Module Details

Module Code: DISS
Module Title: Design Dissertation
Title: Design Dissertation
Module Level:: 8
Credits:: 5
Module Coordinator: Eoin Homan
Module Author:: Mark Duffy
Domains:  
Module Description: 1. To create an academic and technical document that is referenced and focused on the built environment and architectural technology. The dissertation is linked to the Studio 4 semester 1 and Studio 4 semester 2. Marks are allocated in both modules.
2. The knowledge of research methods appropriate in the practice of Architectural Technology to apply and extend their research knowledge and skills learned in the course to critically analyse and evaluate technical/technological design solutions to address specific issues related to the field of Architectural Technology
3. To demonstrate their ability to carry out independent research and development work and to gain experience at managing a substantive piece of research work.
4. To develop written and verbal communication skills for an academic research document.
5. Students should link and test the dissertation proposals in either one the studio projects Studio 4 semester 1 Studio 4 semester 2. To support your research investigations, students should test any findings/ observations by using calculations, tables, charts, graphs, statistics, drawings, sketches, and technical details.
 
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this module the learner will be able to:
# Learning Outcome Description
LO1 The ability to synthesize and integrate complex information in a precise and coherent manner to produce a technical report of professional standards
LO2 To undertake systematic research and critical evaluation of the body of available technical information and evidence on a chosen subject to substantial depth.
LO3 To search, select and critically assess literature and material relevant to a chosen area;
LO4 to communicate effectively in writing a programme of work and, orally defend the research in a logical, precise and coherent manner; to demonstrate ability to exercise judgment, independent thought, initiative, intellectual achievement, understanding of the chosen subject matter, and the principles being applied to develop.
LO5 Students should link and test your dissertation proposals in either one the studio projects Studio 4 semester 1 Studio 4 semester 2. To support your research investigations, students should test any findings/ observations by using calculations, tables, charts, graphs, statistics, drawings, sketches, and technical details.
Dependencies
Module Recommendations

This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is recommended before enrolment in this module.
No recommendations listed
Co-requisite Modules
10506 PRAC Studio 4a
10508 PRAC Studio 4b
Additional Requisite Information
No Co Requisites listed
 
Indicative Content
Dissertation overview
The aim of this dissertation is to produce a balanced academic discussion in well organised dissertation / technical report of up to 8000 words. The student is required to demonstrate her/his understanding & ability to analyse, reflect upon, synthesise, and discuss a specific topic/ subject/ technology associated with technical architectural design & the wider built environment in an academic context. The subject should be agreed with the course tutors. Choose a topic that enhances the built environment & that you are interested in. The chosen subject can be analysed from a variety of viewpoints including architectural positions, regulatory influences, technical & technological considerations, or influential projects to develop it into a well-illustrated technical design dissertation, containing the following elements: • Literature review. • Use of internal and external resources. • Research element. • Theoretical & technical analysis. • Validation of new and emerging techniques that have been researched. • Interpretation of results.
Module Content & Assessment
Assessment Breakdown%
Continuous Assessment10.00%
Project90.00%

Assessments

Full Time

Continuous Assessment
Assessment Type Presentation % of Total Mark 5
Timing Sem 1 End Learning Outcomes 1,2,3,4
Non-marked No
Assessment Description
Dissertation development: Literature Review & presentation of information and progress to the students peer group.
Assessment Type Presentation % of Total Mark 5
Timing Sem 2 End Learning Outcomes 1,2,3,4,5
Non-marked No
Assessment Description
Dissertation development: Conclusions final draft & presentation of information and progress to the students peer group.
Project
Assessment Type Project % of Total Mark 90
Timing End-of-Semester Learning Outcomes 1,2,3,4,5
Non-marked No
Assessment Description
The aim of this dissertation is to produce a balanced academic discussion in well organised dissertation / technical report of up to 8000 words. The student is required to demonstrate her/his understanding & ability to analyse, reflect upon, synthesise, and discuss a specific topic/ subject/ technology associated with technical architectural design & the wider built environment in an academic context. The subject should be agreed with the course tutors.
No Practical
No End of Module Formal Examination
Reassessment Requirement
Coursework Only
This module is reassessed solely on the basis of re-submitted coursework. There is no repeat written examination.
Reassessment Description
Reassessment of this module will consist of a repeat submission of coursework.
Reassessment Description
Learners may submit additional project work for marking and for the consideration of the Autumn Exam Board, providing they have achieved a minimum of 35% in their initial submission.

SETU Carlow Campus reserves the right to alter the nature and timings of assessment

 

Module Workload

Workload: Full Time
Workload Type Workload Category Contact Type Workload Description Frequency Average Weekly Learner Workload Hours
Lecturer Supervised Learning Contact lectures, demonstrations, presentations, one-to-one practical reviews/tutorials & project crits and presentations. Students present work to their peer group at various stages in the dissertation project. The presentation / crits provide students with direct feedback from teaching staff & fellow classmates. Students submit work & receive marked up feedback from tutors. The studio environment supports project-based learning to assist students to develop research skills to an advanced level. 12 Weeks per Stage 4.00 48
Independent Learning Time Non Contact Students to work independently on the dissertation with the lecturer support and feedback. 12 Weeks per Stage 6.42 77
Total Weekly Contact Hours 4.00
 
Module Resources
Recommended Book Resources
  • Derek Swetnam. (1997), Writing Your Dissertation: How to Plan, Prepare and Present Your Work Successfully, How to Books Ltd, p.144, [ISBN: 1857034457].
  • S. G. Naoum. (1998), Dissertation research and writing for construction students, Jordan Hill, Oxford, England ; Butterworth-Heinemann, 1998., [ISBN: 0750629886].
  • Jonathan Anderson, Millicent Poole. (2001), Assignment and thesis writing, John Wiley & Sons, Milton, Qld., [ISBN: 0471421812].
  • Richard Fellows and Anita Liu. (2003), Research methods for construction, Blackwell Science, Oxford, [ISBN: 0632064358].
  • Roy Van Den Brink-Budgen. (1999), Critical Thinking for Students, 2nd edition. How to Books, p.96, [ISBN: 1857034481].
This module does not have any article/paper resources
This module does not have any other resources
Discussion Note: