Research methods in architectural engineering research

The course ‘research methods in architectural engineering research’ prepares the students to start their ‘master thesis in architectural engineering’. It focuses on general research skills such as retrieving information in (digital) databases, researching archives, using aids to write extensive documents, citing and referencing, describing and selecting research methods, all within the context of ‘architectural engineering’.

Next to these theoretical topics, professors and researchers present their research program and suggest research subjects.

Students write a scientific paper to motivate the research question, the relation with the design and the design goals.

The course consists of lecture presentations, guest lectures/ presentations, exercise sessions, guest lectures, and feed-back sessions. Lecture presentations include introduction to the course, scientific literature review, searching databases and reference management. Guest lectures/ presentations are organized for presentation of research topics by professors / researchers, testimonials by researchers on formulating research question(s). Exercises include making search on databases and search engines to retrieve information, developing draft and final papers as a synopsis for thesis topic. Feed-back sessions provide individual feed-back to students at different stages of the development of their papers.

Contribution to the teaching profile

This teaching unit contributes to the following competences:

• conceive, plan and execute a research project, based on an analysis of its objectives, existing knowledge and the relevant literature, with attention to innovation and valorisation in industry and society

• correctly report on research or design results in the form of a technical report or in the form of a scientific paper

• think critically about and evaluate projects, systems and processes, particularly when based on incomplete, contradictory and/or redundant information

• consciousness of the ethical, social, environmental and economic context of his/her work and strives for sustainable solutions to engineering problems including safety and quality assurance aspects

References, bibliography, and recommended reading

All presentations and other digital material are published / made available on the electronic learning platform (CANVAS) to all students. Students are expected to subscribe to the platform and check the content for updates on a regular basis.

Below is a list of key references of the course:

• GROAT, L., WANG, D., Architectural research methods, John Wiley & Sons, 2002
• DE JOND, T.M., Ways to study and research. Urban, architectural and technical design, Delft: DUP science, 2002
• Weblink ‘How to Write a Research Paper’ from Online Writing Lab at Purdue University

Contacts

prof. Ahmed Z. Khan: ahmed.khan@ulb.ac.be

prof. Ine Wouters: Ine.Wouters@vub.ac.be

Campus

Outside campus ULB

Method(s) of evaluation

• Oral examination
• Other
• Written report

Oral examination

Other

Written report

The final paper is evaluated as a basis of the final grade, which is based on the following categories:

• • • Oral Presentation of the paper determines 20% of the final mark.
    • Final Paper assessment determines 80% of the final mark.

The exam consist of:

- Scientific paper to be handed in before the examination period (80%)

- Oral presentation of the paper during the examination period (20%)

The written paper is assessed by the titulars of the course and the future supervisor (as mentioned in the paper by the student).

Language(s) of evaluation

• english