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MSc Architecture & Sustainability

BENV5001 Methods for Sustainability Research – 2023/2024

Basic module information

Module Title: Methods for Sustainability Research

Short Module Title: Methods for Sustainability Research

Module Code: BENV5001 Credit Value: 30.00 Credit Level: Academic Level 7

Owning Department: FAC - Architecture

SAP delivery session: Block1, Block3

Details of accreditation by Professional, Statutory or Regulatory body: N/A

Module Leader: Professor Ahmad Taki

Pre-requisites (module codes): NA

Ethics approval required: N

Module description:

This module is designed to enhance students’ knowledge and understanding of the nature and scope of research. It sets the foundation for the dissertation module and prepares them for a range of learning activities. These activities will enable them to embed research techniques into their sustainability research project. This sustainability research project will be a key asset in students’ future careers.

Students will be introduced to a rich curriculum supported by research design and strategies, methods of sustainable development to promote and encourage sustainability research.

Learning outcomes:

1. Demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of research techniques in a selected research area (Report);

2. Evaluate current research in the architecture and sustainability disciplines (Report);

3. Employ methodological approaches in the early stages of research development (Report).

Assessment

Type of assessment	Duration/ volume in hours/words	Assessment weighting %	Final assessment (X = yes)	Minimum threshold mark % (if not standard)	Essential component (X = yes)	Anonymously marked = AM or exemption code*
Report	3,000 words	100%	X			OPT01

*OPT01: Individually distinct work; OPT02: Reflection on development of own work; OPT03: Presentation; OPT04: Individually negotiated work; OPT05: Work placement/experience/assessment

Assessment Notes:

The written report outlines existing work in the areas of architecture and sustainability. It analyses research techniques and the sustainable approaches that students will explore to further develop their work. The written report should have a clear structure with an introduction, analysis, and conclusion, as well as evidence of background research and relevant references. The target length of the report is 3,000 words, plus illustrations, drawn diagrams, photographs, etc.

Formative assessments and feedback on students’ work will be carried out at two points in Block 1 through a 1:1 tutorial, and these will be recorded by the student. The report meets LOs 1-3.

Programme and action timetable

	ARCH5705 Research Methods (15 credits) MONDAY AND TUESDAY
Week 1	Introduction & brief’s launch (100%)
Week 2	Key Dissertation Design
Week 3	Literature Search & Referencing - Library
Week 4	Formative submission
Week 5	Tutorials
Week 6	Tutorials
Week 7	Summative submission; literature review and methodology 100%

Brief for the report- Literature Review & Research Methodology (week 7; 100% of the total mark)

What is required?

You are asked to carry out in-depth research into one particular topic of your choice, which should fall within the themes of Architecture and Sustainability. You should critically review existing literature in the field. This will help build a picture to justify the research question that you will raise. Having raised the research question, the aim and the research methodology should be discussed. You need to manage your time effectively and support the work you produce.

Getting started

You should start by conducting a thorough review of the available literature: books, journal articles, magazines, websites;

DMU's Library and Learning Services support

· Cite Them Right uses Harvard, and select items you need to reference. Books and journal articles will be particularly useful to you, although you can explore the other templates to find exactly the item you need to reference.

· https://library.dmu.ac.uk/refguide

Proofreading resources:

· https://library.dmu.ac.uk/class/proofreading

Several books offer sound advice, including:

· Bell, J. (2010) Doing Your Research Project: A Guide for First-time

· Researchers in Education and Social Science (electronic book). Maidenhead.  Mc Graw Hill.

· Booth, W. C., Colomb, G. G., Williams, J. M. (2003). The Craft of Research.  Second Edition. Chicago: University of Chicago Press.

· Bryman, A (2004) Social Research Methods (2nd ed). Oxford. Oxford University Press.

· Clough, P & Nutbrown, C. (2002) A Student’s Guide to Methodology. London. Sage Publications.

· Collins, H. (2010) Creative Research: The Theory and Practice of Research for the Creative Industries. Lausanne. AVA Academic (electronic book)

· Crème P and Lea MR, Writing at university: a guide for students, Buckingham: Open University Press, 1997

· Creswell, J. W. & Piano Clark, V. (2011) Designing and Conducting Mixed Methods Research (2nd ed). London. Sage Publications.

· GASH, S. (1999) Effective Literature Searching for Research, 2nd ed. Aldershot, Gower

· Groat, Linda N. and Wang, David C. 2013. Architectural Research Methods. New York (electronic book)

· LUCK, M. (1999) Your Student Research Project, Aldershot, Gower

· NAOUM, Shamil (1998), Dissertation research and writing for construction students, Butterworth Heinemann.

· Pears, R, Shields, GJ (2016) Cite them right: the essential of refencing guide. Tenth edition. London: Palgrave

· SHARPE, J.A.; HOWARD, K. (1996) The Management of the Student Research Project, 2nd ed. Aldershot, Gower

Choice and approval of the subject for investigation

 It is in the nature of the Architecture and Sustainability degree and the built environment programmes that a diverse range of potential subjects presents itself for study. The staff associated with the module will provide individual guidance and counselling to each student, but the choice of subject rests firmly with you. Additionally, the module permits a large element of individual choice as to the form which the submitted project may take.

Report:

Produce a 3000-word illustrated report which comprises the following:

1. A 150-word abstract; how to write an abstract (theeconomyofmeaning.com) from experience to meaning;

2. Good introduction, and this can be in the form of a justification or the purpose of a literature review in research, guiding the reader to the content of the report;

3. Textual referencing (Harvard referencing style); critically and logically articulated;

4. Appropriate and strong conclusion, leading to a research question;

5. Set the aim and the appropriate methodology to address the research question that you have raised;

6. The bibliography should be arranged alphabetically;

7. Good presentation is also essential.

Submission date:

The briefing will be in week 1, while the formative submission of the report is in week 4. The summative submission will be in week 7.

A high standard of presentation and literacy is expected. The report should be word-processed on A4 paper, and should be submitted to Turnitin on time, bearing the module reference code and title, as well as the name of the author.

Learning outcomes

The assignment is expected to meet learning outcomes 1 to 4 stated in the module template.

General Advice for Written Report:

● When completing the report, focus your answer, by concentrating on the factors presented in the brief.

● Identify your particular focus in the introduction of the report and explain why you have chosen it and how you intend to approach the question.

● Read as widely as possible. Look for sources that give contextual information e.g. time, place, culture, technology, politics.

You may also find the following points useful:

1. Introduction – this should set up and make clear to the reader, the nature and scope of your report, the main themes and issues to be considered and the hypothesis/argument to be developed and addressed.

2. Construction of a clear argument - Does the main body of your text develop an argument or debate? Does it use sources and images or examples to explore particular aspects of the debate and to draw a conclusion. Does it make constant reference back to the report title and at all times remain relevant?

3. Relevance - Is all the material included relevant to the report title and to the central argument or debate?

4. Synthesis of Secondary sources – Does the information, commentary and insights you gained from your secondary research test theory and help construct your argument?

5. Effective Use of Visual Aids - Do the images and visuals you include in the report help to develop/illustrate the points you have made? Have you used visual aids selectively? Have you discussed each one in some detail? Have you provided references to illustrations?

6. Conclusions – Have you summarised the key points? Have you answered questions you posed or proved/disproved any hypothesis you raised? Have you made solid, informed statements based on the analysis of the evidence (not personal statements)?