Research Methods

MATS64201 Research Methods 15 Semester 1 Postgraduate Taught Level 6 Christopher Blanford Unit coordinator 1 FHEQ level (Framework for Higher Education Qualifications) ' Masters/Integrated Masters P4 ' European Credit Transfer & Accumulation System Rating : 7.5 The unit provides an overview of the design and realization of a research project, either lab-based or computational, the application of technical data analysis and visualisation methods, and how these can be applied to solve engineering problems. The unit provides an overview of the design and realization of a research project, either lab-based or computational, the application of technical data analysis and visualisation methods, and how these can be applied to solve engineering problems. These methods will be combined with a series of lectures about the practicalities of sample preparation and materials characterization & testing, and a group case study to reinforce engineering knowledge by a combination of taught examples and self-learning. The key aim of the unit is to introduce and apply the theory for planning and managing a research project. The student will also be able to apply this knowledge to his or her individual M.Sc. or PhD research project. The unit includes:<ol><li>Technical data analysis and manipulation: Application of computational statistical analysis tools; image analysis & visualisation techniques; technical statistics with errors, uncertainties and how these are applied to research.</li><li>Applied aspects of materials analysis: Sample preparation and structure characterisation with application of image analysis methods and data statistics; testing of the thermal & mechanical performance of engineering materials.</li><li>Team project: multidisciplinary group work to develop interpersonal and transferable skills, as part of a case study addressing economic, legal, social, ethical, environmental context relevant to engineering practice; application of materials science and engineering knowledge to solve a multi-faceted engineering challenge.</li><li>Research transferrable skills: health and safety; assessing & mitigating risk and ensuring a safe working environment; project proposal writing, referencing, library access; scientific written and oral communication skills; ethics and plagiarism in research; project planning and management; experiment design.</li></ol>Please note: This course unit detail provides the framework for delivery in 20/21 and may be subject to change due to any additional Covid-19 impact.  Please see Blackboard / course unit related emails for any further updates. The unit aims to:<ol><li>Introduce the theory of planning, managing, and executing a research project in science and engineering.  </li><li>Provide methods to assess, analyse and visualise technical data, with introduction to the design of experiments and industrial statistics, including the application of Taguchi methods.  </li><li>Provide training and practical examples to propose solutions for engineering challenges.  </li><li>Improve confidence in the use of transferable and interpersonal skills, team working, and the written & oral communication of scientific ideas.  </li><li>Reinforce the application of engineering knowledge and theory with concepts in the form of case studies and a subsequent individual research project.</li></ol> A greater depth of the learning outcomes will be covered in the following sections:<ul><li>Knowledge and understanding</li><li>Intellectual skills</li><li>Practical skills</li><li>Transferable skills and personal qualities</li></ul> <ul><li>Understand the principles of engineering design and the role of materials selection in design projects</li><li>Select an appropriate experimental design and suitable research methods to address a materials science problem</li><li>Evaluate the importance of economic, legal, social, ethical and environmental context relevant to engineering practice</li></ul> a. Evaluate whether differences between measurements and analyses are statistically significant       <ol> </ol> a. Apply tools to design experiments and critically evaluate the resulting data b. Process and analyse experimental image data c. Create high-quality figures suitable for scientific publication d. Assess and mitigate risks of working in a research laboratory a. Plan, prioritise, deliver and assess a programme of work within a team b. Communicate a research project, its motivation, aims, management plan and outcomes to different audiences through an oral and a poster presentation c. Compose a high-level critical literature review <div><ul><li>Attentively watching pre-recorded (asynchronous) online lectures before participating in synchronous activities; undertaking asynchronous tasks; completing individual coursework assignments; working as a team on guided group case study and producing a poster & oral presentation on it; and reading recommended textbooks, web resources, and electronic supporting information on Blackboard.  </li><li>PGT only: having one-to-one discussions with project supervisor about the individual MSc research project, then writing a critical literature review on the topic, designing a project plan and risk assessing the proposed research.  </li><li>PGR only: having one-to-one discussions with PhD supervisor, then writing a critical literature review that identifies gaps in knowledge within the relevant area of research, and thereupon justify the proposed scope of work for the PhD research project.  </li><li>Facilitated learning activities, including synchronous/pre-recorded lectures and case study workshops: 30 h  </li><li>Independent learning activities, including individual/group work and private study: 120 h</li></ul></div>  0 Other 10% 2 Written assignment (inc essay) 40% 3 Report 10% 5 Portfolio 10% 7 Oral assessment/presentation 20% 9 Set exercise 10% Feedback given written and verbally. N <ul><li>W.D. Callister, D.G. Rethwisch, Materials Science and Engineering: An Introduction, 9ed, Wiley, 2013.</li><li>M. Ashby, Materials and Design: The Art & Science of Material Selection in Product Design, 3ed, Butterworth-Heinemann, 2014.</li><li>R.K. Roy, Design of Experiments Using the Taguchi Approach: 16 Steps to Product and Process Improvement, John Wiley & Sons, 2001.</li><li>G.S. Peace, Taguchi methods A Hands-On Approach, ¿Addison-Wesley, 1992.</li><li>D.A. Porter, K.E. Easterling, M.Y. Sherif, Phase Transformations in Metals and Alloys, 3rd, Chapman and Hall, 2009.</li></ul>Initial reading about the topic of the individual research project will be provided by the supervisor. The student will perform an in-depth literature review using relevant books and articles from scientific journals, under the guidance of the supervisor. Lectures 30 0 120