CHEM ENG 4056 - Research Practice

North Terrace Campus - Semester 1 - 2015

Principles underpinning research (e.g. scientific method; ethics; health & safety) and associated skills (e.g. record keeping; literature research; proposal writing) will be expounded and developed. This will be done through a combination of lectures, workshops and project work. The project work will centre around the development of a research proposal; a major element of this will be literature research and review.

  • General Course Information
    Course Details
    Course Code CHEM ENG 4056
    Course Research Practice
    Coordinating Unit School of Chemical Eng and Advanced Materials(Ina)
    Term Semester 1
    Level Undergraduate
    Location/s North Terrace Campus
    Units 3
    Contact Minimum of 3 hours per week
    Available for Study Abroad and Exchange N
    Course Description Principles underpinning research (e.g. scientific method; ethics; health & safety) and associated skills (e.g. record keeping; literature research; proposal writing) will be expounded and developed. This will be done through a combination of lectures, workshops and project work. The project work will centre around the development of a research proposal; a major element of this will be literature research and review.
    Course Staff

    Course Coordinator: Dr Dzuy Nguyen

    Course Timetable

    The full timetable of all activities for this course can be accessed from Course Planner.

  • Learning Outcomes
    Course Learning Outcomes
    At the completion of this course, students should be able to:
    1 Demonstrate understanding of research ethics, and health & safety in the research
    context;
    2 Understand the scientific method and its' rational;
    3 Form well-posed research questions and hypothesis;
    4 Identify efficiently and effectively the literature relevant to a research question;
    5 Design a plausible approach to addressing a research question;
    6 Develop a suitable plan to address a research question;
    7 Prepare a sound and engaging research proposal;
    8 Prepare an effective poster reporting a literature review; and
    9 Maintain appropriate research records.
    University Graduate Attributes

    This course will provide students with an opportunity to develop the Graduate Attribute(s) specified below:

    University Graduate Attribute Course Learning Outcome(s)
    Knowledge and understanding of the content and techniques of a chosen discipline at advanced levels that are internationally recognised. 1-9
    The ability to locate, analyse, evaluate and synthesise information from a wide variety of sources in a planned and timely manner. 3-5, 7-9
    An ability to apply effective, creative and innovative solutions, both independently and cooperatively, to current and future problems. 5, 6
    Skills of a high order in interpersonal understanding, teamwork and communication. 7-9
    A proficiency in the appropriate use of contemporary technologies. 4, 7, 8
    A commitment to continuous learning and the capacity to maintain intellectual curiosity throughout life. 1-9
    A commitment to the highest standards of professional endeavour and the ability to take a leadership role in the community. 1-9
    An awareness of ethical, social and cultural issues within a global context and their importance in the exercise of professional skills and responsibilities. 1
  • Learning Resources
    Recommended Resources
    Reference Books

    Bock P 2001, Getting It Right, Academic Press.

    Booth WC, Colomb GG, Williams JM 2008, The Craft of Research, 3rd edition, The University of Chicago Press.

    Online Learning
    A range of online resources will be provided via MyUni.
  • Learning & Teaching Activities
    Learning & Teaching Modes
    This course uses a number of different teaching and learning approaches including lectures, seminars and one-on-one or small group tutoring by academic & research staff.

    Workload

    The information below is provided as a guide to assist students in engaging appropriately with the course requirements.

    Activity Contact Hours Non-contact Hours
    Lectures 12 24
    Research seminars 4 4
    1-on-1/Small Group Tutoring 12
    Literature research 60
    Proposal writing 24
    Poster preparation 8
    TOTAL 28 132
    Learning Activities Summary
    Topic 1: The Research Process
    The scientific method; framing research questions & hypotheses; design and planning of research; research proposal development; record keeping; ethics; health & safety.

    Topic 2: Searching and Using the Literature
    Search strategies; hands-on use of bibliographic databases; use of literature resources, both off- and on-line; Endnote; citing sources.

    Topic 3: Communication of Research Findings
    Preparation of: literature review, poster, dissertation, and various forms of papers.

  • Assessment

    The University's policy on Assessment for Coursework Programs is based on the following four principles:

    1. Assessment must encourage and reinforce learning.
    2. Assessment must enable robust and fair judgements about student performance.
    3. Assessment practices must be fair and equitable to students and give them the opportunity to demonstrate what they have learned.
    4. Assessment must maintain academic standards.

    Assessment Summary

    No information currently available.

    Assessment Detail

    No information currently available.

    Submission

    No information currently available.

    Course Grading

    Grades for your performance in this course will be awarded in accordance with the following scheme:

    M10 (Coursework Mark Scheme)
    Grade Mark Description
    FNS   Fail No Submission
    F 1-49 Fail
    P 50-64 Pass
    C 65-74 Credit
    D 75-84 Distinction
    HD 85-100 High Distinction
    CN   Continuing
    NFE   No Formal Examination
    RP   Result Pending

    Further details of the grades/results can be obtained from Examinations.

    Grade Descriptors are available which provide a general guide to the standard of work that is expected at each grade level. More information at Assessment for Coursework Programs.

    Final results for this course will be made available through Access Adelaide.

  • Student Feedback

    The University places a high priority on approaches to learning and teaching that enhance the student experience. Feedback is sought from students in a variety of ways including on-going engagement with staff, the use of online discussion boards and the use of Student Experience of Learning and Teaching (SELT) surveys as well as GOS surveys and Program reviews.

    SELTs are an important source of information to inform individual teaching practice, decisions about teaching duties, and course and program curriculum design. They enable the University to assess how effectively its learning environments and teaching practices facilitate student engagement and learning outcomes. Under the current SELT Policy (http://www.adelaide.edu.au/policies/101/) course SELTs are mandated and must be conducted at the conclusion of each term/semester/trimester for every course offering. Feedback on issues raised through course SELT surveys is made available to enrolled students through various resources (e.g. MyUni). In addition aggregated course SELT data is available.

  • Student Support
  • Policies & Guidelines
  • Fraud Awareness

    Students are reminded that in order to maintain the academic integrity of all programs and courses, the university has a zero-tolerance approach to students offering money or significant value goods or services to any staff member who is involved in their teaching or assessment. Students offering lecturers or tutors or professional staff anything more than a small token of appreciation is totally unacceptable, in any circumstances. Staff members are obliged to report all such incidents to their supervisor/manager, who will refer them for action under the university's student’s disciplinary procedures.

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