RESEARCH METHODS

Course Description

This course is designed to be a background pass to graduate studies. The ability to formulate a research question, finding the data relevant to research questions, analyze those data, and presentation of research findings are skills that will be acquired through this course. Scientific thinking skills and methods of research, using library and online archives, experimental design, and presenting quantitative data are modules covered within the scope of this course. Scientific communication, writing research proposals, scientific reporting and thesis writing are also supported. Conference presentations, time management in research projects, ethical issues, plagiarism and skills of working in a group and networking are also highlighted throughout the semester.

RESEARCH METHODS

Evaluation Tools (Active Term)

Course outcomes

1. 01 Assess suitable types of research
2. 02 Plan and write an effective research proposal
3. 03 Design and conduct a proper scientific research
4. 04 Perform ethical research
5. 05 Perform an effective literature survey
6. 06 Assess data collection methods
7. 07 Perform experiments and evaluate data
8. 08 Report and present research results

Course Syllabus

Reference Books & Course Materials

1. 01 Dr. Pandey, Prabhat and Dr. Meenu Mishra Pandey, “ RESEARCH METHODOLOGY: TOOLS AND TECHNIQUES”, ISBN 978-606-93502-7-0, © Bridge Center, 2015
2. 02 John W. CRESWELL, "Research Design", 4th Ed., Sage Publications Ltd.,2014.
3. 03 Patrick DUNLEAVY, "Authoring a PhD:How to Plan, Draft, Write and Finish a Doctoral thesis or Dissertation", Palgrave Study Guides, 2003.

Learning Outcomes

1. L01 Ability to conduct a proper scientific research
2. L02 Conducting ethical research
3. L03 Familiarity with different types of research
4. L04 Experience in writing an effective research proposal
5. L05 Experience in conducting an effective literature survey
6. L06 Experience in research design
7. L07 Experience in data collection methods
8. L08 Experience in experimentation and data interpretation
9. L09 Experience in Scientific Writing and Scientific Presentation

Program Outcomes

1. 1. Analyzes, compares, and synthesizes advanced theoretical and applied knowledge in subfields of civil engineering.
2. 2. Identifies a problem in the field, formulates a research question, collects and analyzes data, and draws conclusions using scientific methods.
3. 3. Develops innovative solutions by applying modeling, analysis, and interpretation skills to complex engineering problems.
4. 4. Designs new systems, processes, or materials by considering real-world constraints such as economy, environment, sustainability, and safety.
5. 5. Plans laboratory or field studies, collects data, performs statistical analysis, and derives scientific results.
6. 6. Effectively uses modern analysis and design software, information technologies, and measurement tools in civil engineering applications.
7. 7. Recognizes, interprets, and integrates relationships between civil engineering and other engineering or scientific disciplines.
8. 8. Acts in accordance with ethical principles, demonstrates professional responsibility, and evaluates the societal impacts of engineering practices.
9. 9. Communicates research and engineering outcomes clearly and effectively through written, oral, and visual means.
10. 10. Works effectively in intra- and interdisciplinary teams and assumes leadership roles when necessary.
11. 11. Follows, critically evaluates, and continuously improves professional knowledge and skills through lifelong learning.
12. 12. Evaluates the environmental, sustainability, and societal impacts of engineering practices and develops responsible solutions.

Po-Lo Matrix