Dissertation: Architecture & Built Environment
| Code | School | Level | Credits | Semesters |
| ABEE4002 | Architecture and Built Environment | 4 | 60 | Summer UK |
- Code
- ABEE4002
- School
- Architecture and Built Environment
- Level
- 4
- Credits
- 60
- Semesters
- Summer UK
Summary
This Module seeks to enable students to demonstrate and develop research skills in their chosen area of study. Students will:
Select a topic of enquiry in consultation with relevant members of staff
Search and critically review the appropriate literature
Develop appropriate research questions for thier chosen area of study
Where appropriate, consider the ethical aspects of their investigation
Plan a methodology for their investigation
Collect data, rigoursly explore and critically analyse it
Interpret findings against what is already known in the field of study
Critically evaluate/reflect on the study itself
Make appropriate suggestions for further research
The dissertation will be accessed through a completed report of 15,000 words (10% adjustment range, excluding tables, figures, references and appendices etc.). Students must carefully consider setting tasks and goals so that they have the opportunity to receive formative feedback.
Re-assessment of marked in-class activities may be done via re-submitting a PowerPoint Presentation (PDF file) as required for the symposia's presentations.
Target Students
MArch Architecture Design + Build K11M, MArch Architecture and Sustainable Design K11L, MArch Architecture Design K11K, MArch Sustainable Urban Design K11H, MSc Sustainable Building Technology K211, MSc Building Performance Engineering K21A MSc Renewable Energy and Architecture; U7PARDAB, U7PAASSD, U7PADESN, U7PSSTUB, U7PSSTBTF, U7PBPENG and U7PRNWEA.
Classes
- One 1-hour tutorial each week for 8 weeks
- One 4-hour lecture each week for 2 weeks
Periodic tutorials by arrangement with individual tutor, private study and field study as required by the selected subject. Submission of the dissertation is conditional on students attending 8 recorded supervision meetings.
Assessment
- 90% Coursework 1: 15,000 word dissertation (10% adjustment range, excluding figures, tables, references, appendices etc.)
- 10% Assessment 1: In-class activity.
Assessed by end of summer vacation
Educational Aims
This module aims to enable students to plan, implement and write up a substantial piece of original research which will make a contribution to the intellectual life of the discipline .Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this module, students will demonstrate:
2. Intellectual skills that allow them to demonstrate that they can:
a. Identify a suitable research topic.
b. Seek out, assimilate and critically evaluate published research/design artefacts etc.
c. Develop approaches to data collection and frameworks for practical analysis.
d. Where appropriate, appreciate and act on ethical issues in relation to their research.
e. Make sense of their data and analysis within the context of previous research and theory and understand how the intellectual and
practical landscape has changed as a result of their investigation.
f. Critically reflect on their own work, understand its strengths and weaknesses and draw appropriate
3. Professional and practical skills that allow them to demonstrate that they can:
a. Undertake and present research in a manner that is appropriate to the scholarly
standards of the discipline.
b. Communicate effectively using the concepts, methodology, data presentation techniques and language of the
discipline.
c. Consider how their work might be prepared for publication in a professional or academic journal.
4. Transferable skills that allow students to develop:
a. The ability to formulate research questions in a manner that is relevant to and cognisant of their field of study.
b. The ability to plan a timetable appropriate to achieve their research aims and objectives.
c. The ability to carefully monitor one's own learning and draw upon other sources of knowledge and expertise as necessary.
This module supports the following Engineering Council learning outcomes - supporting students to:
M1 Apply a comprehensive knowledge of mathematics, statistics, natural science and engineering principles to the solution of complex problems. Much of the knowledge will be at the forefront of the particular subject of study and informed by a critical awareness of new developments and the wider context of engineering.
M3 Select and apply appropriate computational and analytical techniques to model complex problems, discussing the limitations of the techniques employed.
M4 Select and critically evaluate technical literature and other sources of information to solve complex problems.
M5 Design solutions for complex problems that evidence some originality and meet a combination of societal, user, business and customer needs as appropriate. This will involve consideration of applicable health & safety, diversity, inclusion, cultural, societal, environmental and commercial matters, codes of practice and industry standards.
M6 Apply an integrated or systems approach to the solution of complex problems.
M7 Evaluate the environmental and societal impact of solutions to complex problems (to include the entire life-cycle of a product or process) and minimise adverse impacts.
M16 Function effectively as an individual, and as a member or leader of a team. Evaluate effectiveness of own and team performance.
M17 Communicate effectively on complex engineering matters with technical and non-technical audiences, evaluating the effectiveness of the methods used.
1. A knowledge and understanding of:
a. The source, extent, variety and appropriateness of literature
that already exists on their chosen topic.
b. The different methodological approaches (interpretive-historical, qualitative or quantitative including experimentation,
simulation and modeling).
c. The issues involved in selecting an appropriate analytic
method.