.50
 
Module Resources
Recommended Book Resources
  • Naoum, S.G. (2019), Dissertation Research and Writing for Construction Studies, 4th. Routledge, [ISBN: 9780815384632].
  • Richard F. Fellows and Anita M. M. Liu,. (2015), Research Methods for Construction, 4th. Wiley, [ISBN: 9781118915745].
Supplementary Book Resources
  • P. Farrell. (2016), Writing a Built Environment Dissertation: Practical Guidance and Examples, 2nd. Wiley-Blackwell, [ISBN: 9781118921920].
  • John Gill and Phil Johnson. (2010), Research Methods for Managers, 4th. Sage Publications, [ISBN: 9781847870933].
This module does not have any article/paper resources
Other Resources
  • CIT- Booklet, Department of Construction. Dissertation Support Document..
 
Module Delivered in
Programme Code Programme Semester Delivery
CR_CCNMG_8 Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Construction Management 7 Mandatory
CR_CQTSU_8 Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Quantity Surveying 7 Mandatory