Graduate Research Methods (RES5001)

Faculty of Engineering and Computing

Graduate-Level Research Requirements

Introduction: The thesis is the most important requirement of the graduate studies program. Currently at UTech, it accounts for twenty two (22) credits for the MPhil program and sixty four (64) credits for the PhD program. It is a task that requires guidance in order to choose a research topic of sufficient scope for successful completion.

Introduction Contd
It should significantly contribute to a body of knowledge, professional practice or advance understanding of the research idea in the field of study. It requires an internal review and an external review process (examinations).

Introduction Contd
It requires a panel of two or more supervisors. The main supervisor, the other supervisors (one which can be external). The main supervisor chairs the thesis/dissertation process until the student submits a final report for both the internal and external examinations. All correspondences on the thesis are through the main supervisor.

Introduction Contd
The Universitys School of Graduate Studies Research & Entrepreneurship (SGSRE) has the responsibility for all graduate programmes, and has a similar arm at the Faculty level (FGSRE).

The substance of the research work should be capable of distilling a paper worthy of publication.
The three main stages of the thesis process are:
The concept stage (Idea) The proposal stage The report stage

Research Definition

Original, rigorous, and sometime independent, scientific investigation/study on a particular subject or topic.

Definition Contd
Originality: Purely new, fresh idea, concept, thought, model, theory, hypothesis, etc. Existing, but has not been done previously in the same way. In other words, have been redone in a different (unique) way. Rigor: Accurate and honest distinguishes between facts, suppositions, and implications.

Definition Contd
Independence: While most research efforts are collaborative in nature, research for certification are usually accomplished independently (Explain)

Resources
Mauch, J.E., & Birch, J.W. (1998). Guide to the successful thesis and dissertation (4th ed.). New York The Chicago Manual of Style The Essential Guide for Writers, Editors, and Publishers. 15th edition The APA Publication Manual latest edition Please note that different fields of study prefer different formats and standards of writing styles. Your supervisor will guide you in what to use.