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AR50441: Research dissertation

Follow this link for further information on academic years Academic Year: 2016/7
Further information on owning departmentsOwning Department/School: Department of Architecture & Civil Engineering
Further information on credits Credits: 30      [equivalent to 60 CATS credits]
Further information on notional study hours Notional Study Hours: 600
Further information on unit levels Level: Masters UG & PG (FHEQ level 7)
Further information on teaching periods Period:
Semester 1
Further information on unit assessment Assessment Summary: CW 90%, OR 10%
Further information on unit assessment Assessment Detail:
  • Dissertation (CW 90%)
  • Presentation (OR 10%)
Further information on supplementary assessment Supplementary Assessment:
Like-for-like reassessment (where allowed by programme regulations)
Further information on requisites Requisites:
Further information on descriptions Description: Aims:
To develop the ability to undertake and report independent industry-led research project work in the field of low-carbon modern building design.

Learning Outcomes:
After successful completion of this unit students will be able to:
* Demonstrate a systematic approach to developing independent research findings.
* Demonstrate a critical awareness of the principal problems limiting progress/performance in the technical area of the dissertation.
* Outline the range of techniques/solutions currently being brought to bear on these problems.
* Present and defend the significance and contribution to knowledge of their chosen dissertation topic.
* Evaluate how their selected approach builds on, or complements, current strategies and solutions.
* Make, where necessary, engineering judgements in the face of incomplete information.
* Demonstrate self-direction in tackling and solving problems.
* Demonstrate a systematic approach to research project work and a commitment to attaining the milestones and deliverables therein.

Skills:

* Written & oral communication skills. (F, A)
* Time management, resource planning, and technical authorship. (F, A)
* The ability to analyse complex problems, dividing them into a set of simpler problems which are tractable in the context of the knowledge, skills and facilities available to the student. (F, A)
* To synthesise solutions to problems from existing knowledge and understanding. (F, A)
* To identify and acquire knowledge and understanding directly relevant to the solution of a research problem integral to the student's project - facilitated and assessed through the dissertation proposal. (F, A)
* To author and produce written reports to a technical and literary standard. consistent with the normal requirements of the modern building design industry. (F, A)
* To manage research, design, and/or development projects in an effective and professional manner. (F, A)
* To operate within the appropriate code of professional conduct, recognising obligations to society, the profession and the environment. (F)

Content:

* Students will execute their dissertation project work following closely their proposal presented in Semester 2 and supported by their professional practice placement.
* Students will be allowed to propose modifications to the proposal but a closely argued case for such amendments must be submitted to their dissertation supervisor. If the modifications are approved by the supervisor then the modified work plan will supersede the original plan and all subsequent progress will be judged against it.
* A written final 20,000 word dissertation will be submitted in December.
Further information on programme availabilityProgramme availability:

AR50441 is a Designated Essential Unit on the following programmes:

Department of Architecture & Civil Engineering

Notes: