BENV5001 Level 7 Methods for Sustainability Research Assignment 2024/2025

Module description:

This module is designed to enhance students’ knowledge and understanding of the nature and scope of research. It sets the foundation for the dissertation module and prepares them for a range of learning activities. These activities will enable them to embed research techniques into their sustainability research project. This sustainability research project will be a key asset in students’ future careers.

Students will be introduced to a rich curriculum supported by research design and strategies, methods of sustainable development to promote and encourage sustainability research.

Learning outcomes:

• Demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of research techniques in a selected research area (Report);
• Evaluate current research in the architecture and sustainability disciplines (Report);\
• Employ methodological approaches in the early stages of research development (Report).

Assessment Notes:

The written report outlines existing work in the areas of architecture and sustainability. It analyses research techniques and the sustainable approaches that students will explore to further develop their work. The written report should have a clear structure with an introduction, analysis, and conclusion, as well as evidence of background research and relevant references. The target length of the report is 3,000 words, plus illustrations, drawn diagrams, photographs, etc.

Formative assessments and feedback on students’ work will be carried out at two points in Block 1 through a 1:1 tutorial, and these will be recorded by the student. The report meets LOs 1-3.

Brief for the report- Literature Review & Research Methodology (week 7; 100% of the total mark)

What is required?
You are asked to carry out in-depth research into one particular topic of your choice, which should fall within the themes of Architecture and Sustainability. You should critically review existing literature in the field. This will help build a picture to justify the research question that you will raise. Having raised the research question, the aim and the research methodology should be discussed. You need to manage your time effectively and support the work you produce.