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Course of Research Direction in Agricultural Engineering

Course developers

Course abstract

The aim of the course is provide in depth studies of theoretical background, main regularities, latest research methods and techniques in research direction in order to obtain correct research data and to analyze and explain the research results.

Learning outcomes and their assessment

1. Knowledge - in-depth knowledge of the research problem and understanding the latest achievements in theory and practice in the selected field of research - exam.
2. Skills - to obtain correct data, to summarize, analyze and critically evaluate the obtained results in the selected field of research - exam.

3. Competences - independently create and develop innovative research ideas in the selected field of research by analyzing, synthesizing and critically evaluating them - exam.

Course Content(Calendar)

1. Analysis of latest findings of the scientific literature in the field of research. 9 h
2. Analysis of situation on topic of thesis in the world and in Latvia. 9 h
3. Formulation of the problem identified in the situation analysis. 6 h
4. Formulation of the aim, tasks and hypothesis of the research work. 6 h
5. Development of literature review. 6 h
6. Analysis and evaluation of the latest theoretical techniques used in the research direction. 6 h
7. Analysis, evaluation and selection of modelling tools. 6 h
8. Analysis and evaluation of the latest experimental techniques used in the research direction. 6 h
9. Justification of methods used in the research. 6 h
10. Planning and description of research methodology. 6 h
11. The most frequently used and latest data acquisition and processing methods. 6 h
12. Justification of doctoral thesis research object, equipment and measuring devices to be used. 6 h
13. Interpretation and evaluation of the obtained data. 6 h
14. Development of conclusions and proposals. 6 h
15. Summary of doctoral thesis and publicity strategy. 3 h

16. Final examination. 3 h

Requirements for awarding credit points

Submission of the draft doctoral thesis and public presentation to the commission.

Description of the organization and tasks of students’ independent work

The student learns the topics independently, in consultation with the supervisor and using available information sources related with research direction.

Criteria for Evaluating Learning Outcomes

The doctoral student passes the doctoral examination by answering the questions.

Compulsory reading

1. Bloomberg L.D. Volpe M.F. (2016) Completing Your Qualitative Dissertation: A Roadmap From Beginning to End. Sage Publications Inc., 264 p.
2. Bouma, G.D., Ling R., Wilkinson L. (2009) The research process. Oxford University Press, 257 p.
3. Novikov A.M., Novikov D.A. (2013) Research Methodology: From Philosophy of Science to Research Design. CRC Press, 130 p.

4. Creswell J.W. (2013) Research Design: Qualitative, Quantitative, and Mixed Methods Approaches. SAGE Publications, Inc., 304 p.

Further reading

1. Kumar R. (2010) Research Methodology: a Step-by-Step Guide for Beginners. SAGE Publications Ltd., 440 p.
2. Hofmann A.H. Scientific Writing and Communication: Papers, Proposals and Presentations, Oxford University Press, 2010, 682 p.

3. Marder M.P. (2011) Research Methods for Science. Cambridge University Press, 234 p.

Periodicals and other sources

1. Proceedings of the International Scientific Conference “Engineering for Rural Development”. [online] Available: http://www.tf.llu.lv/conference/index.php?topicID=8

2. Proceedings of the International Scientific Conference “Research for Rural Development”. [online] Available: http://www2.llu.lv/research_conf/proceedings.htm

Notes

Compulsory study course of doctoral study program “Agricultural Engineering” in the 3rd study year