Professional Investigation and Research Methods (11674.1)

Professional investigations and research activities are common within the design and built environment disciplines. This unit introduces the nature of investigation processes and research methods and how they integrate into day-to-day professional activities. The unit covers a range of research theories, literature review processes, research approaches and design, and quantitative and qualitative methods. Students will obtain knowledge and develop skills in selecting appropriate investigation and research methods for examining and evaluating important issues concerning the built environment and design. Students will also investigate relevant indigenous ways of thinking relating to site investigation and examination techniques to enhance their awareness of this important aspect of our culture and professional practices.

Learning outcomes

After successful completion of this unit, students will be able to:
1. Demonstrate, through written and verbal communication techniques, a critical understanding of the main approaches used in professional investigation and research activities;

2. Critically evaluate information from a range of sources to develop research questions;
3. Demonstrate a critical understanding of the fundamental epistemological, methodological, and ethical issues involved in undertaking investigation activities and research at the Honours level; and
4. Express professional knowledge, understanding, ideas, arguments and opinions with confidence and clarity; in both spoken and written form, with the effective use of relevant communication aids.

Graduate attributes

1. UC graduates are professional - use creativity, critical thinking, analysis and research skills to solve theoretical and real-world problems
2. UC graduates are global citizens - adopt an informed and balanced approach across professional and international boundaries
3. UC graduates are lifelong learners - reflect on their own practice, updating and adapting their knowledge and skills for continual professional and academic development

Prerequisites

Students must have completed 48 credit points of the Bachelor of Building and Construction Management (Honours) or Bachelor of Landscape Architecture (Honours) AND
8330 Digital Environment OR 11624 BE Digital Techniques 01: Fundamentals.

Corequisites

None.

Incompatible units

None.

Equivalent units

None.

Assumed knowledge

None.