This graduate course aims to help students understand science and the scientific method, and looks at research in academic and industrial contexts. It also aims to provide practical skills in finding and using sources of research information, research management, and basic data analysis techniques.
Topics are chosen from:
| Week | Topic |
| 1 | Course Survey |
| 2 | Introduction to Research Methods |
| 3 | No Class Research Planning |
| 4 | Sources of Research Information and Research Planning - Week Four Slides [pdf] |
| 5 | Quantitative Data - Week Five Slides [pdf] |
| 6 | Qualitative Data |
| 7 | Technology Through Time - CETL/InQbate Visit |
| 8 | Ethics in Research |
| 9 | Writing grant proposals |
| 10 | Academic vs Industrial R&D |
There will be nine two-hour seminars starting in week 2 on Thursdays 9.00 until 11.50 in PEV1-2C01 together with weekly set reading. Beginning in week 4 a couple of students each week will present an overview of their own research area and of the research methods typically used in that domain, as a focus for class discussion.
This is a one term course, taught in the autumn term of the first year of DPhil or MRes study. The course is assessed by coursework (100%). The coursework consists of two parts. The first exercise is peer-assessed in-class on the day of the student's presentation. The second exercise consists of a piece of written work/research due on Thurs 6th December 2007. The first part contributes 25% of the coursework mark and the second part is worth 75%.
1. Based on your own DPhil research topic or some other chosen topic agreed with the course tutor, each class member shall write up a short research proposal (2000 words). The proposal should include a title, introduction, brief literature review, statement of aims and hypotheses, research methodology or approach adopted (with justification), research procedure, 'results' (with an indication of the data analysis approach chosen), discussion/conclusions and suggestions for future work. This proposal will be presented to the class. The class will act as a research grants committee and evaluate each proposal for its `funding' merit.
2. Write a comparative and critical review of 2 or 3 different research methodologies, paradigms or approaches to research or evaluation commonly used in your specific area of research (or proposed research) 3500 words.
Usual Informatics 'terms and conditions' for assignments apply, ie. any coursework handed in up to one week after the deadline will be subject to a 50% penalty; any coursework handed in later than one week after the deadline will receive no marks. All cases of collusion and plagiarism will be reported to the appropriate exam board.
Please feel free ask me questions about this course. My email address is johannah at sussex ac uk if you want to ask questions or to book a time to see me.