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Guide to Research Projects for Engineering StudentsPlanning, Writing and Presenting By Eng Choon Leong
M00002209
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Presents an Integrated Approach, Providing Clear and Practical Guidelines
Are you a student facing your first serious research project? If you are, it is likely that you’ll be, firstly, overwhelmed by the magnitude of the task, and secondly, lost as to how to go about it. What you really need is a guide to walk you through all aspects of the research project, from planning and conducting your research project to writing and presenting it. Guide to Research Projects for Engineering Students: Planning, Writing and Presenting is the guide you need to do the job efficiently.
Specifically Designed with Engineering and Technical Science Students in Mind
The book is organized into three sections, broken down into concise chapters that focus on a specific topic and the skills required. The section on planning shows you how to choose a project, research a topic, write a project proposal, plan the project, select methods and methodologies, and keep records. The section on writing provides help on writing the different sections of a research report as well as introduces you to the strategies and language conventions required for writing an effective research report. Finally, the section on presenting covers creating effective figures and layout, preparing for a project presentation, and the dos and don’ts in delivering a presentation. Advice on how to use IT tools effectively is given throughout the book.
Contains highly practical content—includes tips on how to conduct research, write it up effectively, and avoid common errors and pitfalls in grammar and style Offers guidance on using IT tools (which are indispensable in research) Includes pertinent examples of best practices on conducting research and research writing
The authors have drawn on their many years of experience teaching engineering students, either in supervising engineering students in their research projects or teaching technical communication skills.
Table of Contents
Introduction
Cognitive skills
Role of supervisor
Writing skills
Information and technology skills
Reference
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
PART I
Planning
Choosing a research project
Before you choose a research project
Basic considerations for choosing a research project
Advice for undergraduate students
Advice for postgraduate students
Reference
Researching a topic
Keywords
Sources of information
Types of information
Writing a research project proposal
Purpose of a research proposal
Structure of a research proposal
Other considerations
Tips on writing style and language in a research proposal
Checklist for writing a research proposal
References
Planning a research project
Phases of a research project
Project management
Be accountable
Be focused on your objectives
Be realistic
Keep interested
Tips on making a Gantt chart
References
Research methodology and research methods
Research methodology
Research methods
References
Keeping research records
Purpose of keeping a research log
Contents in a research log
Using a research log
Writing a research log
Recording literature searches
Hardcopy versus electronic copy
Things to avoid in keeping a research log
Rules on keeping a research log
References
PART II
Writing
Starting to write
Starting to write
Writing at the beginning of a project
Managing your writing
Avoiding procrastination
Grammar, punctuation and word usage guide
Common grammar problems
Common sentence problems
Common punctuation problems
Commonly misused and confused words and phrases
Reference
Do’s and don’ts of technical writing
Do’s of technical writing
Don’ts of technical writing
Reference
Strategies for writing a good report or thesis
Learn from others
Start early
Write the first draft quickly
Use a template
Revising and checking for plagiarism
Writing the introduction and literature review
Components of an introduction
Strategic use of steps in the different parts of an introduction and literature review
Common logical pitfalls in an introduction
Some key language features of an introduction and literature review
Writing the literature review as a separate section or chapter
Checklist for introduction and literature review
References
Other references
Writing the materials and methods
Components of materials and methods
Some considerations in writing materials and methods
Some key language features in materials and methods
Checklist for materials and methods
References
Writing the results and discussion
Components of results and discussion
Organizing results and discussion
Common logical pitfalls in results and discussion
Some key language features of results and discussion
Tips on typing equations
Checklist for results and discussion
References
Writing the conclusion
Functions of a conclusion section
Components of the conclusion section
Illustration of a conclusion section in a research paper
Language features of the conclusion
Do’s and don’ts in writing the conclusion section
Checklist for writing the conclusion
References
Writing the abstract and front matter
Components of an abstract
Some key language features in an abstract
Some considerations in writing an abstract
Checklist for writing an abstract
Parts of front matter
Checklist for an abstract and front matter
References
Referencing
Features of two main referencing systems
In-text citations
End-of-text citations
References
Using sources and avoiding plagiarism
Using sources
Avoiding plagiarism
Checklist for avoiding plagiarism
References
Revising and editing
General advice before you revise
How to revise
References
PART III
Presentation
How to create figures
Purpose of figures
Types of figures
Photographs and images
Schematic drawings
Tips for positioning figures, images and charts
How to create a good layout
Ten simple rules for a good layout
Layout of report or thesis
Follow the guidelines
Create a template file
Reference
How to prepare for an oral presentation
The message
The audience
Presentation time
Preparing for an oral presentation
Presentation format
Presentation slides
References
Do’s and don’ts of oral presentations
Managing anxiety
Delivering your presentation
Using presentation tools
Managing your time
Procedure for finishing quickly
Tip: How to find your conclusions slide instantly
Answering questions
Checklist for a presentation
References
Appendix: Common editing symbols
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Author(s)
Biography
Eng-Choon Leong is currently an associate professor at the School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore. He has more than 300 publications in international journals and conferences and is a recipient of the 2004 ASTM Best Practical Paper for Geotechnical Practice Award and of the 2012 Koh Boon Hwee mentor award.
Carmel Lee-Hsia Heah
is a senior lecturer at the Language and Communication Centre at Nanyang Technological University, Singapore and formerly a senior lecturer in professional communication at the Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Toronto, Canada. Her research interests include EL teaching and learning, ELT and engineering curriculum and course design and Language for Special Purposes. She has done significant research work in ELT pedagogy and course development as well as professional communication skills training. Her research output includes co-authored textbooks and an English grammar reference book.
Kenneth Keng Wee Ong is a lecturer at the Language and Communication Centre at Nanyang Technological University, Singapore. He teaches courses at graduate and undergraduate level on research writing and technical communication. He has also received the Dean’s Commendation for Research award in 2010 and 2011 conferred by the National Institute of Education, Singapore. His current research interests include bilingual language processing and semantic/conceptual representation, second language vocabulary acquisition and computer-mediated discourse analysis.
Reviews
"Engineering students who have to complete research projects will find this book an immensely helpful reference to hone their skills throughout the whole project. Engineering project supervisors will also find it a great workload reducer if their students can use this volume to its full potential."
—English for Specific Purposes, July 2016
"… comprehensive and covers every aspect of a research project. Students will also appreciate the concise chapters and easy-to-read text. And even if students do not use Microsoft Office, they will still benefit from the other well-written and informative content."
—Technical Communication, February 2016"… specifically caters to engineering students and provides a more than comprehensive coverage of not only the research process but provides tips on the writing process and also the presentation of the research conducted. The writers, having taught engineering students, are obviously aware of what these students require. However, although primarily aimed at engineering students, this volume will be of use to both undergraduate and postgraduate students working on research projects."
—Maya Khemlani David, University of Malaya
"… addresses the current need of a comprehensive guide for undergraduate students. … With its comprehensive approach and organizational clarity, the book should be able to come in handy for all students preparing a research report. Remarkably, the book includes specific advice on use of language and grammar that is bound to enhance the quality of student writing. A very welcome addition to books in this area!"
—Dr Anil Pathak, Deputy Dean, Centre for Communication, Teaching and Learning, Institut Teknologi Brunei"This is a very useful and comprehensive book for undergraduate and postgraduate students facing the challenge of their first research project. Shaping an idea, make it happen, and being able to communicate achievements are difficult tasks. Even the most brilliant students tend to remain ‘trapped’ in one of the three stages identified by the authors, planning, writing, and presenting. This book is easy to read, has many practical examples, and is written in a straight-to-the-point style. It can be read from the start to the end or just consulted on any specific aspect where support is being sought."
—Professor Alessandro Tarantino, University of Strathclyde"… this book is unique as it guides students from the initial stage of choosing a topic all the way to writing up the report to presenting it in front of an informed audience."
—Dr Deng Xudong, Associate Professor, Centre for Communication Skills, Singapore Institute of Technology"…a useful research and writing companion handbook to help students cope with all the demands of completing a project of such a scale. … can be used as either a self-study guide or a textbook in final-year project writing courses."
—Dr Becky Kwan, Associate Professor, Department of English, City University of Hong Kong"The authors deserve accolade for bringing to the fore key concepts essential to successful academic research and writing. It is an invaluable handbook that is written in accessible language with a clear purpose in mind: to guide students toward academic success. It is a must-have for supervisors who work with research students. It is also a reliable resource book for researchers, teachers, subject librarians, and those interested in engaging with academic research writing."
—Professor Lawrence Jun Zhang, PhD, University of Auckland, New Zealand"…the approach and selection of the topics covered in the book are very comprehensive … from conception of ideas to final presentation of the research outcomes. This book should be a "must-have" for all beginners in research work. Veteran researchers will find this book a good and refreshing guide to produce more succinct research reports."
—Associate Professor Woon Kwong Yip, Registrar, SIM University, Singapore"… comprehensive and covers every aspect of a research project. Students will also appreciate the concise chapters and easy-to-read text. And even if students do not use Microsoft Office, they will still benefit from the other well-written and informative content."
—Technical Communication, February 2016
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