PENG9200 Scientific Research Methods and Data Analysis in Engineering Science Course description

This course covers two central areas of scientific research: the construction and justification of a research plan, and the subsequent analysis and interpretation of its implementation and of the resulting data.

The course will be offered once a year, provided 3 or more students sign up for the course. If less than 3 students sign up for a course, the course will be cancelled for that year.

Exam content: The learning outcomes

Exam form: Supervised individual written exam, 3 hours

None.

The student is expected to have the following outcomes on completion of the course:

Knowledge:

On successful completion of the course, the student:

• has advanced knowledge of the research process.
• has advanced knowledge of data collection techniques relative to engineering sciences.
• can critically assess the usefulness of using qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methodologies in the engineering sciences.
• has a high-level command of qualitative and quantitative methods of analysis relative to his/her field of study.

Skills:

On successful completion of the course, the student can:

• construct a problem statement or research question and evaluate its soundness.
• create technically and scientifically sound research proposals.
• select a methodology to address a research problem.

General competence:

On successful completion of the course, the student can:

• distinguish and formulate research problems.
• develop and critically assess the components of a research proposal.
• critically reflect on the nature of research, scientific practice and knowledge

Admission to the programme.

80% obligatory attendance.

Students have to write an individual report or portfolio.

The work and teaching methods in the course entail student-active work and teaching methods in addition to lectures.

Pass or fail.

The following required coursework must be approved before the student can take the exam:

• Passed qualifying arithmetic problems in the form of multiple choice questions within a set time before the exam

The student has up to three attempts to pass this requirement before the ordinary exam, and up to a further three attempts before a resit/rescheduled exam.

If a student takes more than one academic year to take the exam after the required coursework is approved, the faculty can order the student to repeat previously approved compulsory coursework before the student can take the exam in the course.