module specification

This module is designed to provide you with a strong foundation in research methods and conceptual design of complex and cutting-edge problems in the field of Civil Engineering.

You will have the opportunity to work both individually and in teams, getting hands-on experience in identifying and solving real-world engineering problems.
In a group case study, you will collaborate with others to develop creative solutions and conceptual designs based on a given brief that you might face in a professional engineering environment.

Moreover, you will individually develop a detailed research proposal on a Civil Engineering-related topic of your choice, which will help you develop your skills in research design, planning, and methods. This proposal will prepare you for the Dissertation Project module where you will develop your research and will complete and write up your research findings in a dissertation. Focusing on critical thinking, this module will help you strengthen your ability to approach and solve advanced Civil Engineering problems.

The syllabus is informed by contemporary research and professional practice. Topics will include:

Designing solutions for complex problems:
developing engineering solutions considering societal, user, business, and environmental needs. Incorporating health and safety, security, equity, diversity, inclusion, industry standards, and ethical principles (LO1, LO3, LO5)

Research proposal development:
define and develop a contemporary research topic within the field, applying appropriate research methods. Evaluate and analyse complex ideas, while identifying relevant ethical principles to guide your research approach (LO2, LO3, LO5)

Evaluate technical literature:
the existing body of knowledge and how to bring this into your writing through a critical review of the literature (LO1, LO2, LO3, LO4, LO5)

Research methods in civil engineering:
methods of data collection, analysis and validation (LO2, LO3)

Approaches to identifying solutions to the contemporary area of study (LO1, LO2 and LO3)

The ethics of research (LO1, LO2)

This module will be delivered through formal contact sessions supported by online content. The contact sessions will encourage students to engage in discussions, explore various strategies for developing engineering solutions, and develop and refine their research proposal. In this context, the online content will provide a structured framework to assist students in developing their individual research proposals as well as their group conceptual design project.

Workshops and seminar sessions will be held to facilitate discussions on relevant topics, supporting students in the development of their assignments for the module. The module places significant emphasis on self-directed learning. Students will be required to take responsibility for identifying their areas of interest, setting research goals, and planning their research programmes alongside developing their group design project.

Each group will be assigned a tutor for the Conceptual Design Project, and each student will be allocated a supervisor for their Research Project. Once group tutors and research supervisors are allocated, group and one-to-one tutorials will be scheduled at appropriate intervals. However, it remains students' responsibility to arrange and attend these tutorials at a frequency that is appropriate to the stage of their work.

Learning and teaching will be supported by the University’s Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) and a blended learning approach, providing access to class materials, recommended readings, and case studies. Group tutorials will also be offered to assist students in preparing for their assessments and to provide opportunities for receiving forward feedback.

This module is linked with the Dissertation Project module which involves the preparation of a 10,000-word dissertation based on the proposal and literature review produced in this module. During the period between the two modules, students are expected to undertake some of their research and will have the opportunity to meet and discuss their progress with their supervisors.

By completing this module, students should be able to:

1. design solutions for complex problems that evidence some originality and meet a combination of societal, user, business, and customer needs as appropriate. This will involve consideration of applicable health and safety, security, equity, diversity, inclusion, and cultural, societal, environmental, and commercial matters, as well as codes of practice and industry standards.

2. develop and define a contemporary research proposal, applying appropriate methods to evaluate and analyse complex ideas within the field while identifying relevant ethical principles.

3. select and critically evaluate technical literature and other sources of information to solve complex problems.

4. demonstrate self-direction, creativity, and critical thinking in preparing a comprehensive research proposal and for further investigation and analysis.

5. communicate effectively on complex engineering matters, evaluating the effectiveness of the methods used.

6. Function effectively as an individual and as a member or leader of a team, and evaluate the effectiveness of own and team performance.

There is no single text currently in publication that provides a comprehensive coverage of all aspects of this module. There are several books that cover various parts of the module in some detail, and these are listed in the core text list. Additional resources are to be determined based on the project/topic allocation.

Research Methods in Civil Engineering and Group Design Project | London Metropolitan University