9 ECTS credits
240 h study time

Offer 1 with catalog number 2021154CNR for all students in the 1st and 2nd semester at a (C) Bachelor - specialised level.

Semester
1st and 2nd semester
Enrollment based on exam contract
Impossible
Grading method
Grading (scale from 0 to 20)
Can retake in second session
Yes
Taught in
Dutch
Faculty
Faculty of Sciences and Bioengineering Sciences
Department
Geography
Educational team
Kobe Boussauw (course titular)
Activities and contact hours
18 contact hours Lecture
42 contact hours Seminar, Exercises or Practicals
100 contact hours Independent or External Form of Study
Course Content

The research paper on Urban Design and Spatial Planning is an important part of the bridging programme in Urban Design and Spatial Planning. The aim of this course is to get the prospective master students, who have a professional bachelor's degree, acquainted with the principles of scientific writing. Based on the selection of a specific issue or topic from the discipline of urban design or spatial planning, students will develop a balanced overview of the elements that define the debate that is focused upon, both viewed from a scientific and from a broader societal angle.

The assignment consists of a literature review, in which a scientific reporting structure is maintained, and a clear distinction is made between the different types of sources, including peer-reviewed scientific articles and books, grey literature, professional and practitioners’ journals, and popular media.

The assignment will be preceded by an introductory lecture in which the principles of scientific writing and literature review will be explained. The seminars consist of a mid-term presentation, a second seminar organized around peer assessment where students have to review the preliminary version of one of their peer’s paper, and a final presentation. Interim feedback is provided by appointment with the teacher.

The evaluation is primarily based on the methodology and the scientific rigor of the paper, but also linguistic and formal aspects will be visible in the end mark.

Additional info

Study material

A collection of guidelines for the research paper will be provided.

Learning Outcomes

Goals

Students are able to write a scientific paper.

  • Students can distinguish between the different types of sources, particularly between scientific and non-scientific sources.
  • Students are able to carry out research work in an independent way and are able to make their way through the literature.
  • Students are able to process a large amount of information into a coherent text.
  • Students can refer correctly.
  • Students can evaluate the work of colleagues.
  • Students can present their work in a comprehensive way for an audience.

Grading

The final grade is composed based on the following categories:
Other Exam determines 100% of the final mark.

Within the Other Exam category, the following assignments need to be completed:

  • Other exam with a relative weight of 1 which comprises 100% of the final mark.

Additional info regarding evaluation

The evaluation consists of the following categories:

  • Submitted paper: 60% of the end mark
  • Contribution to seminars and peer assessment: 20% of the end mark
  • Final presentation: 20% of the end mark

Partial marks for the contribution to seminars and peer assessment, if the student obtains at least half of the score (for this part), are transferred to the second session. Students may not relinquish partial marks.

Allowed unsatisfactory mark
The supplementary Teaching and Examination Regulations of your faculty stipulate whether an allowed unsatisfactory mark for this programme unit is permitted.

Academic context

This offer is part of the following study plans:
Bridging Programme Master of Science in Urban Design and Spatial Planning: Standaard traject (only offered in Dutch)