The objective of this course is to introduce students to the fundamentals of research and project development, empowering them to explore sustainability-focused topics aligned with their academic interests and the expertise of their instructors. Students will learn how to identify research directions, formulate project ideas, and design a plan for execution over the next three years. The course content includes brainstorming sessions, discussions on sustainability challenges, guidance on conducting literature reviews, and an introduction to laboratory-based research methodologies. Students will also explore the research areas of Professor Mishra (ACE), Omar (ANT), and Dr. Drizo, gaining insights into practical and theoretical approaches to sustainability. By the end of the course, students will have a clear project direction and an initial research proposal, setting the stage for impactful academic work.

Handbook for Preparing and Writing Research Proposals. C.P. Patrick Reid, 2000. Developing Effective Research Proposals, Keith F. Punch, 3rd Edition, Sage Publications.

Denscombe, M. (2019). Research proposals: A practical guide. Open University Press.

This book offers clear guidance on crafting research proposals, covering essential elements and common challenges faced by students and early career researchers.

Ó Siochrú, C. (2022). A student guide to writing research reports, papers, theses, and dissertations. Routledge. https://doi.org/10.4324/9781003107965.

This resource explores each element involved in writing an academic paper, guiding students through key sections such as the introduction, literature review, method, results, and discussion.