Engenharia Civil

Introduction to Research in
Civil Engineering

ECTS: 2

Contact hours: 15 TP + 15 S

Working hours: 54
 Introduction to Research in Civil Engineering

Teacher

Name: Helena Brtolo

E-mail: helena.bartolo@ipleiria.pt

Teaching: PL/OT

Pigeonhole: D 91

Office: D.S .02.43

Tutorial: 6-7pm (Friday)

 Introduction to Research in Civil Engineering

GENERAL OBJECTIVES

This course is organized to provide students with knowledge

on the methodologies and techniques used in scientific
research. Students will develop a scientific review paper,
comprising the literature review for the Master thesis, in a
conscious, critical and informed manner. This course will also
cover the fundamentals of presentation techniques, as well
the basic concepts of intellectual property.
 Introduction to Research in Civil Engineering

PROGRAME

Methodology and techniques of scientific research

Bibliographic References
Patents
Literature review
Guidelines to write a Master Dissertation
Presentation and Communication Techniques
 Introduction to Research in Civil Engineering

TEACHING METODOLOGY

Lectures (T). Information will be made available in electronic

format. The teaching methods used will be more expository and
interrogative.

Theoretical-practical (TP). Practical work will be performed by

students using calculation of structural design of pavements
programs. The teaching methods used will be more
demonstrative and active.

Tutorial orientation (OT) - the activities to be undertaken shall

be established with students.
 Introduction to Research in Civil Engineering

EVALUATION

Periodic Assessment:

3 written works:
- WW1(20%) Scientific work (group), written scientific work to
sintethise and compare between 2/3 scientific papers with oral
presentation and discussion.
- WW2 (20%) Reports (group): Written reports based in two
seminars presented along the semester
- WW3 (60%) Written Scientific work (individual),: Scientific
paper based in the literature review of a scientific topic with oral
presentation and discussion.
Final Mark: FM= 0,20*WW1+0,20*WW2+0,60*TWW3 9,5
 Introduction to Research in Civil Engineering

EVALUATION

Final Assessment (Exams):

2 written works:
- WW2 (20%) Report: Written reports based in two
seminars presented along the semester
- WW3 (80%) Written Scientific work: Scientific paper
based in the literature review of a scientific topic with oral
presentation and discussion.
Final Mark: FM= 0,20*WW1+0,80*WW3 9,5
Note 1: All assessment elements are compulsory
Note 2: The minimum mark for each assessment elemento is 8.
 Introduction to Research in Civil Engineering

EVALUATION

Notes:
The delivery and presentation of practical work (TP and OP) is mandatory;
The first scientific work (TP1) and the review paper (TP2) must be delivered in a
single dossier
 Introduction to Research in Civil Engineering

BIBLIOGRAPHY

Main
Blaxter L., Hughes C. & Tight M. (2001) How to research. Buckingham: Open University.
Burns, M.Q. (2000) Introduction to Research Methods, 4th edn, London:Sage, UK.
Creswell, J. (2002) Research Design: Qualitative, Quantitative, and Mixed Methods
Approaches, SAGE Publications, London, UK.
Merriam S. (1988) Case study research in education: a qualitative approach. San
Francisco, CA:Jossey-Bass; USA
Patton, M.Q. (2002) Qualitative Res London:Sage earch & Evaluation Methods,
London:Sage, UK.
Rowena Murray (2006) How to Write a Thesis, 3rd edn, Open University Press, UK
Rudestam K. & Newton R. (1992) Surviving your dissertation. London:Sage, UK.

Complementar:
http://www.ldeo.columbia.edu/~martins/sen_sem/thesis_org.html
http://www.charleslipson.com/How-to-write-a-thesis.htm
http://uicmdiarra.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/Academic-Writing2-3.pdf