Course Description
The philosophy of engineering research, research and design methodologies, review of the departmental research programs and related training goals, and writing and presenting thesis and dissertation proposals and grant proposals.
Athena Title
Foundations for Engr Research
Equivalent Courses
Not open to students with credit in ENGR 8910E
Semester Course Offered
Offered fall
Grading System
A - F (Traditional)
Course Objectives
Learning Outcomes: 1. Students will demonstrate ability to critically evaluate literature in their areas of interest by making oral presentations and written critiques. 2. Students will learn the scientific methods and engineering methods by analyzing related papers and other related literature. 3. Students will gain experience in properly posing a research hypothesis. 4. Students will complete exercises directed towards learning the importance of proper experimental design and data analysis for addressing a posed hypothesis. 5. Students will identify and analyze contemporary ethical questions and complete oral and written discussions of suitable resolutions. 6. Students will complete a research proposal suitable for committee evaluation (MS students) or a full proposal suitable for submission to external agency complete with budget (PhD students).
Topical Outline
1. "High-level" perspective-writing is used to engage students in creating original ideas around which hypotheses can be built. 2. Peer review of the first draft of the perspective has been implemented, which is more consistent with a more mature graduate student (e.g., in doctoral program). 3. Four new topics consistent with the needs of advanced students have been added: • Comparing and contrasting the design and research methodologies • Creativity • Technology and Society–Innovation/Entrepreneurship - a dimension of Broader Impact • Habits of highly effective observers 4. Future changes to be added to the course a. Expose the students to meta-analysis for comprehensive literature review methods and knowledge synthesis b. Methods to avoid plagiarism (might already be covered) c. Addition of literature search tools
Syllabus
Public CV