1. Demonstrate an awareness of underlying principles and practice that guide and support academic writing and research. (AHEP 4: F4)

2. Demonstrate development of independent learning skills. (AHEP 4: F2, F4, F6, F18)

3. Produce an academic report using a range of taught academic research tools and resources. (AHEP 4: F6)

An assessment of two parts: 30% covering learning outcome 1 & 2 and 70% covering learning outcome 1, 2 & 3.

Reflective Analysis (30%) – Initial academic writing assessment, having been provided the fundamental academic tools with which to complete the assignment. Learning outcomes 1 & 2, linking to AHEP F2, F4, F6 and F18.

Research Essay (70%) – Research Paper on a technical subject related to the Engineering environment. The research question will change every semester but will be in the general area of Engineering. Learning outcome 1, 2 & 3, linking to AHEP 6.

Link to AHEP 4

This module links to AHEP 4 in the following ways:

1. F2: the student will analyse broadly defined problems and reach substantiated conclusions based upon the research papers underpinning their work. They will achieve this by answering a research question set by the tutor.

2. F4: the student will select and use technical literature from resources such as the University Library search engine, Scopus, Google Scholar and Connected Papers. These resources will be utilised to address the broadly defined problem as set by the tutor in the research question.

3. F6: the student will apply a systematic approach in their response to the broadly defined research question set by the tutor.

4. F18 - Plan and Record self-learning as part of Reflective Analysis.

This module aims to develop your skills and knowledge to help support your learning as a remote/off-campus student.

There are a number of aspects to the module:

Reflection: reflective practice is looking back and thinking about an activity in detail and learning something from that activity, in order to help in the future. This element looks at the value and benefits of becoming, and remaining, a reflective thinker as a student.

Academic Writing: understand what is required of you as a student when writing academic papers and other reports. Be able to utilise the latest edition of Harvard referencing, support your own writing using academic sources and citations and use RefWorks or similar citation manager.

Efficient word processing: Further support your work by using Table of Contents, Tables of Figures, correctly cited Figures and Tables, along with the correct formation of key sections such as the Abstract, Introduction, Conclusion and Reference Lists.

Academic Research Tools: understand and be able to utilise the University Library research tools, Scopus, Google Scholar, Connected Papers and other tools to search for and locate academic resources. Become a critical thinker by assessing the value of the research.

Literature Reviews: have the ability to write a literature review and form your own research questions utilising the provided material.

This module will provide the basic academic building blocks that you will utilise for the remainder of your studies. Skills learned will include academic writing, Harvard referencing, research skills and tools.

Students will work through the module material provided on the VLE at a pace suggested within the VLE for the module. The material will include activities that allow students to assimilate the concepts and skills required by the module and students will be encouraged to discuss relevant aspects via vehicles such as discussion forums hosted within the VLE, which will allow discussion with a student's peer group as well as the module tutor. Live tutorials and other material and meetings will occur as appropriate to provide additional support.

Students will be expected to engage with independent reading, which should include texts, journals, websites that are pertinent to the learning outcomes and the issues or areas that form the focus of the module. Indicative texts:-

Bailey, S. (2021) Academic Writing for University Students Routledge.

Cottrell, S., (2019) The Study Skills Handbook, 5th Edition, Hampshire: Palgrave Study Guides, ISBN: 9781137610898

Blackboard VLE Library facilities, Scopus, Google Scholar and Connected Papers
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