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Module Code - Title:

CE6026 - INTRODUCTION TO ENGINEERING RESEARCH METHODS

Year Last Offered:

2023/4

Hours Per Week:

Lecture

1

Lab

0

Tutorial

2

Other

0

Private

7

Credits

6

Grading Type:

N

Prerequisite Modules:

Rationale and Purpose of the Module:

This module is part of the Master Of Engineering In Computer Vision And Artificial Intelligence programme. For those who take the project option, this module will support students in finding a suitable research topic, develop a detailed project specification, and prepare students for the academic writing of their Master's Project report. For students that take the Digital Futures and Innovation stream, this module will support the students in preparing for the modules in that stream. The module covers essential topics for both streams, such as research methods, literature surveys, project planning, strategic foresight, and market analysis.

Syllabus:

The student will be expected to develop their own project title and description over the course of the module and will complete background reading, research community engagement, and project planning tasks. Alternatively, the student is expected to undertake research tasks to prepare themselves for the Digital Futures and Innovation (DFI) stream of the programme. The student will be expected to:- (i) Develop a specification document for their chosen project that provides a clear statement of the work that will be carried out during the project. (Project Stream) -or- Develop a short market analysis portfolio for a given technical topic. (DFI Stream) (ii) Identify suitable background material for a literature survey, and develop the literature survey to a high standard. (iii) Present and answer questions on the project specification in front of a panel of academics. (iv) Attend several seminars on research practices, presentation skills, and report writing, as well as industry guest talks. This module also introduces the student to the concept of peer review. The student will be required to share the outputs of many of their tasks with other students in the module, and they are required to critically appraise the work of others. (v) Produce a development plan, including timelines, task identification, and resource requirements, whether that is for the project stream or the DFI stream

Learning Outcomes:

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

On successful completion of this module, students will be able to: Use the research literature and other resources to determine state of the art in the Student's chosen technical field. Select a research topic, develop an in-depth understanding of that topic, and demonstrate its significance to broad areas of Engineering. Critically evaluate and assess existing design approaches to the chosen topic. The student should base this assessment on peer-reviewed literature in the field.

Affective (Attitudes and Values)

On successful completion of this module, students will be able to: The student will identify how their project outcomes can address societal challenges through Engineering Innovation.

Psychomotor (Physical Skills)

N/A

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

The student will work as an individual within the ECE dept. and/or industry support that draws on existing knowledge and experience to demonstrate how large engineering challenges can be solved. The module will be delivered using a blended learning approach with online aspects as well as face-to-face interaction. Tasks in the module are developed in two-week activity periods.

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

Prime Texts:

Saunders, Thornhill, Lewis (2011) Research Methods , Pearson

Other Relevant Texts:

Programme(s) in which this Module is Offered:

Semester - Year to be First Offered:

Module Leader:

Brendan.Mullane@ul.ie