Module Overview
Research Design and Proposal Writing
Part-time / Level 9 / Online / 5 ECTS
MSc graduates in Computing and Computer Science will need to remain up to date with new innovations, which may be applicable to their chosen area of specialism. To achieve this, students must be able to undertake research using appropriate sources in an ethical and professional manner and present their research findings in an appropriate form. This module develops the student’s ability to effectively take a research project from a research question through to a successful resolution. This will involve covering topics such as research management, qualitative and quantitative research techniques, and research writing and presentation. The module will culminate in the preparation of a research dissertation proposal.
- Using the existing body of knowledge:
Identification of subject area experts Identifying current state of knowledge and key issues Identifying researchable issues Evaluating published sources for their relevance and quality in relation to the chosen topic Constructing a literature review relevant to a given research question Critically reviewing a source within a written literature review
- Formulating a research programme:
Planning and organising a research project Comparing and contrasting the use of a variety of research methodologies for research topic within the student’s discipline Comparing and contrasting the use of a variety of data collection methods within the student’s discipline, including qualitative, quantitative and mixed methods Comparing and contrasting the use of a variety of analysis and evaluation methods within the student’s discipline Ethical Frameworks and gaining ethical approval
- Preparing a research proposal:
Proposal structure Articulating aims, research question, hypotheses and objectives Identifying evaluation methods for designed solution Requirements of an MSc Dissertation Requirements of a good MSc Dissertation proposal
The module is designed to be delivered within a blended learning model, employing mixed modes (online and face to face) of learning, teaching and assessment.
TU059 will be delivered primarily in a face-to-face mode while TU060 will be delivered in a blended mode.
This module will involve student-based learning methods to allow students to learn by practice as much as possible. Material may be presented in the form of lectures, seminars and videos however all contact periods will be opportunities to discuss and clarify the material and to put it into a more cogent and coherent framework. Students will be expected to use library and Internet-based information sources extensively. Students will be encouraged to be pro-active in their approach to learning. All students will be required to present problems, discuss solutions, and work independently or in groups. Students will be encouraged to think and reason for themselves and develop the critical skills needed at this level. Considerable emphasis will be placed on developing the student’s ability to effectively construct a research proposal which can be executed successfully as an MSc Dissertation project demonstrating an ability to identify a feasible area of research, an appropriate research programme including an evaluation strategy and an ability to present these in an appropriate form. Students will be expected to develop independence in, and responsibility for their own learning.
Module Content & Assessment
| Assessment Breakdown | % |
|---|---|
| Other Assessment (s) | 100.00% |
Contact school.cs@tudublin.ie for further information.
EU students: €230
Non-EU students: Contact international.city@tudublin.ie for more details.