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2012/13 Taught Postgraduate Module Catalogue
MECH5550M Research Methods
15 creditsClass Size: 50
Module manager: Professor Richard M Hall
Email: R.M.Hall@leeds.ac.uk
Taught: Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) View Timetable
Year running 2012/13
Pre-requisite qualifications
Either an Undergraduate degree in a physical, biological sciences or one of the cognate disciplines (min2ii) or a medical degree or allied subject with a background in orthopaedics.This module is not approved as an Elective
Objectives
On completion of this module, students should be able to:- recognise key issues when designing experiments and collecting data concerning objectivity, reliability and repeatability;
- undertake suitable and appropriate statistical data analysis of research data;
- show awarness of a range data visualisation techniques and demonstarte the ability to present data in a meaningful and succinct manner;
- demonstrate an awareness of key computational methodologies particularly in the area of modelling;
- undertake the necessary steps in the development of a validated computational model.
Learning outcomes
On completion of this module students will:
- understand how to plan an experiment to answer a specific question
- develop an understanding of research data analysis
- demonstrate the conceptual capability of developing a validation computation model.
Skills outcomes
Students will be able to:
- plan and experiment;
- processing and statistical analysis of data to analyse acquired research data;
- present complex raw and processed data in a variety of formats.
Syllabus
This module is taught using a series of student centred work units delivered on a short course format. This module will acquaint students with basic generic skill required for experimental and computation research in terms of design.
The module will cover:
- Experimental design enabling students to plan an experiment to answer a particular research question within both an experimental and computational perspective. In this module issues such as repeatability, sample size determination, data presentation and ISO standards will be introduced.
- Computational analysis section aspects of convergence, validity and verification will be outlined.
- Imaging. Additional materials on imaging will be covered including the specification of imaging requirements for different computational and experimental requirements.
Teaching methods
| Delivery type | Number | Length hours | Student hours |
| Lecture | 30 | 1.00 | 30.00 |
| Private study hours | 120.00 | ||
| Total Contact hours | 30.00 | ||
| Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) | 150.00 | ||
Private study
- Reading and completing work units: 80 hours- Preparation and completion of summative assignments 40 hours.
This distance module is taught using a series of student centred work units and interactive electronic material.
Opportunities for Formative Feedback
- E-mail between student and module leader- Web-based formative MCQ and SAQ
- 4 assignments, one based on each unit of the modules, submitted during the module.
Methods of assessment
Coursework
| Assessment type | Notes | % of formal assessment |
| Literature Review | Critical analysis of literature | 30.00 |
| Essay | Imaging | 30.00 |
| Assignment | Preparation of a standard | 40.00 |
| Total percentage (Assessment Coursework) | 100.00 | |
Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated
Reading list
There is no reading list for this moduleLast updated: 11/03/2013
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- Undergraduate module catalogue
- Taught Postgraduate module catalogue
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- Taught Postgraduate programme catalogue
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