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BSEN20040

Academic Year 2025/2026

Sustainability Engineering Research Trends (BSEN20040)

Subject:
Biosystems Engineering
College:
Engineering & Architecture
School:
Biosystems & Food Engineering
Level:
2 (Intermediate)
Credits:
5
Module Coordinator:
Dr Zhenjiao Du
Trimester:
Spring
Mode of Delivery:
On Campus
Internship Module:
No
How will I be graded?
Letter grades

Curricular information is subject to change.

For this module, you will carry out a literature review and analysis on a subject relevant to Sustainability Engineering and/or Engineering Technology in agriculture. You will 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. The review should define the topic and scope, summarise and compare key studies, discuss relevant theory and applications, and conclude with the main findings, insights, limitations and directions for future research. You will be required to make a short presentation to your peers and teaching staff about 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: (1) use the library for efficient academic research; (2) demonstrate proficient use of a reference management software; (3) use Generative AI tools appropriately to support literature review; (4) compile information from multiple sources into a structured report; (5) prepare a fully cross-referenced, reasoned technical review on a chosen subject; (6) deliver 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 Sustainability 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. Reference Management Tools:
- Introduction to reference management software (e.g., Zotero).
- Organising references and automating citation styles.
- Integrating reference management tools into writing workflow.
5. Using Generative AI Responsibly
- Appropriate, ethical, and transparent use of Generative AI tools in literature review.
6. Literature Review Structure:
- Organizing and structuring the literature review.
- Incorporating theoretical frameworks and conceptual models.
7. Theory and Applications:
- Exploring theoretical foundations relevant to the chosen subject.
- Examining practical applications and case studies in Sustainability Engineering and Engineering Technology.
8. Analysis and Synthesis:
- Analyzing trends, patterns, and findings across selected literature.
- Synthesizing information to draw meaningful conclusions and insights.
9. Presentation Skills:
- Crafting a compelling presentation outline.
- Techniques for effective delivery, including visual aids and public speaking tips.
10. 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

12
Specified Learning Activities

50
Autonomous Student Learning

50
Total

112

Approaches to Teaching and Learning:
This module uses a combination of lectures, guided demonstrations (e.g., databases and reference management tools), independent assignments, and student presentations with structured peer feedback.
Limited and transparent use of Generative AI is permitted, such as idea generation and language refinement, in accordance with the University Academic Integrity Policy.

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
Assignment(Including Essay): Assignment - Practice with Reference Management software Week 2 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 14 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 15 Graded Yes
50
 Yes
Reflective Assignment: A series of reflective journal entries based upon students own reflections on chosen research topic
 Week 3, Week 4, Week 5, Week 7 Graded No
20
 No

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
• Peer review activities

How will my Feedback be Delivered?

Not yet recorded.

Name Role
Ms Carmel Norris 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 Mon 13:00 - 14:50
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