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BSEN20040

Academic Year 2024/2025

Biosystems Engineering Research Trends (BSEN20040)

Subject:
Biosystems Engineering
College:
Engineering & Architecture
School:
Biosystems & Food Engineering
Level:
2 (Intermediate)
Credits:
5
Module Coordinator:
Professor Enda Cummins
Trimester:
Spring
Mode of Delivery:
Blended
Internship Module:
No
How will I be graded?
Letter grades

Curricular information is subject to change.

For this project you will carry out a literature review and analysis on a subject relevant to Biosystems Engineering and/or Engineering Technology in agriculture. You select a project on a relevant subject of your choice. With guidance from your personal supervisor you will use library books, journals and documents as your principal sources, possibly supplemented by Internet material, to compile a literature review which should include discussion of theory, applications and analysis of the chosen subject. You will be required to make a short presentation to your peers and teaching staff on the subject of your literature review.

This module is a prerequisite for doing BSEN30410 Capstone Design Project, which is a core module for stage-4 Engineering Technology students.

About this Module

Learning Outcomes:

On completion of this module students should be able to:- use the library for efficient academic research;- compile material from various sources into a report type document;- prepare a fully cross-referenced, reasoned description of a technical subject;- make a short presentation to a limited audience with suitable visual aids.

Indicative Module Content:

Indicative Module Content:
1. Introduction to Literature Review:
- Understanding the purpose and importance of literature reviews in academic research.
- Defining key terms and concepts related to Biosystems Engineering and Engineering Technology in agriculture.
2. Selecting a Project Topic:
- Guidance on choosing a relevant subject for the literature review.
- Identifying research gaps and formulating research questions.
3. Research Methodology:
- Strategies for conducting effective literature searches.
- Evaluating the credibility and reliability of sources.
4. Literature Review Structure:
- Organizing and structuring the literature review.
- Incorporating theoretical frameworks and conceptual models.
5. Theory and Applications:
- Exploring theoretical foundations relevant to the chosen subject.
- Examining practical applications and case studies in Biosystems Engineering and Engineering Technology.
6. Analysis and Synthesis:
- Analyzing trends, patterns, and findings across selected literature.
- Synthesizing information to draw meaningful conclusions and insights.
7. Presentation Skills:
- Crafting a compelling presentation outline.
- Techniques for effective delivery, including visual aids and public speaking tips.
8. Peer Presentation:
- Delivering a concise presentation to peers and teaching staff.
- Soliciting feedback and engaging in constructive discussion.

Student Effort Hours:
Student Effort Type Hours
Lectures

14

Tutorial

4

Specified Learning Activities

116

Total

134


Approaches to Teaching and Learning:
Lectures with a series of continuous assignments

Requirements, Exclusions and Recommendations
Learning Exclusions:

This project is intended for students of Biosystems Engineering or Engineering Technology in Agriculture. Other students wishing to take this module must get approval from the module coordinator and will need the consent of an appropriate supervisor.


Module Requisites and Incompatibles
Not applicable to this module.
 

Assessment Strategy
Description Timing Component Scale Must Pass Component % of Final Grade In Module Component Repeat Offered
Reflective Assignment: A series of reflective journal entries based upon students own reflections on chosen research topic
Week 2, Week 3, Week 5, Week 6 Graded No
20
No
Assignment(Including Essay): Assignment - selection of relevant scientific references, websites, and books, presented in required referencing format Week 4 Graded No
10
No
Assignment(Including Essay): Oral presentation on chosen subject project Week 7 Graded No
10
No
Assignment(Including Essay): A draft scientific report is required to be submitted. This should clearly indicate student progress and have proper use of referencing format and scientific writing conventions Week 9 Graded No
10
No
Individual Project: This is the final literature review project (8,000 words approx.) which should be submitted online. Each project must be accompanied by an “Assessment Submission form”

Week 12 Graded Yes
50
Yes

Carry forward of passed components
Yes
 

Resit In Terminal Exam
Summer No
Please see Student Jargon Buster for more information about remediation types and timing. 

Feedback Strategy/Strategies

• Feedback individually to students, on an activity or draft prior to summative assessment

How will my Feedback be Delivered?

Not yet recorded.

Name Role
Mr James Molloy Tutor

Timetabling information is displayed only for guidance purposes, relates to the current Academic Year only and is subject to change.
Spring Lecture Offering 1 Week(s) - 20, 21, 23, 24, 25, 26, 29, 30, 31, 32 Mon 14:00 - 14:50