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

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