COURSE INFORMATION Course Title: SUPERVISED INDEPENDENT STUDY AND RESEARCH

Code	Course Type	Regular Semester	Theory	Practice	Lab	Credits	ECTS
CE 507	B	3	4	2	2	6	15

Academic staff member responsible for the design of the course syllabus (name, surname, academic title/scientific degree, email address and signature)	Assoc.Prof.Dr. Mirjam Ndini mndini@epoka.edu.al
Main Course Lecturer (name, surname, academic title/scientific degree, email address and signature) and Office Hours:	Assoc.Prof.Dr. Mirjam Ndini mndini@epoka.edu.al , Thursday 10:00-12:30
Second Course Lecturer(s) (name, surname, academic title/scientific degree, email address and signature) and Office Hours:	NA
Language:	English
Compulsory/Elective:	Compulsory
Study program: (the study for which this course is offered)	MSc in Civil Engineering, Profile: Structural Engineering
Classroom and Meeting Time:	A-127. 17:00-20:00
Teaching Assistant(s) and Office Hours:	NA
Code of Ethics:	Code of Ethics of EPOKA University Regulation of EPOKA University "On Student Discipline"
Attendance Requirement:
Course Description:	Students are to select an individual research topic that will be developed to a point that demonstrates a comprehensive understanding of the chosen topic and its design/architectural implications. The research, overseen by a nominated staff member, develops a strong base for future studios. The outcome of the research may take a written or practical format. The challenge of this study is to focus and dissect a field of study that will act as a base to later work. Research methodologies and rigour are important alongside presentation/representational skills to communicate the findings. It is expected the student will develop research skills alongside representational techniques that may be both innovative and informative to a wider group of people than their initial research group. The student will gain a body of information that will serve as a springboard into later studio research. Assessment may be individualised dependent on the nature of research and presentation, some may choose a written thesis, others a more practical presentation or project. Students must have contact with their supervisor either individually or as a group on a weekly basis across the 14 week semester.
Course Objectives:	To simulate the design activities of professional engineers; to provide students with an opportunity to broaden and deepen their understanding of the nature of the design process through practical experience; to develop competence in the technical, managerial, organizational, communicative and team-working skills required of civil engineers in professional practice; develop the depth and breadth of your knowledge and understanding of civil engineering design principles and practice in the industry; enable you to tackle civil engineering problems and design solutions in groups and individually in a way which reflects as much as possible the environment in the industry; deepen your individual knowledge and interest for specific civil engineering design disciplines while working in a multi-disciplinary design team environment; encourage the appropriate use of computer software while appreciating the limitations of modeling techniques.

BASIC CONCEPTS OF THE COURSE

1	Research
2	2 Presentation skills
3	3 Teamwork

COURSE OUTLINE

Week	Topics
1	Develop concepts and ideas.
2	2 Express opinion, imagination and creative thinking.
3	3 Develop a systematic approach to design involving the identification of problem followed by the appraisal various solutions.
4	4 Draw together a wide spectrum of engineering principles in order to produce practical and well balanced design proposals.
5	5 Case Study Selection.
6	6 Consultation
7	7 Consultation
8	8 Consultation
9	9 Consultation
10	10 Consultation
11	11 Consultation
12	12 Consultation
13	13 Consultation
14	14 Mini defense of the project

Prerequisite(s):	na
Textbook(s):
Additional Literature:
Laboratory Work:
Computer Usage:
Others:	No

COURSE LEARNING OUTCOMES

1	Organize and carry out a research project to understand a physical phenomenon or new problem pertaining to civil engineering
2	The candidate is able to identify and contextualize a chosen research question using existing research literature.
3	Communicate effectively through reports, blueprints, presentations or other documents.
4	Evaluate oneself and independently develop necessary skills to stay up-to-date in one’s field.
5	Write a summary report in such a way as the results are usable later on by other people; explain any potential theoretical and/or technical innovations resulting from the research

COURSE CONTRIBUTION TO... PROGRAM COMPETENCIES (Blank : no contribution, 1: least contribution ... 5: highest contribution)

No	Program Competencies	Cont.
MSc in Civil Engineering, Profile: Structural Engineering Program
1	an ability to apply knowledge of mathematics, science, and engineering	5
2	an ability to design a system, component, or process to meet desired needs	4
3	an ability to function on multidisciplinary teams	3
4	an ability to identify, formulate, and solve engineering problems	4
5	an understanding of professional and ethical responsibility	3
6	an ability to communicate effectively	5
7	the broad education necessary to understand the impact of engineering solutions in a global and societal context	3
8	a recognition of the need for, and an ability to engage in life long learning	4
9	a knowledge of contemporary issues	5
10	an ability to use the techniques, skills, and modern engineering tools necessary for engineering practice	3
11	skills in project management and recognition of international standards and methodologies	4

COURSE EVALUATION METHOD

Method	Quantity	Percentage
Term Paper	1	100
	Total Percent:	100%

ECTS (ALLOCATED BASED ON STUDENT WORKLOAD)

Activities	Quantity	Duration(Hours)	Total Workload(Hours)
Course Duration (Including the exam week: 16x Total course hours)	16	6	96
Hours for off-the-classroom study (Pre-study, practice)	14	9	126
Mid-terms			0
Assignments	2	50	100
Final examination	1	50	50
Other	1	3	3
Total Work Load:			375
Total Work Load/25(h):			15
ECTS Credit of the Course:			15

CONCLUDING REMARKS BY THE COURSE LECTURER

See Epoka University rules and regulations for MSc students!