RM-898 Research Methodology
Credit Hours: 2
Pre-requisites: Nil
Course Objectives:
• Understanding of the scope, principles, norms, accountabilities and bounds of
contemporary scientific practices in specific disciplines.
• Application of systematic approaches to conduct and manage scientific projects.
• Ethical conduct and professional accountability.
• Effective oral and written communication in professional domain.
• Data security and professional use and management of information.
• Research analysis and drawing inferences from research data.
Course Contents:
• Introduction to Research Methodology Research Topic Discussion
• Scientific Approach Research Topic Finalization
• Literature Review Seminal Paper Search
• Research Design Endnote®
• Planning & Management Problem Solving: Literature Review
• Intro to Software for Data Analysis & Visualization Excel®, MATLAB®, SPSS, etc.
• Credibility of Research Findings & Threats to Reliability
• Technical Writing Problem Solving: Literature Review
• Documentation Guidelines Discussion: Review / Rebut Strategies
• Ethics in Research Selling: a. Poster Development b. Press Release
• Technical Speaking Review of Group Discussion Topic
• Introduction to NUST PG Policies & MS TH-Forms
• Research Proposal Documentation Problem Solving: Research Proposal Document
• Guest Speaker Talk on Research Methodology from an expert
• Research Proposal Presentations
• Research Proposal Presentations
Course Outcomes:
• Understanding the concept of research and circumstances under which formal research is
required in the field of science & engineering.
• Approach scientific research problems in a structured and strategic manner.
• Formulate a research problem with Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant and Time-
bound (SMART) objectives.
• Undertake an effective literature review to learn the background material required for
research projects and to identify ongoing state of the art research in the specific area.
• Communicate findings of a literature review following accepted standards and traditions of
scientific disciplines – especially regarding referencing and citation.
• Prepare and communicate a formal research proposal including a plan, a convincing
justification, and formal placement of time bound objectives within the context of the
current state of research in a specific area.
• Understand and describe the ethical obligations associated with conducting research.
• Identify many different forms of plagiarism and ethical breaches.
• Understand and be able to implement best practices in data management and security.
• Demonstrate both written and oral communication skills to explain a scientific research
exercise to specialist and non-specialist audiences with motivation, approach, justification,
and key outcomes.
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