Modules

Core Module Information
Module title: Research Through Design
SCQF level: 11:
SCQF credit value: 20.00
ECTS credit value: 10
Module code: CSI11101
Module leader: Rachel Salzano
School School of Computing, Engineering and the Built Environment
Subject area group: Applied Informatics
Prerequisites

There are no pre-requisites for this module to be added
Description of module content:

In this module you will be introduced to research approaches that can offer rich insights that impact the process of innovation and design, with a focus on how to design research. You will be encouraged to empathise and understand user needs in relation to day to day activities/tasks/experiences. You will be responsible for your learning through the planning stages of a project based on evidence and rigour to research and a target user group understanding. Through this research design, you will complete the module with a strong foundation for planning and completing research projects, including your MSc dissertation.
Learning Outcomes for module:

Upon completion of this module you will be able to

LO1: Understand and critically evaluate the ethical considerations and implications of various research methodologies.

LO2: Understand and critically evaluate the assumptions and limitations of various research methodologies and methods when applied to projects designed around the needs of users.

LO3: Design a research strategy involving qualitative and/or quantitative research approaches for a project designed around the needs of users that considers the following: ethics, society, culture, environment, and human interactions.

LO4: Communicate a research strategy and consideration of ethics in a formal manner appropriate for ethical review processes and academia.
Full Details of Teaching and Assessment
2026/7, Trimester 1, Blended,
VIEW FULL DETAILS
Occurrence: 001
Primary mode of delivery: Blended
Location of delivery: MERCHISTON
Partner:
Member of staff responsible for delivering module: Rachel Salzano
Module Organiser:


Student Activity (Notional Equivalent Study Hours (NESH))
Mode of activityLearning & Teaching ActivityNESH (Study Hours)NESH Description
Face To Face Lecture 20 This module will be primarily delivered face to face supported by student-centred activities and resources on the VLE. Ten 2 hour lectures including in-lecture activities will be timetabled in classrooms.
Face To Face Practical classes and workshops 20 Ten 2 hour practical classes which will be timetabled in classrooms or appropriate lab spaces.
Online Guided independent study 160 You are expected to organise your own time, finding and engaging with resources such as books, academic journal articles and online materials as well as working towards your assessments.
Total Study Hours200
Expected Total Study Hours for Module200


Assessment
Type of Assessment Weighting % LOs covered Week due Length in Hours/Words Description
Report 30 1~4 Week 9 , WORDS= 500-1000 words By week 9, you will submit you own review of a peer's ethics paperwork. You will be marked primarily on the appropriateness of your peer review and how well you demonstrated understanding the ethical implications of a peer's work.
Project - Written 60 2~3~4 Week 13 , WORDS= 2000 +/- 10% In your research proposal you will write a formal academic research proposal for a project that you wish to complete with a specific participant population in mind. This report will include a brief description of relevant background academic literature, the proposed methodology and methods for the research, and a reflection on the potential limitations of the proposed work.
Report 10 1~4 Week 6 , WORDS= 1,250 (+/- 10%) In this first part of assessment 1 you will complete the paperwork for the ethics review process for your planned research. It is expected that your answers to the various questions will total approximately 1250 +/- 10%. However, wordcount for this portion will not impact your mark as long as it is not excessive or the information incomplete. This portion will be marked based on successful submission and completion of all necessary areas of the ethics review paperwork.
Component 1 subtotal: 40
Component 2 subtotal: 60
Module subtotal: 100

Indicative References and Reading List - URL:
CSI11101 Research through Design
 

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