BTR820 - Research Methodologies and Project

Subject Title
Research Methodologies and Project

Subject Description
In the first half of this course the student will be introduced to research methodologies and resources through a series of small research projects. These projects will include summarizing, paraphrasing, analyzing and synthesizing information. In the second half each student will undertake an in-depth research project, under the supervision of a faculty member, on emerging or new technologies, culminating in a formal project presentation. Completed projects will become part of a student's professional portfolio, and will be catalogued and kept at the college for future learners' reference.

Credit Status
1 credit (3 units)
Required for BSD - Bachelor of Technology (Software Development)

Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this subject the student will be able to:

- apply appropriate interviewing techniques when requesting information from people
- using standard reliability and validity definitions, determine the reliability/validity of sources
- summarize information effectively
- integrate information from a variety of sources
- translate technical information into a language appropriate for your audience
- identify specialized knowledge through special interest groups or professional organizations
- identify search requirements
- apply knowledge and skills acquired in all other courses to evaluate the technical material researched
- describe how information is organized through the creation of mind map
- find, select and use appropriate sources for research, including libraries, online databases, search engines, and people
- evaluate currently available periodicals, and maintain currency with emerging hardware and service facilities, and especially with changing software development priorities, techniques, and methodologies
- discuss the activities of relevant professional associations
- create a professional research report (hardcopy or web-based)
- review technical documentation and specifications to complete research requirements
- create a formal presentation using appropriate language, visual aids and/or presentation software

Academic Integrity
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Please visit the Academic Integrity website http://open2.senecac.on.ca/sites/academic-integrity/for-students to understand and learn more about how to prepare and submit work so that it supports academic integrity, and to avoid academic misconduct.

Discrimination/Harassment
All students and employees have the right to study and work in an environment that is free from discrimination and/or harassment. Language or activities that defeat this objective violate the College Policy on Discrimination/Harassment and shall not be tolerated. Information and assistance are available from the Student Conduct Office at student.conduct@senecapolytechnic.ca.

Accommodation for Students with Disabilities
The College will provide reasonable accommodation to students with disabilities in order to promote academic success. If you require accommodation, contact the Counselling and Accessibility Services Office at ext. 22900 to initiate the process for documenting, assessing and implementing your individual accommodation needs.

Camera Use and Recordings - Synchronous (Live) Classes
Synchronous (live) classes may be delivered in person, in a Flexible Learning space, or online through a Seneca web conferencing platform such as MS Teams or Zoom. Flexible Learning spaces are equipped with cameras, microphones, monitors and speakers that capture and stream instructor and student interactions, providing an in-person experience for students choosing to study online.

Students joining a live class online may be required to have a working camera in order to participate, or for certain activities (e.g. group work, assessments), and high-speed broadband access (e.g. Cable, DSL) is highly recommended. In the event students encounter circumstances that impact their ability to join the platform with their camera on, they should reach out to the professor to discuss. Live classes may be recorded and made available to students to support access to course content and promote student learning and success.

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