Research Skills
| Code | School | Level | Credits | Semesters |
| ABEE4008 | Architecture and Built Environment | 4 | 20 | Full Year UK |
- Code
- ABEE4008
- School
- Architecture and Built Environment
- Level
- 4
- Credits
- 20
- Semesters
- Full Year UK
Summary
This module covers the skills and resources needed to conduct independent academic research, including how to present findings effectively.
It will cover choosing a research topic, how to shape research literature search techniques, including the use of the web. As a result, students will be able to conduct their own primary research, including quantitative and qualitative methodologies; data collection and simple statistical analysis.
Opportunities to practice these skills will be presented through participation in a mixture of lectures, seminars and workshops designed to introduce specialist subject areas relevant to the field of architecture and related disciplines.
Target Students
MArch Architecture Design + Build K11M, MSc Building Performance Engineering K21A, MArch Architecture and Sustainable Design K11L, MARch Architecture Design K11K, MArch Sustainable Urban Design K11H, MSc Sustainable Building Technology K211 and MSc Sustainable Energy and Entrepreneurship and MSc Renewable Energy and Architecture; U7PARDAB, U7PBPENG, U7PAASSD, U7PADESN, U7PSSTUB, U7PSSTBTF and U7PSSTEE and U7PRNWEA.
Classes
- One 2-hour workshop each week for 6 weeks
- One 2-hour lecture each week for 11 weeks
20 hours of lectures and seminars, and 65 hours of self and group study.
Assessment
- 35% Coursework 1: Comprehensive report/essay.
- 25% Coursework 2: Presentation.
- 40% Coursework 3: Comprehensive report/essay.
Assessed by end of spring semester
Educational Aims
This module enables students to acquire the core skills used in research and practice these through exploration of a specialist subject relevant to architecture and the built environment.Learning Outcomes
A) KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING:
- A1 understanding of how to shape a research project and how to choose appropriate research methods.
- A2 knowledge of data analysis techniques
- A3 knowledge of bibliographic techniques, and methods of compiling information
- A4 knowledge of different methodologies in architectural research
- A5 familiarity with relevant software for research and writing
B) INTELLECTUAL SKILLS:
- B1 assess the validity and reliability of sources of information
- B2 analyse, compare and reflect critically on information gathered
- B3 organise loose information into coherent argument
- B4 make salient observations on issues related to chosen field of enquiry
C PROFESSIONAL/PRACTICAL SKILLS:
- C1 ability to organise research, summarise findings and prepare an academic report in an acceptable format
- C2 ability to conduct independent research
- C3 ability to present ideas and findings clearly both orally and in writing
- C4 scholarship techniques, including conducting a literature search
D TRANSFERABLE/KEY SKILLS:
- D1 extend acquired skills and knowledge to chosen field of enquiry
- D2 employ knowledge of techniques acquired in professional arena
- D3 extend skills in professional practice
This module supports the following Engineering Council learning outcomes - supporting a student 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
- M2 Formulate and analyse complex problems to reach substantiated conclusions. This will involve evaluating available data using first principles of mathematics, statistics, natural science and engineering principles, and using engineering judgment to work with information that may be uncertain or incomplete, discussing the limitations of the techniques employed
- 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.