Topic outline
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General
Welcome to MAT7200 Research Methods. This course is designed to equip you with the essential skills and knowledge to conduct research effectively in the fields of engineering and science. Below are the weekly instructions and expectations to guide you through each topic. Please follow these instructions carefully to ensure a successful learning experience.
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Virtual Classroom - Zoom Meeting
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Virtual Classroom - BigBlueButton
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Topic 1: Basic Energy Concepts
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Topic 2: Energy Resources
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Topic 3: Solar Energy
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Topic 4: Solar Photovoltaic System
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Topic 5: Research Design
Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this study unit, you should be able to demonstrate competence in:
1. Research Design: What it is?
2. Why we need research design?
3. Some basic concepts
4. Different research designs
5. Experimental designs
6. Important experimental designs
7. Design of experimental setup
8. Use of standards and codes
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Topic 6: Mathematical Modelling
Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this study unit, you should be able to demonstrate competence in:
1. Models in general
2. Mathematical model
3. Model classification
4. Steps in modeling
5. Model complexity
6. Model evaluation
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Topic 7: Simulation
Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this study unit, you should be able to demonstrate competence in:
1. Importance of simulation
2. System simulation
3. Steps in simulation study
4. Simulation software
5. Major applications
6. Dimensional analysis and Similitude
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Topic 8: Sample Design and Sampling
Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this study unit, you should be able to demonstrate competence in:
1. Sample design
a. Sampling
b. Sample design aspects
2. Types of sample designs
a. Non-Probability sampling
b. Probability sampling
c. Complete random sample design
d. Systematic sampling
e. Stratified sampling
f. Multistage sampling
3. Sample size determination to simulation experiments
a. Prior determination approach
b. Use of automatic stopping rule
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Topic 9: Hypothesis Testing and ANOVA
Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this study unit, you should be able to demonstrate competence in:
1. Testing of Hypothesis 2. Hypothesis: What it is?
3. Null & alternative hypothesis
4. Level of significance
5. Type I & II errors
6. Two tailed & One tailed tests
7. Steps involved in testing hypothesis
8. Limitations of test of hypothesis
9. Analysis of variance: What is ANOVA?
10. One way analysis of variance
11. Two way analysis of variance
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Topic 10: Design of Experiments And Regression Analysis
Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this study unit, you should be able to demonstrate competence in:
1. Design of experiments
2. Planning of experiments
3. Experiments using orthogonal arrays
4. Multivariate analysis
5. Correlation analysis
6. Multiple regression and correlation
7. Non-linear regression models
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Topic 11: Analysis And Interpretation Of Data
Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this study unit, you should be able to demonstrate competence in:
1. Introduction
2. Data checking
3. Data analysis: Statistical analysis, Graphical data analysis, Numerical data analysis
4. Interpretation of results: Meaning of Interpretation, Need for interpretation, Correlation with scientific facts
5. Precautions in Interpretation
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Topic 12: Accuracy, Precession and Error Analysis
Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this study unit, you should be able to demonstrate competence in:
1. Definition of terms
2. Repeatability and Reproducibility
3. Error analysis: Definition and classification of error, Measuring error
4. Definition of terms
5. Identification of limitations
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Topic 13: Use Of Optimization Techniques
Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this study unit, you should be able to demonstrate competence in:
1. Concepts of optimization
2. Optimal design point
3. Optimization techniques: Scope of search and optimization techniques, Traditional methods, Common difficulties with traditional methods
4. Evolutionary Optimization techniques: Genetic Algorithm: Particle Swarm Optimization
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Topic 14: Writing Papers And Synopsis
Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this study unit, you should be able to demonstrate competence in:
1. Introduction
2. Audience Analysis: Audience for papers and articles, Audience for synopsis, Audience for research report
3. Preparing paper for journals
4. Preparation of synopsis of Research Work
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Topic 15: Thesis Writing And Defence
Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this study unit, you should be able to demonstrate competence in:
1. Steps in Writing the report: Plan of writing, Outline of the report, Writing the report
2. Mechanics and Writing: Style and tense,
Organization of sentences, Paragraph structure, Choice of words
3. Presentation of graphs, figures and tables
4. When to end writing the thesis?
5. Editing and Rewriting the thesis
6. Structure of thesis
7. Oral presentation and Defense
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Topic 16: Intellectual Property Rights And Research Ethics
Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this study unit, you should be able to demonstrate competence in:
1. The Intellectual Property
2. Ugandan Copyrights Act: Ownership and assignments, Rights and infringements
3. Ugandan Patent Law: Items which are not Inventions, Granting of Patent rights, Rights of patentee
4. Research ethics: Integrity in research, scientific misconducts.
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References and Additional Reading Materials