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Research Methods (CHEN90034)
Graduate courseworkPoints: 12.5Not available in 2024
Overview
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AIMS
The aim of engineering and scientific research is to produce new knowledge. To be useful, new knowledge must be able to stand up to scrutiny, and its presentation to other researchers and/or to the public must be persuasive.
This subject is an introduction to the processes of research as they apply to chemical and biochemical engineering, including chemical and biological safety and risk assessment, locating and critically analysing relevant literature, designing experiments, analysing data, writing papers, writing research proposals giving presentations and refereeing. Underlying all of these, the subject will foster the development of critical thinking, a sceptical, scientific perspective, and professional ethics.
INDICATIVE CONTENT
Topics covered include safety and risk assessments. Training in databases such as Web of Science and Scifinder scholar. Scientific ethics. Research impact measures and methods to maximise impact. Statistical analysis of data and proper reporting of data. Methods for scientific presentations; how to present engaging and entertaining scientific presentations. Guide to writing research proposals. Critically evaluating scientific manuscripts.
Intended learning outcomes
INTENDED LEARNING OUTCOMES (ILO)
On completion of this subject the student is expected to:
- Understand the importance of safety and risk assessment in the conduct of experimental research
- Describe the roles of rigour and scepticism in producing results of high impact
- Understand relevant statistical techniques including the use of error bars, t-statistics, ANOVA and non-linear linear regression analysis
- Explain the ethical guidelines governing academic research
- Demonstrate knowledge of and experience in research planning, conduct and analysis and in written and spoken communication.
Generic skills
- Safety in the laboratory and in engineering/chemical research
- Ability to communicate scientific ideas in a range of formats, inducing written and spoken
- Ability to critically evaluate scientific research.
Last updated: 30 January 2024
Eligibility and requirements
Prerequisites
Admission into the DR-PHILENG Doctor of Philosophy - Engineering
Corequisites
None
Non-allowed subjects
None
Inherent requirements (core participation requirements)
The University of Melbourne is committed to providing students with reasonable adjustments to assessment and participation under the Disability Standards for Education (2005), and the Assessment and Results Policy (MPF1326). Students are expected to meet the core participation requirements for their course. These can be viewed under Entry and Participation Requirements for the course outlines in the Handbook.
Further details on how to seek academic adjustments can be found on the Student Equity and Disability Support website: http://services.unimelb.edu.au/student-equity/home
Last updated: 30 January 2024
Assessment
Description | Timing | Percentage |
---|---|---|
Literature review approximately 2000. Intended Learning Outcome (ILOs) 2, 4 and 5 are addressed in the Literature review
| Week 6 | 10% |
Oral presentation. ILO 1, 2, 4 and 5 are addressed in the oral presentation | From Week 10 to Week 11 | 20% |
Research proposal - maximum 5 A4 pages. ILO 1, 2, 4 and 5 are addressed in the research proposal
| Week 9 | 20% |
Critical review of research manuscript - maximum two pages. All ILOs 5 are addressed in the review
| Week 12 | 10% |
An exam. All ILOs are addressed in the exam.
| End of semester | 40% |
Additional details
Hurdle requirement: Passing the final exam and attendance at a minimum of 6 Departmental Seminars are required to pass the subject
Last updated: 30 January 2024
Dates & times
Not available in 2024
Time commitment details
200 hours
Last updated: 30 January 2024
Further information
- Texts
Prescribed texts
There are no specifically prescribed or recommended texts for this subject.
- Subject notes
LEARNING AND TEACHING METHODS
The subject will be delivered through 1x three hour lectures per week and 6 x one hour seminars per semester Total. Time Commitment: 200 hours
INDICATIVE KEY LEARNING RESOURCES
Students will have access to lecture slides through LMS.
CAREERS / INDUSTRY LINKS
The skills gained in this course are vital for careers in academia and industrial research. Importantly, the comprehensive safety topics covered will further prepare students for the importance of safety at all work places including industry and academia. The subject will prepare students for a range of research careers in the process and chemical manufacturing industries, as well as medical and biotechnology research fields.
- Related Handbook entries
This subject contributes to the following:
Type Name Course Doctor of Philosophy - Engineering Course Ph.D.- Engineering Course Master of Philosophy - Engineering - Available through the Community Access Program
About the Community Access Program (CAP)
This subject is available through the Community Access Program (also called Single Subject Studies) which allows you to enrol in single subjects offered by the University of Melbourne, without the commitment required to complete a whole degree.
Entry requirements including prerequisites may apply. Please refer to the CAP applications page for further information.
Additional information for this subject
Subject coordinator approval required
Last updated: 30 January 2024