3300 Research Methods

An Intro to R&D

3300 Research Methods for Engineers

Module Name Research Methods for Engineers
Module Code 3300
Semester Winter
Module Coordinator Prof Dr Andy Stamm
Lecturer Prof Dr William Megill
Language English
Place in Curriculum Common Core Subject
Timetabled Hours
  • Lectures        1 HPW
  • Recitations    1 HPW
  • Laboratories  1 HPW
Workload
  • 45h Attendance
  • 75h Preparation & Review
  • 30h Report Preparation
Credits 5
Recommended Prerequisites Basic courses in programming, electronics, engineering design, CAD, and materials
Module Objectives After completing the course the students have experience in project related work and the practical implementation of the acquired knowledge. They can find relevant information independently using a variety of sources. They can construct useful theories, hypotheses and work statements, then document and present their work in a professional manner. They have also learned the practical side of engineering science with introductions to instrumentation and measurement in real environments. They have learned to design and make their own test rigs and to interpret the data obtained with instrumentation they designed, built and debugged themselves.
Content
  • Introduction to Engineering Research
  • Literature Search and Review
  • Developing a Research Plan
  • Statistical Design and Analysis
  • Optimisation Techniques
  • Design and Construction of Experimental Apparatus
  • Instrumentation
  • Amplifier Design and Data Acquisition
  • Software Control of Experimental Apparatus
  • Signal in Noise Considerations
  • Filter Design: Mechanical, Electrical and Software
  • Numerical Treatment of Experimental Data
  • Qualitative Research Methods
  • Report Writing and Presentation
  • Collaborative Working & Resource Planning; Gantt Charts; Online Collaboration Tools
Assessment Attestation: Continuous Assessment
Forms of Media Moodle, Prerecorded Lectures
Literature
  • Lecture notes
  • Thiel DV (2014) Research methods for engineers. Cambridge UP. ISBN 978-1-139-54232-6
  • Horowitz & Hill. The art of electronics. Cambridge UP. ISBN 978-0-521-80926-9