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CVEN40590

Academic Year 2024/2025

Environmental Research Project (CVEN40590)

Subject:
Civil Engineering
College:
Engineering & Architecture
School:
Civil Engineering
Level:
4 (Masters)
Credits:
30
Module Coordinator:
Dr Abdollah Malekjafarian
Credit Split by Trimester:
Autumn 0
Spring 0
Summer 30
Trimester:
Year-long (12 months)
Mode of Delivery:
Blended
Internship Module:
No
How will I be graded?
Letter grades

Curricular information is subject to change.

The ability to conduct credible engineering research is an essential skill required of all postgraduate students and forms a cornerstone of lifelong learning. This skill is developed in this research project module and encompasess various elements, beginning with problem analyses, and continuing through critical evaluation of past research, formulation of research hypotheses / questions, design and application of research methods, analysis of data, and communication of results, both orally and in writing.

This research project module is undertaken in Summer, and includes several components:
1. Project work (research);
2. Instruction and assignments in “Research Communication”;
3. Preparation and submission of a preliminary report and final thesis;
4. Presentations and oral examination.

Each student pursues an individual, self-directed research project under the guidance of an academic supervisor. Projects may be based on a list of research topics proposed by academic supervisors, but students also have the option to propose their own projects. Each project will have a strong central core of research that includes laboratory testing, numerical modeling, analysis of field data, etc.

Assessment in this module will comprise (a) technical report writing exercises and the preliminary report and (b) an oral examination and an oral presentation as well as the final report. In the case of Part (b) of the assessment the elements will not be graded separately; rather, one combined mark will be given for the two elements.

About this Module

Learning Outcomes:

During the course of this module students will develop the skills required to manage and organise a major research project, including how to appraise and assess existing theories, devise and implement research strategices, analyse data and present the findings and conclusions of their work both verbally and in writing. Specifically, after successful completion of this module students will demonstrate the ability to:
1. Describe the research process and how it leads to discovery of new knowledge or insights;
2. Design experiments, systems or processes to examine specific research questions;
3. Draw up and execute a research plan;
4. Extract and evaluate information relating to a new area of research;
5. Analyse, interpret and communicate results of research (both verbally and in writing).

Student Effort Hours:
Student Effort Type Hours
Specified Learning Activities

710
Seminar (or Webinar)

10
Total

720

Approaches to Teaching and Learning:
This is a research project offering multiple modes of learning:
- active/task-based learning: students will develop their project and work plans with an Advisor
- peer and group work: students will have peer critique of their presentations in workshops
- lectures on writing style, thesis structure, thesis content
- lab and/or studio work: will vary for students depending on project topic. May also include fieldwork
- ultimately they will learn how to present information in a well structured Masters thesis

Requirements, Exclusions and Recommendations

Not applicable to this module.


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): Research Plan Week 9 Autumn Graded No
2.5
 No
Assignment(Including Essay): Literature review Week 7 Spring Graded No
7.5
 No
Exam (In-person): Project Oral Presentation Week 12 Summer Graded No
5
 No
Thesis/Dissertation: Final thesis report Week 12 Summer Graded No
85
 No

Carry forward of passed components
Yes
 

Remediation Type Remediation Timing
Repeat Within Two Trimesters
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
• Feedback individually to students, post-assessment
• Peer review activities

How will my Feedback be Delivered?

Module will include summative and formative assessment: Summative assessment: 1. Students will submit a project plan (which will be assessed and revised and subsequently a programme of work agreed with project Advisor) 2. Students will submit a literature review (which will be assessed and feedback provided) 3. Students will deliver an oral presentation (which will be assessed and feedback provided) 4. Final written thesis & Viva - assessed by Advisor and 2nd Examiner Formative assessment 1. All students will have an Advisor assigned to them for their project. The advisor and student will meet regularly to discuss progress and findings - feedback and direction will be provided by the Advisor. It is the students' responsibility to engage with their Advisor 2. Students will submit a thesis plan / structure - feedback will be provided by the Advisor

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