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Module Code - Title:

WT4808 - FINAL YEAR PROJECT 2 (CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT AND ENGINEERING)

Year Last Offered:

2025/6

Hours Per Week:

Lecture

3

Lab

0

Tutorial

0

Other

2

Private

5

Credits

6

Grading Type:

N

Prerequisite Modules:

WT4807

Rationale and Purpose of the Module:

Students are expected to undertake a significant capstone Final Year Project (FYP) in an area complementary to their expertise and discipline. It is anticipated that experience gained during cooperative education will strongly influence their chosen research topic. The research topic will be from the field of Construction Management & Engineering and will be subject to the approval of the supervising faculty member. This module WT4808, the second of two Modules on the FYP in Year 4, and covers work on the FYP project during Semester 2 of year 4. A detailed FYP Guide document will be presented to the students at the start of Semester 7, outlining the requirements for a successful research project.

Syllabus:

The structure of this module is designed to build on the work completed in Semester 1 module WT4807 as students will continue to work on the development and submission of the following sections of their FYP:                                                      • Results and Analysis • Discussion and Conclusion • Abstract The indicative subject material covered when completing the FYP includes:                 • Research planning • Using surveys and interviews for data gathering in an ethical manner • Data maintenance in relation to GDPR • Data analysis and interpretation. • Report writing - structure, content, logic and flow. • Poster design Students will also be expected to develop and submit an FYP Master Document in accordance with the FYP Guide and to generate an A1-sized poster outlining the main aspects of their FYP. The student will be expected to meet with their supervisor and meet interim project milestones as agreed with the supervisor.

Learning Outcomes:

Cognitive (Knowledge, Understanding, Application, Analysis, Evaluation, Synthesis)

On successful completion of this module, students will be able to...                                                                                                                                                     • Demonstrate an ability to complete a research plan. • Compile, analyse and appraise research data generated in the FYP process. • Relate and Discuss the findings in light of concepts in the literature review and generate recommendations based on such findings. • Generate an FYP master document to comply with the instructions provided in the FYP Guide showing how the FYP was designed, planned, executed and interpreted.

Affective (Attitudes and Values)

On successful completion of this module, students will be able to...                                                                                                                                                   • Demonstrate an appreciation of effective research. • Develop a professional approach to the capture and presentation of information.

Psychomotor (Physical Skills)

• N/A

How the Module will be Taught and what will be the Learning Experiences of the Students:

This module WT4808, aims to develop a skillset comprising research, data analysis and report writing necessary for our graduates to take their place working in and influencing the construction sector, capable of managing construction projects with a strong emphasis on planning, ethics, responsibility and communication. Through the learning environment - using a focused teaching approach, resources and supports, we aim to develop expert learners and global citizens who are: Curious - through having a questioning mindset and a solution focused perspective. Courageous - understanding the importance of standing up for what is right and ethical. Responsible - for the correct usage of resources and their own impact on the world. Agile - utilising proactivity to adapt to and drive change in their community and career supported by a continuous learning approach. Articulate - in that they can express themselves with a confidence grounded in sound learning. To develop these attributes, this module will be taught using a series of in-person lectures, tutorials and a selection of self-directed and collaborative learning activities so it is student-centred and in line with UL's Integrated Curriculum Development Framework (ICDF). Module learning materials are developed from a research-led perspective regarding content and the principles of Universal Design for Learning are used to ensure accessibility for all students. The module Brightspace site is designed and organised in a user-friendly format to maximise functionality. To allow for the incorporation of new developments and research findings in the subject material, the flexibility of blended learning methodologies is utilised - such as Flipped Classroom in the Tutorials, on-line video resources and recorded tutorials delivered through the Brightspace module site. The learning experience of students is directly affected by the design of learning materials, delivery of such materials and assessment thereof. The principles of Universal Design for Learning (UDL) have been applied so that Multiple Means of Engagement, Representation and Action & Expression are built in. Attention is also paid to the principles of Laurillard's ABC Curriculum Design process with all 6 learning types (Acquisition, Collaboration, Discussion, Investigation, Practice and Production) utilised in terms of delivery, engagement and assessment for the module. With regard to assessment - care is taken in the design of assessment vehicles used in the module so that they are challenge driven, authentic and constructively aligned with the Learning Objectives for the Module. A crucial piece of the learning experience is communication between faculty and students, as well as peer-to peer interactions. These will be proactively managed primarily through the channels available on Brightspace, plus direct contact between faculty and students before and after lectures and via e-mail.

Research Findings Incorporated in to the Syllabus (If Relevant):

Prime Texts:

Atkins, R (2023) The Art of Explanation - how to communicate with clarity and confidence , Wildfire
Naoum, S. G. (2006) Dissertation Research Writing for Construction Students , Elsevier
Patten, M.L and Newhart, M. (2018) Understanding Research Methods: an overview of the essentials (10th Edition) , Routledge
Walliman, N (2018) Research Methods - the basics (2nd Edition) , Routledge

Other Relevant Texts:

Programme(s) in which this Module is Offered:

BSCMENUFA - CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT AND ENGINEERING

Semester(s) Module is Offered:

Spring

Module Leader:

jim.bradley@ul.ie