Module Details

Module Code: ARCH8030
Title: Research Project Design
Long Title: Research Project Design
NFQ Level: Advanced
Valid From: Semester 1 - 2021/22 ( September 2021 )
Duration: 1 Semester
Credits: 5
Field of Study: 5810 - Architecture & Urban Environment
Module Delivered in: 2 programme(s)
Module Description: The learner identifies a discipline specific research area through a review of the literature and using the medium of an academic paper, they explore the pre-interactive elements of topic justification, proposed methodological framework, thematic chapter concentrations and preliminary application.
 
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this module the learner will be able to:
# Learning Outcome Description
LO1 Review the literature of the chosen discipline specific research area.
LO2 Formulate a research proposal
LO3 Design a methodological framework to facilitate research.
LO4 Formulate a strategy to guide research project.
LO5 Present preliminary research findings in a position paper 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).
Not applicable
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.
Not applicable
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.
Not applicable
 
Indicative Content
Research Project Selection & Design
Selecting a topic. Review of existing knowledge. Devising conceptual framework. Deciding the research statement, research question and research hypothesis. Listing information needs. Deciding research strategy. Theory of conducting research and reporting findings.
Research Techniques
Appreciating the use and application of different techniques. Literature review. Document analysis. Survey schedules. Unstructured interview schedules. Structured interview schedules. Questionnaire forms. Observation. Methodological triangulation. Probability sampling. Non-probability sampling. Humanistic data analysis. Scientific data analysis. Statistical methods.
Data Sources
Official publications. Published works. Internet. Library sources. Journals. Newspapers. E-Library. Archival resources. Private resources. Data bases. Audio visual.
Module Content & Assessment
Assessment Breakdown%
Coursework100.00%

Assessments

Coursework
Assessment Type Oral Examination/Interview % of Total Mark 5
Timing Week 1 Learning Outcomes 1,2,3
Assessment Description
A brief powerpoint presentation outlining a preliminary research proposal
Assessment Type Written Report % of Total Mark 35
Timing Week 6 Learning Outcomes 1,2
Assessment Description
A review of the seminal and supporting literature on the thematic concentrations of the research project.
Assessment Type Project % of Total Mark 60
Timing Sem End Learning Outcomes 1,2,3,4,5
Assessment Description
An argument exploring the background to and justification for research topic, methodological framework, chapter thematic concentrations and outline proposal for case study / process evaluation strategy.
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 Theory Every Week 1.00 1
Tutorial Contact Research Tutorial Every Week 1.00 1
Lecturer-Supervised Learning (Contact) Contact Research Supervision Every Week 0.50 0.5
Independent & Directed Learning (Non-contact) Non Contact Self Study Every Week 4.50 4.5
Total Hours 7.00
Total Weekly Learner Workload 7.00
Total Weekly Contact Hours 2.50
Workload: Part Time
Workload Type Contact Type Workload Description Frequency Average Weekly Learner Workload Hours
Lecture Contact Research Theory Every Week 1.00 1
Tutorial Contact Research Tutorial Every Week 1.00 1
Lecturer-Supervised Learning (Contact) Contact Research Supervision Every Week 0.50 0.5
Independent & Directed Learning (Non-contact) Non Contact Self study Every Week 4.50 4.5
Total Hours 7.00
Total Weekly Learner Workload 7.00
Total Weekly Contact Hours 2.50
 
Module Resources
Recommended Book Resources
  • S. G. Naoum. (2019), Dissertation Research and Writing for Built Environment students, 4th. Routledge, [ISBN: 9780815384625].
  • Steven K Thompson. (2012), Sampling, Routledge, [ISBN: 9780470402313].
  • Peter Levin. (2005), Excellent dissertations!, McGraw Hill, [ISBN: 9780335226207].
This module does not have any article/paper resources
Other Resources
 
Module Delivered in
Programme Code Programme Semester Delivery
CR_CARCT_8 Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Architectural Technology 7 Mandatory
CR_DINAR_8 Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Interior Architecture 7 Mandatory