Academic Writing and Research Skills

Course Description

Engaging in academic research and writing will help students to interpret and evaluate sources of information and evidence before becoming involved in the production of evidence based, logical, arguments. The aim of this unit is, therefore, to support the exploration of key topics which form part of the academic research and writing process so that learners will be able to achieve greater success and recognition in their studies.

Course Objectives

Engaging in academic research and writing will help students to interpret and evaluate sources of information and evidence before becoming involved in the production of evidence based, logical, arguments. The aim of this unit is, therefore, to support the exploration of key topics which form part of the academic research and writing process so that learners will be able to achieve greater success and recognition in their studies.

Key Topics

1. LO1: Understand the concept and purpose of academic research and writing.
2. LO2: Understand how to conduct academic research.
3. LO3: Be able to demonstrate critical thinking skills.
4. LO4: Understand how to construct a reliable and valid academic argument.

Course Outline

Learning Outcomes

1. LO1 Understand the concept and purpose of academic research and writing.
2. 1.1 Explain what is meant by the term ‘academic research and writing.’
3. 1.2 Explain different academic writing conventions.
4. 1.3 Discuss different types of academic research.
5. LO2 Understand how to conduct academic research.
6. 2.1 Compare different sources of information and evidence.
7. 2.2 Explain the research process.
8. 2.3 Differentiate between primary and secondary research.
9. LO3 Be able to demonstrate critical thinking skills.
10. 3.1 Explain what is meant by the term ‘critical thinking.’
11. 3.2 Explain different critical thinking skills.
12. 3.3 Explain why critical thinking is important in academic research.
13. 3.4 Explain how to apply techniques to evaluate an argument.
14. LO4 Understand how to construct a reliable and valid academic argument.
15. 4.1 Explain the key components of a reliable and valid academic argument.
16. 4.2 Differentiate between inductive and deductive reasoning.
17. 4.3 Suggest an argument structure for a given topic.