Course Title: Master's Research Methods

Part A: Course Overview

Course Title: Master's Research Methods

Credit Points: 24.00

Terms

Course Code	Campus	Career	School	Learning Mode	Teaching Period(s)
OENG1087	City Campus	Postgraduate	115H Aerospace, Mechanical & Manufacturing Engineering	Distance / Correspondence or Face-to-Face	Sem 1 2014, Sem 2 2014
OENG1087	City Campus	Postgraduate	115H Aerospace, Mechanical & Manufacturing Engineering	Face-to-Face	Sem 1 2015

Course Coordinator: Dr Richard Williams

Course Coordinator Phone: +61 3 9925 6642

Course Coordinator Email: richard.williams@rmit.edu.au

Course Coordinator Location: 251.2.37

Pre-requisite Courses and Assumed Knowledge and Capabilities

None

Course Description

This course introduces you to the general principles, methodologies and practices of data collection and analysis in qualitative research, analytic techniques such as thematic analysis, content analysis design aspects such as quality indicators and research ethics, human subject experimental design constraints, parametric and non-parametric analysis, modelling, hypothesis testing, correlation, simple linear regression, validity and reliability, simulation and discipline specific case studies using different research methods (quantitative and qualitative).

Objectives/Learning Outcomes/Capability Development

This course contributes to the development of the following Program Learning Outcomes.
5. Research:
• Plan and execute a substantial research-based project, with creativity and initiative in new situations in professional practice and with a high level of personal autonomy and accountability
• Be aware of knowledge development and research directions within the engineering discipline.
• Develop creative and innovative solutions to engineering challenges
• Assess, acquire and apply the competencies and resources appropriate to engineering activities
• Demonstrate professional use and management of information.
• Acknowledge (clearly) your own contributions and the contributions from others and distinguish contributions you may have made as a result of discussions or collaboration with other people
 

Upon successful completion of the course, you should be able to:
• Develop tools and skills required to understand research terminology and assess published research;
• Identify the types of methods best suited for investigating different types of problems and questions;
• Develop research questions that are based on and build upon a critical appraisal of existing research;
• Design a research proposal; and
• Commence initial preparations for embarking on a new research project.
 

Overview of Learning Activities

Learning activities include: lectures, tutorials, group discussions, computer based activities and preparation of research/project proposals.

Overview of Learning Resources

There is a prescribed textbook and several recommended references for this course. Refer to part B Course Guide for more detail about the textbook and references.

Overview of Assessment

Assessment may include several or all of the following items:
a) In-class discussion
b) Group activities,
c) Case studies
d) Assignment and/or report writing
For more details, refer to the part B Course Guide section “Assessment Tasks” in-class discussions, group activities, and case studies