Research Project (Study Abroad)

Overview

The module offers students an opportunity to assist a member of academic staff at Queen's University Belfast (QUB) with a research project. A list of live projects is maintained by the Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences (EPS). The range of projects available reflects the research expertise of the academic staff participating in the module. Projects may draw on expertise within Archaeology, Palaeoecology, Architecture, Civil Engineering, Planning, Geography, Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Psychology, Mechanical Engineering, Aeronautical Engineering, Computer Science, Electronics or Electrical Engineering. Placement on a project is at the discretion of the project’s academic lead and, as appropriate, the academic coordinator of the home institution. Students are mentored by the academic lead who is managing the research project and they gain valuable practical experience in data collection, analysis, interpretation and the scholarly communication of findings.

Learning Objectives

On successful completion of the module, students will have demonstrated an ability to:

- Approach a research topic and help formulate appropriate research question
- Engage with and review appropriate literatures
- Identify appropriate primary and/or secondary sources of data
- Co-design an appropriate methodological approach / experimental design
- Undertake, as appropriate, health, safety and ethical reviews of planned research
- Conduct the project over an extended period, acquiring and developing necessary skills to execute a suitable programme of work, including a final report

Skills

Students completing this module will acquired a range of skills in independent research and collaborative working arrangements, notably: project planning; identifying and addressing health, safety and ethical issues; ability to apply general principles and design or appropriate analytical techniques to problem solving; ability to produce a piece of work that demonstrates assimilation of cutting edge research literature, data collection, analysis and critical evaluation initiative, personal responsibility and collaboration with others.

Assessment

Project report of 4000-5000 words.