CSMRS16NU-Research Studies

Module Provider: School of Mathematical, Physical and Computational Sciences
Number of credits: 10 [5 ECTS credits]
Level:7
Semesters in which taught: Semester 1 module
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded:
Current from: 2023/4

Module Convenor: Dr Lily Sun
Email: lily.sun@reading.ac.uk

NUIST Module Lead: Guangzhu Peng
Email: gz.peng@nuist.edu.cn

Type of module:

Summary module description:

This module covers key concepts, methods and techniques that are required in the process of a research project from the formulation of research problems to devise and validate outcomes.

Aims:

This module aims to enable students to understand and appreciate the different methods of scientific investigation and data analysis, including the selection and justification of qualitative and quantitative methods in research projects. Students should be able to employ appropriate methods to interpret and critically appraise research findings with respect to designing the research process, carrying out data analysis, devising solutions, validating outcomes, and evaluating research processes.Ìý

Assessable learning outcomes:

At the end of the module the student should demonstrate the abilities of:

• understanding of methods and techniques employed in research;


• comparing and critically evaluating research materials from a wide range of literature sources;


• selecting and justifying suitable methods (e.g. qualitative and quantitative methods) for the analysis of materials;


• applying suitable approaches to data collection, research design and validation of scientific results;


• considering and addressing ethical and professional issues;

Additional outcomes:

Critical thinking, creative problem solving, professional writing, and argumentation skills.

Outline content:

• Structure and plan a research project


• Choose research methods


• Formulate research questions/hypothesis


• Carry out literature review and reporting findings and critiques


• Collect and analyse qualitative and quantitative data in order to draw sound conclusions


• Address ethical issues involved in research


• Adopt mixed methods for design research (including methodology, experiment, result validation and verification)


• presentation and report writing

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:

The module comprises lectures and seminar sessions. There is a major piece of coursework that enable students to demonstrate their understanding of the research methods, and application of the research methodology.