Urban Research Project

Code

ABEE4081

School

Department of Architecture and Built Environment

Level

4

Credits

60

Semesters

Summer China

Summary

This module seeks to enable students to demonstrate and develop research skills in their chosen area of study. Students are expected to select a topic of inquiry in consultation with relevant members of staff. They need to search and critically review the appropriate literature and develop appropriate research question for their chosen area of study. Where appropriate, students must consider the ethical aspects of their investigation. In all cases, students need to plan a methodology for their investigation, collect data, and rigorously explore and critically analyse it. Students are expected to interpret findings against what is already known in the field of study, critically evaluate/reflect on the study itself and make appropriate suggestions for further research.

The dissertation will be assessed through a completed report of maximum 20,000 words (including tables, figures, references, etc.). Students must carefully consider setting tasks and goals so that they have the opportunity to receive formative feedback.

Target Students

MScUrbanism and Sustainable Environments

Classes

• One tutorial each week for 8 weeks
• One 2-hour lecture each week for 2 weeks

Periodic tutorials by arrangement with individual tutor, private study and field study as required by selected subject. Submission of the dissertation is conditional on student attending 8 recorded supervision meetings.

Assessment

• 100% Coursework 1: Dissertation (individual submission), Max. 20,000 word dissertation, min. 15,000 words

Assessed by end of summer vacation

Educational Aims

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this module, students will demonstrate:
1. A knowledge and understanding of:
a.    The source, extent, variety, and appropriateness of literature that already exist son their chosen topic;
b.    The different methodological approaches (interpretive-historical, qualitative or quantitative including experimentation,
simulation, and modelling);
c.    The issues involved in selecting an appropriate analytic method.
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 changes as a result of their investigation;
f.    Critically reflect on their own work, understand its strengths and weaknesses and draw appropriate conclusions.
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 technical journal.

4. Transferrable 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.

Conveners

• Dr Yina Sima