Research methods (5 cr)

Objective

You know the research and development methods used in environmental engineering and environmental management. You can deal with research problems with proper methods and are capable of producing, presenting and critically analyzing statistical data in your bachelor’s thesis and other research projects. You are capable of planning research projects and surveys and reporting the results. You can report about a research project using academic English. You know Xamk’s reporting conventions.

Content

What are the general principles of research work, research methods, research plan, and the statistical methods applicable in different research types?
What are the typical steps in research and development projects and different research strategies?
What makes a good scientific report?
What does a Bachelor's thesis look like? How to collect data for qualitative and quantitative research and to analyse and interpret the data?

Evaluation

Students can
a.use professional vocabulary systematically.
b.look for information in the key information sources of the field.
c.identify interrelated tasks.
e.use the key models, methods, software and techniques of the professional field.

Course material

The material presented in Moodle and self-acquired material.

Study forms and methods

Scheduled track:
Participate in teaching and supervision in accordance with the schedule.

Student workload

Classroom education for 36 hours, and independent work 99 hours. The total workload of 135 hours.

Evaluation scale

1-5

Assessment methods and criteria

The evaluation is based on the work done for the course assignments. Detailed evaluation criteria are shown in the first classroom teaching time.