Modules

Core Module Information
Module title: Honours Project and Conference
SCQF level: 10:
SCQF credit value: 60.00
ECTS credit value: 30
Module code: CTR10400
Module leader: Jonathan Cowie
School School of Computing, Engineering and the Built Environment
Subject area group: Built Environment
Prerequisites

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

The module consists of a short lecture programme that outlines basic research principles and ideas in the civil engineering discipline. Specifically, 'research' is clearly defined, issues surrounding research literature are outlined, research paradigms, methodologies and methods are defined, and finally issue with secondary data examined. You will then undertake an area of individual research with which you will be allocated a project supervisor who's role is to advise you on progress with the project and with whom you can discuss your main findings. The final aspect of the module is to present and discuss your results at an internal conference to an audience of your peers and tutors.
Learning Outcomes for module:

Upon completion of this module you will be able to

LO1: Formulate a research proposal that is consistent with honours level student research.

LO2: Acquire knowledge of relevant research in a well defined civil or transport engineering area.

LO3: Engage with various engineering and other assumptions, approaches and practical issues involved when completing a research project in a civil or transport engineering related discipline.

LO4: Identify and carry out the key links in developing, designing, undertaking and completing a research project relevant to civil and transport engineering issues.

LO5: Develop and enhance report writing and time management skills.

LO6: Demonstrate a deep understanding of the research undertaken, its broader implications, and effectively communicate the results in an academic and professional context
Full Details of Teaching and Assessment
2025/6, Trimester 1, In Person,
VIEW FULL DETAILS
Occurrence: 001
Primary mode of delivery: In Person
Location of delivery: MERCHISTON
Partner:
Member of staff responsible for delivering module: Jonathan Cowie
Module Organiser:


Student Activity (Notional Equivalent Study Hours (NESH))
Mode of activityLearning & Teaching ActivityNESH (Study Hours)NESH Description
Face To Face Lecture 8 Lectures will be specifically focused on the key components that are common to all honours projects.
Online Guided independent study 577 A learning approach where students take responsibility for their own learning process, with support and direction from academics through tutorials and research assessments. This method combines the independence of self-directed study with the guidance of a structured framework provided by academic staff.
Face To Face Project Supervision 15 At the beginning of the module, you will be allocated a project supervisor with whom you can discuss progress with throughout the course of the project.
Total Study Hours600
Expected Total Study Hours for Module600


Assessment
Type of Assessment Weighting % LOs covered Week due Length in Hours/Words Description
Report 5 1 Week 5 , WORDS= 1500 Research Proposal (Tri2, Wk5)The research proposal should give an outline of the topic to be studied, the methodology to be used and justification for the approach taken. In some respects this is a formative assessment, as this lays the basic groundwork for the actual dissertation, but it is considered by the module team to be of high importance and therefore is formally assessed.
Report 10 2~3~5 Week 9 , WORDS= 2000 words Literature Review (Tri2, Wk9)This is set in week 9 of trimester 2 in order to allow students to reflect upon progress with their honours project. As with the research proposal, this is in many respects a formative assessment, as feedback is given with regards to future direction of the project and in terms of the final dissertation. Again however, the module team views this as an important stage in the progress of the honours project, hence it is formally assessed.
Dissertation 60 2~3~4~5~6 Week 5 , WORDS= 10000 Dissertation (Tri3, Wk5)Students submit a final dissertation in Week 5 of Tri3, and whilst the length of assessment is given as 10k words, the guidance given to students is that this should be between 8k and 12k. Whilst the assessment is solely based on the submitted document, the module team reserve the right to in exceptional cases hold a viva after submission.
Report 10 2~5~6 Week 5 , WORDS= 2000 words Short Research Paper (Tri3, Wk5)This should be viewed as an extended abstract in which students demonstrate their ability to present the findings of their honours project in a concise and focused manner.
Oral Presentation 15 2~3~6 Week 5 HOURS= 20 minutes Oral Presentation (Tri3, Wk12)Students give an overview of their honours project and present their main findings. This is at a specially arranged internal conference, and consists of a 20 minute presentation followed by a 10 minute Q&A session, in which students are encouraged to ask questions of their peers.
Component 1 subtotal: 100
Component 2 subtotal: 0
Module subtotal: 100

Indicative References and Reading List - URL:
CTR10400 Honours Project and Conference
 

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