FTE-25806 Research Methods Biosystems Engineering

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Studiepunten 6.00

Language of instruction:

Dutch

Assumed knowledge on:

FTE-26306 Data Analysis Biosystems Engineering.

Contents:

In this course the students learn the different steps of doing research:
- problem analysis;
- problem definition;
- objective of the research;
- research questions;
- execution of the research (measuring and data analysis);
- presentation of results;
- discussion;
- conclusion.
The students will exercise these different steps in a small (pre-selected) research project they have to execute with a group. The students start with making a proposal for their project and subsequently execute this project as a team. They get feedback on each of the steps in the research process. They also have to incorporate the literature they collected in the Information literacy module in the course FTE26306. The students have to prepare a well-structured report on their project according to scientific standards and present the results orally. Part of the course is a module on debating. In this module the students will learn how to set up a good oral argumentation in relation to the right context and purpose. Explicit attention in this course will be given to the different aspects of group work (team activities, organizational, social).

Learning outcomes:

After successful completion of the course students are expected to be able to:
- analyse a problem, define the problem, formulate the objectives of the research, and derive the relevant research questions;
- write a project proposal;
- execute a small research project in the domain according to the project plan and in a proper way;
- discuss the outcomes of research in a proper way and draw relevant conclusions, showing they understand variability in input and output of a biosystem;
- prepare a well-structured report of the research project with a proper presentation of the outcomes of the research project by means of text, tables, figures, etc.;
- deliver an oral argumentation in the right context and for the right purpose;
- present the results in a proper way, both orally and in writing;
- reflect on group work and their own functioning in a group.

Activities:

- group work;
- practical's;
- tutorials;
- lectures.

Examination:

The assessment consist of six parts:
- debating: pass required;
- final presentation (10%);
- group assessment (10%);
- report -writing skills (20%);
- report -content (30%);
- process, contribution to discussion (30%).

Literature:

Reader.