During the first semester MSc Energy Science and Engineering programme there is an opportunity to develop general methodology skills and understanding of research and the principles and practice of proper design and analysis of experiments (as part of PH6011). Depending on the number of students there may be the opportunity in to pick/define the group project to be done in this module. The group project(s) will be in an area of energy research for which there is significant research activity in the faculty. In the summer semester (following the group project) each student will have the opportunity to develop an aspect of their group project into their individual summer research project. Therefore this group project will • Further develop student abilities in methodology of research and principles and practice of proper design and analysis of experiments. • Facilitate the develpment of students' ability to work collaboratively and to interact with technical staff. • Direct students towards their selected research project topic for their summer project; • Develop their ability to present their work appropriately and effectively.

The nature of scientific research. The scientific method: experimentation, scientific evidence and theory. Types of research projects. Planning a research project; the research question. Quantitative and qualitative techniques. Planning of experiments: reviewing the scientific literature; choosing the techniques and the experiments. Prerequisites for experimental measurements. Standard procedures and methodology; choice and use of instrumentation. Accuracy, precision calibration and measurement standards. Reproducibility, repeatability and confirmation. Recording and initial analysis of data: interpretation of results; follow-up experiments; comparison with theory and previous results. In-depth analysis: quantitative methods of analysis. Use graphical methods and statistical methodology. Development of theory. Adjustments to experimental approach: critical experiments; organization, record-keeping and data format; laboratory notebooks; organization of digital records. Reporting results.

On successful completion of this module, students will be able to: - Select appropriate instrumentation to achieve a given measurement accuracy - Select appropriate data acquisition techniques - Design an experiment to determine relevant performance characteristics - Analyze and interpret the results of an experiment - Report on their group project and on the results of an experiment - Present their results through an oral presentation/assessment - Incorporate feedback from academic, and professional where applicable, groups in order to develop a better understanding of the project area and an approach to the project - Design their individual summer research project - Work as part of a group and to interact with technicians, lecturers, other staff and students to design, implement, prototype and analyze energy experiments.

On successful completion of this module, students will be able to: Value critical thinking and the scientific method. Appreciate collaboration and team work.

On successful completion of this module, students will be able to: assemble experiments, instrument experiments/prototypes and to perform experimental measurements of quantities such as temperature, flow rate, potential, current, voltage, efficiency, columbic efficiency and energy efficiency.

Students will be required to attend regular group meetings with their assigned supervisor(s). During these meetings, students will provide updates on their progress and discuss any difficulties they have encountered. The supervisors, utilizing their expertise in research supervision, will offer guidance and suggest appropriate actions to be taken. Supervisors will align the projects within their own research area, creating an environment conducive to knowledge transfer and encouraging students to consider undertaking a summer project or potentially to engage in further research in an area where UL excels in research. By participating in these meetings, interacting with technical staff, other faculty members, and students, as well as presenting their research, students will be encouraged to be more curious and open-minded and they will enhance their ability to effectively communicate and articulate their research to others.