Module Details

Module Code: INTR9029
Title: Technical Research Project
Long Title: Technical Research Project
NFQ Level: Expert
Valid From: Semester 1 - 2024/25 ( September 2024 )
Duration: 2 Semesters
Credits: 10
Field of Study: 5213 - Interdisciplinary Engineering
Module Delivered in: 1 programme(s)
Module Description: This module facilitates the development of academic research skills with a view to progressing technical writing and research work presentation skills. These skills will be developed through application to an unstructured, complex problem or problems in an industrial context. The student will demonstrate their ability to develop and extend research, undertake research, propose recommendations and develop conclusions. The research project will be a focused applied piece of work written in a targeted concise technical paper format for a technical audience.
 
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this module the learner will be able to:
# Learning Outcome Description
LO1 Critique the published research in their chosen area, and identify a research question.
LO2 Classify information in a rigorous, scientific and ethical manner and engage with the research question.
LO3 Demonstrate an ability to translate research into a presentation
LO4 Formulate recommendations for practice and or future research following analysis/critical review.
LO5 Assemble a conclusive, coherent, literate report, strongly supported by evidence and a convincing analysis of research findings.
LO6 Display the capability for self-directed learning and independent thought together with reflection.
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
The Technical Research Project Report
The central aim of the project report is to further facilitate the development of the students' academic and research skills to enable them to complete and defend their written-up research report. The report must focus on analysis, critical thinking, judgement, application of theoretical concepts and investigation in accordance with accepted criteria and ethical standards.
Research Implementation
Primary activities include planning, research of relevant state-of-the art, data collection (from simulation, prototype or physical system), data analysis and revision of the data generation activity based on preliminary results, drawing data informed conclusions and making recommendations. The project plan may be revisited and revised as necessary. The learner should utilize the curriculum content as a whole to support this endeavor, in addition to external sources e.g. internet, library and other professionals.
Research Presentation
Write a professional report on the project methodology and outcomes that is succinct and focused on results, analysis, recommendations and conclusions. The written submission may include: • Title page • Statement confirming the thesis is the individual and independent work of the presenting student (essential element) • Abstract • Acknowledgements • Table of contents • Statement of research problem and rationale • Introduction • Research methodology • Literature review • Main body of work • Discussion and analyses • Recommendations for practice & further research + final & main conclusion • References • Appendices (to include: research instrument, research contributors in the case of interviews, proof of survey participation, reflection journal & anything else as deemed appropriate)
Oral Examination/Interview
Oral assessment to determine students’ quality of contribution to the extant and emerging body of knowledge in the technical area (or closely related fields) developed during the technical research project.
Reflective Journal:
Reflective journal weekly updates prepared for meeting with project supervisor including 4 x key points in a summary format: 1) actions completed current week. 2) actions for completion next week. 3) risk items to the project success. 4) items for escalation for supervisor support. The purpose of reflective journal writing is to aid the students education in which the students develop upon their learning experiences i.e. experiential learning.
Module Content & Assessment
Assessment Breakdown%
Coursework100.00%

Assessments

Coursework
Assessment Type Written Report % of Total Mark 5
Timing Week 3 Learning Outcomes 2,3
Assessment Delivery Period 1
Assessment Description
Rationale, project statement and statement of research aims & objectives. This Chapter is preceded by a 1 page Abstract.
Assessment Type Written Report % of Total Mark 10
Timing Week 9 Learning Outcomes 1,2,3,5
Assessment Delivery Period 1
Assessment Description
Literature Review and References.
Assessment Type Presentation % of Total Mark 10
Timing Week 13 Learning Outcomes 1,2,3,5,6
Assessment Delivery Period 1
Assessment Description
The learner will be required to prepare and deliver a PowerPoint presentation including progress status versus project plan as if presenting to key project stakeholders
Assessment Type Written Report % of Total Mark 20
Timing Week 13 Learning Outcomes 1,3,5,6
Assessment Delivery Period 1
Assessment Description
Write a REFLECTION on the literature review, research question, methodology and how it facilitates learning.
Assessment Type Written Report % of Total Mark 30
Timing Week 12 Learning Outcomes 1,2,3,4,5,6
Assessment Delivery Period 2
Assessment Description
Focused report written in a targeted concise technical paper format for a technical audience.
Assessment Type Oral Examination/Interview % of Total Mark 25
Timing Week 13 Learning Outcomes 1,2,3,4,6
Assessment Delivery Period 2
Assessment Description
Oral report and examination on project accompanied by visual presentation in an interview format.
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
Lecturer-Supervised Learning (Contact) Contact Direct Contact with Student Every Week 0.50 0.5
Lecturer-Supervised Learning (Contact) Contact Reflective Journal Workshop Once per semester 0.40 6
Independent Learning Non Contact Reflective Journal Writing Every Week 0.15 0.15
Independent & Directed Learning (Non-contact) Non Contact Research, Literature Review, Interviews, Questionnaire Design, Independent Study Every Week 13.00 13
Total Hours 19.65
Total Weekly Learner Workload 14.05
Total Weekly Contact Hours 0.90
Workload: Part Time
Workload Type Contact Type Workload Description Frequency Average Weekly Learner Workload Hours
Lecturer-Supervised Learning (Contact) Contact Direct Contact with Student Every Week 0.50 0.5
Lecturer-Supervised Learning (Contact) Contact Reflective Journal Workshop Once per semester 0.40 6
Independent Learning Non Contact Reflective Journal Writing Every Week 0.15 0.15
Independent & Directed Learning (Non-contact) Non Contact Research, Literature Review, Interviews, Questionnaire Design, Independent Study Every Week 13.00 13
Total Hours 19.65
Total Weekly Learner Workload 14.05
Total Weekly Contact Hours 0.90
 
Module Resources
Recommended Book Resources
  • Helen Aveyard,Sheila Payne,Nancy Presto. (2021), A Postgraduate's Guide to Doing a Literature Review in Health and Social Care, 2nd. Open University Press, p.188, [ISBN: 9780335249916].
  • Henry Burton. Your First Research Paper, [ISBN: 9798553095215].
  • Stella Cottrell. (2011), Critical Thinking Skills: Developing Effective Analysis and Argument, 2nd. Palgrave MacMillan, [ISBN: 0230285295].
  • Rowena Murray. (2011), How to Write a Thesis, 3rd. Palgrave Macmillan, UK, [ISBN: 9780335244287].
  • Wisker G.. (2007), The Postgraduate research Handbook, 2nd. Palgrave Macmillan, London, [ISBN: 9780230521308].
This module does not have any article/paper resources
Other Resources
 
Module Delivered in
Programme Code Programme Semester Delivery
CR_ERNPI_9 Master of Science in Regulated New Product Introduction & Technology Transfer 2 Mandatory