COURSE SYLLABUS

METHODS OF RESEARCH
2nd Semester, AY 2022-2023

COLLEGE: College of Engineering

DEPARTMENT: Computer Engineering Department
COURSE CODE: CPE 310
COURSE TITLE: Methods of Research
CREDIT UNITS: 2 units lecture
PRE - REQUISITE: Purposive Communication (PCM 101), Engineering Data Analysis
(COE 202), and Logic Circuits and Design Lec/Lab (CPE 301/301L)
FACULTY:
CONSULTATION HOURS:

COURSE DESCRIPTION:
This course will provide in-depth understanding of research through exploration of
different research methodologies and ethics. It includes qualitative and quantitative
research, descriptive and other applicable research methodologies, inferential statistics
and introduction to data mining.

University Vision
Bulacan State University is a progressive knowledge-generating institution, globally-
recognized for excellent instruction, pioneering research, and responsive community
engagements.

University Mission
Bulacan State University exists to produce highly competent, ethical and service-oriented
professionals that contribute to the sustainable socio-economic growth and development
of the nation

Core Values: SOAR BulSU!

Service to God and Community

Order and Peace
Assurance of Quality and Accountability
Respect and Responsibility
The BulSU Ideal Graduates Attributes (BIG A) reflect the graduate’s capacity as:
a. highly and globally competent;
b. ethical and service-oriented citizen;
c. analytical and critical thinker; and
d. reflective life-long learner.

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 Program Educational Objectives (PEO)

University Mission
Program Educational Objectives (PEO)
BIG A- BIG A- BIG A- BIG A-
a b c d
PEO No. 1: To equip the graduates with strong
foundation in the basic physical and engineering
sciences which could be a tool in planning,
designing, development, management and
maintenance of computer systems.
PEO No. 2: To prepare graduates to lead in the
design, analysis and applications of hardware
and software computing structures for
professional Computer Engineering career.
PEO No. 3: To arm the graduates to be
knowledgeable of human, financial, physical and
resource management and equip them with
essential graduate research skills, specializing in
one of the Computer Engineering fields.
PEO No. 4: To promote the holistic growth of the
graduates by providing them with opportunities to
enhance not only their vocational skills but also
their life perspectives and value-system.
PEO No. 5: To develop critical thinking and
scientific inquiry through active participation and
research endeavors.
PEO No. 6: To promote a strong sense of
nationalism through productive involvement in
extension and community outreach programs.

Program Outcomes (PO)

On completion of the course, the student is expected to be able to do the following:

Program Educational Objectives

PROGRAM OUTCOMES PEO1 PEO2 PEO3 PEO4 PEO5 PEO6
a: Apply knowledge of mathematics and
science to solve complex engineering
problems.
b: Design and conduct experiments, as
well as to analyze and interpret data.
c: Design a system, component or
process to meet desired needs with
realistic constraints such as economic,
environmental, social, political, ethical,
health and safety, manufacturability,
and sustainability, in accordance with
standards.
d: Function on multidisciplinary teams.

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 e: Identify, formulate, and solve complex
engineering problems.
f: Understand the professional and
ethical responsibility.
g: Communicate effectively.
h: Have a broad education necessary to
understand the impact of engineering
solutions in a global, economic,
environmental, and societal context.
i: Recognition of the need for, and an
ability to engage in life-long learning.
j: Knowledge of contemporary issues.
k: Use techniques, skills and modern
engineering tools necessary for
engineering practices.
l: Have a knowledge of understanding of
engineering and management principles
as a member and leader in a team, to
manage projects and in multidisciplinary
environments.

Course Outcomes and Relationship to Program Outcomes

Course Outcomes Program Outcomes
After completing this course the student
a b c d e f g h I j k l
must be able to:
CO1: Easily understand the various
research techniques that would apply
knowledge and appreciate the nature,
E D D
purposes, and significance of research in
dealing with various problems that are
related to Computer Engineering.
CO2: Construct an effective research
guided by the standards and specifications
D E D
of professional and ethical responsibilities
of a computer engineer.
CO3: Demonstrate willingness to
communicate with appropriate local
authorities that may control the research
E E D D
process in developing a visible and timely
research that will provide engineering
solutions in a global/ societal context.
CO4: Write a design project proposal which
will apply computer engineering knowledge
and skills for national development that
convey awareness of and respect for local D E D D E
knowledge that can be contributed by
international research partners and/or
research subjects.

Note: (I) Introductory Course to an Outcome (E) Enabling Course to an Outcome (D) Demonstrative
Course to an Outcome

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LEARNING EPISODES:

Intended Learning Learning Suggested

Topics Week
Outcomes Activities Assessment

1.Introduction /
Orientation 1 Lecture /
1.1 Discussion of discussion
Vision, Mission,
Goals and Objectives
1.2 Discussion of
the course Syllabus
1.3 Discussion of
the University/
College/ subject rules
and regulation
Easily understand the
various research 2.Academic 2 Lecture / Recitation
techniques that would Honesty/Plagiarism discussion
apply knowledge and
appreciate the nature, Submission
purposes, and Activity 1: of activity 1
significance of research Topic
in dealing with various Identification
problems that are related
to Computer
Engineering.

Construct an effective
research guided by the
standards and
specifications of
professional and ethical
responsibilities of a
computer engineer.

Demonstrate willingness
to communicate with
appropriate local
authorities that may
control the research
process in developing
visible and timely
research that will provide
engineering solutions in a
global/ societal context.

Write a design project

proposal which will apply
computer engineering
knowledge and skills for
national development
that convey awareness of
and respect for local
knowledge that can be
contributed by

Page 4 of 17
 international research
partners and/or research
subjects.

Easily understand the 3.Types of Research 3 Lecture / Quiz 1

various research discussion
techniques that would
apply knowledge and Activity 2: Submission
appreciate the nature, Type of of activity 2
purposes, and research
significance of research based on
in dealing with various chosen topic
problems that are related
to Computer
Engineering.

Construct an effective
research guided by the
standards and
specifications of
professional and ethical
responsibilities of a
computer engineer.

Easily understand the

various research 4.Literature Search 4 Lecture / Recitation
techniques that would and Review discussion
apply knowledge and
appreciate the nature, Activity 3: Submission
purposes, and Related of activity 3
significance of research Literature
in dealing with various
problems that are related
to Computer
Engineering.

Construct an effective
research guided by the
standards and
specifications of
professional and ethical
responsibilities of a
computer engineer.

Easily understand the

various research 5.Quantitative and 5 Lecture / Recitation
techniques that would Qualitative Methods discussion
apply knowledge and
appreciate the nature, Submission
purposes, and of activity 4
significance of research Activity 4:
in dealing with various Methods
problems that are related used
to Computer
Engineering.

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 Construct an effective
research guided by the
standards and
specifications of
professional and ethical
responsibilities of a
computer engineer.

Easily understand the

various research 6.Data Sampling, 6-7 Lecture / Recitation
techniques that would Collection, and discussion
apply knowledge and Testing
appreciate the nature, Activity 5: Submission
purposes, and Data Sample, of activity 5
significance of research collection and
in dealing with various testing
problems that are related
to Computer
Engineering.

Construct an effective
research guided by the
standards and
specifications of
professional and ethical
responsibilities of a
computer engineer.

Demonstrate willingness
to communicate with
appropriate local
authorities that may
control the research
process in developing
visible and timely
research that will provide
engineering solutions in a
global/ societal context.

Easily understand the

various research 7.Data Analysis and 8 Lecture / Quiz 3
techniques that would Interpretation discussion
apply knowledge and Submission
appreciate the nature, Activity 6: of activity 6
purposes, and Interpretation
significance of research of Data
in dealing with various
problems that are related
to Computer
Engineering.

Construct an effective
research guided by the
standards and
specifications of

Page 6 of 17
professional and ethical
responsibilities of a
computer engineer.

Demonstrate willingness
to communicate with
appropriate local
authorities that may
control the research
process in developing
visible and timely
research that will provide
engineering solutions in a
global/ societal context.

Easily understand the

various research Midterm Examination 9 Midterm
techniques that would Examination
apply knowledge and
appreciate the nature,
purposes, and
significance of research
in dealing with various
problems that are related
to Computer
Engineering.

Construct an effective
research guided by the
standards and
specifications of
professional and ethical
responsibilities of a
computer engineer.

Demonstrate willingness
to communicate with
appropriate local
authorities that may
control the research
process in developing
visible and timely
research that will provide
engineering solutions in a
global/ societal context.

Write a design project

proposal which will apply
computer engineering
knowledge and skills for
national development
that convey awareness of
and respect for local
knowledge that can be
contributed by
international research

Page 7 of 17
partners and/or research
subjects.

Easily understand the

various research 8.Validity, Reliability, 10 Lecture / Recitation
techniques that would and Sources of Error discussion
apply knowledge and
appreciate the nature, Activity 6: Submission
purposes, and Validity, of activity 6
significance of research Reliability,
in dealing with various and Sources
problems that are related of Error
to Computer
Engineering.

Construct an effective
research guided by the
standards and
specifications of
professional and ethical
responsibilities of a
computer engineer.

Demonstrate willingness
to communicate with
appropriate local
authorities that may
control the research
process in developing
visible and timely
research that will provide
engineering solutions in a
global/ societal context.

Write a design project

proposal which will apply
computer engineering
knowledge and skills for
national development
that convey awareness of
and respect for local
knowledge that can be
contributed by
international research
partners and/or research
subjects.

Easily understand the

various research 9.Citation and Style 11 Lecture / Quiz 4
techniques that would Mechanics (E.G., discussion
apply knowledge and APA) Submission
appreciate the nature, Activity 7: of activity 7
purposes, and References/
significance of research Citations
in dealing with various
problems that are related

Page 8 of 17
 to Computer
Engineering.

Construct an effective
research guided by the
standards and
specifications of
professional and ethical
responsibilities of a
computer engineer.

Demonstrate willingness
to communicate with
appropriate local
authorities that may
control the research
process in developing
visible and timely
research that will provide
engineering solutions in a
global/ societal context.

Write a design project

proposal which will apply
computer engineering
knowledge and skills for
national development
that convey awareness of
and respect for local
knowledge that can be
contributed by
international research
partners and/or research
subjects.

Easily understand the

various research 10.Article Writing 12 Lecture / Recitation
techniques that would (E.G., IEEE, ACM) discussion
apply knowledge and
appreciate the nature, Activity 8: Submission
purposes, and Article writing of activity 8
significance of research
in dealing with various
problems that are related
to Computer
Engineering.

Construct an effective
research guided by the
standards and
specifications of
professional and ethical
responsibilities of a
computer engineer.

Page 9 of 17
Demonstrate willingness
to communicate with
appropriate local
authorities that may
control the research
process in developing
visible and timely
research that will provide
engineering solutions in a
global/ societal context.

Write a design project

proposal which will apply
computer engineering
knowledge and skills for
national development
that convey awareness of
and respect for local
knowledge that can be
contributed by
international research
partners and/or research
subjects.

Easily understand the

various research 11.Presentation and 13- Lecture / Quiz 5
techniques that would Publication 17 discussion
apply knowledge and
appreciate the nature, Submission
purposes, and Activity 9: of activity 9
significance of research Finalization of and 10
in dealing with various Research
problems that are related Paper and
to Computer article
Engineering.
Activity 10:
Construct an effective Presentation
research guided by the of Paper
standards and
specifications of
professional and ethical
responsibilities of a
computer engineer.

Demonstrate willingness
to communicate with
appropriate local
authorities that may
control the research
process in developing
visible and timely
research that will provide
engineering solutions in a
global/ societal context.

Page 10 of 17
 Write a design project
proposal which will apply
computer engineering
knowledge and skills for
national development
that convey awareness of
and respect for local
knowledge that can be
contributed by
international research
partners and/or research
subjects.

Easily understand the

various research 18 Final Exam/
techniques that would Final Examination Final Project
apply knowledge and Submission
appreciate the nature,
purposes, and
significance of research
in dealing with various
problems that are related
to Computer
Engineering.

Construct an effective
research guided by the
standards and
specifications of
professional and ethical
responsibilities of a
computer engineer.

Demonstrate willingness
to communicate with
appropriate local
authorities that may
control the research
process in developing
visible and timely
research that will provide
engineering solutions in a
global/ societal context.

Write a design project

proposal which will apply
computer engineering
knowledge and skills for
national development
that convey awareness of
and respect for local
knowledge that can be
contributed by
international research
partners and/or research
subjects.

Page 11 of 17
FINAL COURSE OUTPUT:
Research paper (BulSU CpE format)

RUBRIC FOR ASSESSMENT:

● Rubric for Activity Report

CRITERIA POOR AVERAGE EXCELLENT

( 0 – 4) ( 5 – 7) ( 8 – 10)

Professional Ethics Attend meetings after Attend meetings after Attend meetings on
1-hour class starts. the 30 minutes class time.
starts.
Submit a report after Submit a report on
3 hours. Submit a report after time.
1 hour.

Engineering Practice Seldom perform Sometimes perform Always perform

norms of computer norms of computer norms of computer
engineering practice engineering practice engineering practice
during activity. during activity. during activity.

Follow a few of the Follow some of the Follow all rules.

rules. rules.

Activity Report format Activity Report is not Activity Report is Activity Report is
according to a given according to a given according to a given
format and not well format but not format; key concept
prepared. properly prepared. and technical aspects
of the network are
properly described.

Results and Record result with Record result with few Record correct result.
Discussion few errors. errors.
Attached approved
Attached result in the Attached result in the result in the report.
report. report.
Excellent
Poor explanations of Good explanations of explanations of
results which relate results which relate to results which relate to
to some of the most of the outcomes. all outcomes.
outcomes.

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● Rubric for Final Project / Presentation of Sample Researches

CRITERIA POOR AVERAGE EXCELLENT

( 0 – 4) ( 5 – 7) ( 8 – 10)

Delivery and Is often hard to Has appropriate pace; Has natural delivery;
Presentation understand; has has no distracting modulates voice; is
voice that is too soft mannerisms; is easily articulate; projects
or too loud; has a understood; enthusiasm, interest,
pace that is too quick and confidence; uses
or too slow; body language
demonstrates one or uses audio/visual aids effectively;
more distracting or media, but they
mannerisms
uses well-produced
may sometimes audio/visual aids or
does not use distract from or not media to enhance
audio/visual aids or add to the understanding of
media presentation findings, reasoning,
and evidence, and to
add interest

Documentation of Submitted project Submitted project Submitted project

Design Project documentation that documentation that documentation that
does not follow the follows the given follows the given
given format, not format, organized and format, organized and
organized and not original but with with complete
original but with incomplete required required contents
complete required contents.
contents.

Project Knowledge Demonstrate Demonstrate partial or Demonstrate an in-

different concepts basic understanding depth understanding
from what has been of all the concepts of all the concepts
learned in the past used in the past used in the past
laboratory Activities; laboratory Activities; laboratory Activities;
Technique used is Technique used is technique used is
not appropriate and appropriate but with appropriate with
has not been used in outputs partially correct outputs.
the past laboratory correct.
Activities and
program does not
run.

Response to Demonstrates little Shows ease in Demonstrates full

Questions grasp of information; answering questions knowledge of
has undeveloped or but does not topic; explains and
elaborates on
unclear answers to elaborate
all questions
questions

Team Work All or Some do not All members have a All members have a
have a clear clear knowledge of clear knowledge of
knowledge of their their individual their individual

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 individual responsibility, but responsibility and task
responsibility, only tasks are not are distributed well
one or two are distributed well.
responsible for the
majority of the tasks.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS AND ASSESSMENTS:

Aside from the final output/project, the student will be assessed at other times during
the term by the following:
● Term Examination which includes midterm and final exam.
● Quizzes
● Participation/Recitation
● Promptness

GRADING SYSTEM:
COURSE EVALUATION
Lecture Grade
Term Examination 30%
Quizzes 20%
Project/Activities 30%
Participation/Recitation 10%
Promptness 10%
TOTAL 100%

FINAL GRADE: (30% x Term Examination) + (20% x Quizzes) + (30% x Project/ Act)
+ (10% x Participation/Recitation) + (10%x Attendance)
PASSING GRADE: 75%

The numerical equivalent of the final grade will be determined from the following
rating scale.

NUMERICAL GRADE EQUIVALENT (%)

1.00 97-100
1.25 94-96
1.50 91-93
1.75 88-90
2.00 85-87
2.25 82-84
2.50 79-81
2.75 76-78
3.00 75
4.00 Conditional Passed
5.00 Failed
INC Incomplete

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References:

Plano, C. (2018) “Designing and Conducting Mixed Method Research”, ebook 3rd
Edition

Denzin, N., (2017), “The SAGE Handbook of Qualitative Research”, SAGE Publications,
Inc.,

Englander K., (2014), “Writing and Publishing Science Research Papers in English-A
Global Perspective”, Springer Netherlands

Turabian, K., (2013), “A Manual for Writers of Research Papers, Theses, and
Dissertation”, University of Chicago Press

Ellison, C., (2010), “Concise Guide to Writing Research Papers”, McGraw-Hill

Online Resources:

http://www.management.utm.my/ogsr/download/research-methods-lecturer-notes.html

https://teddykw2.files.wordpress.com/2012/05/qualitative-research-from-start-to-finish.

pdf

Required Readings

Compiled Instructional Material in Methods of Research

Class Policies:
The following policies will be observed during the class throughout the entire semester:

1. Students are free to choose the type of learning method that suits them, these
methods are Synchronous Learning (SL), Asynchronous Online Learning (AOL) and
Remote Print Learning (RPL).

2. The students will use MS Team (for SL and AOL) and printed modules (for RPL)
for this course.

3. In MS Team, all students must use only a Microsoft account and there must be a
profile photo with white background.

4. All announcements will be posted on the MS Team platform. Activities and

examinations will be submitted thru the MS Team/form for SL and AOL students. For
RPL, modality of submission will be discussed thru text, e-mail or Facebook messenger.

5. Students need to comply with the submission of pre-tests, post-tests, course

activities and other learning assessment tools that were given to them.

Page 15 of 17
6. For online live lecture class (for SL), students will use MS Team Meet. During login,
students must turn-off the microphone. However, if a student has a question or
clarification, he/she can unmute the microphone. Then after that, the student must
unmute again. Students must also minimize disruptions and interference during online
live class.

7. Students must dress appropriately for all live learning sessions and remain
attentive in the entire session.

8. Attendance during online session schedules are automatically recorded thru MS

Team meet attendance.

9. All lecture presentations, video recording and other materials must not be shared
by students publicly.

10. If a student cannot attend an online learning (live) session and/or cannot submit
classwork on time due to valid reasons such as sickness, family emergency etc. he/she
must notify the instructor immediately thru Messenger, Email or SMS.

11. Students can send messages thru Messenger/SMS or call their

instructor/professor if they have questions regarding their lessons. It is highly encouraged
to ask them during their consultation hours.

12. Other rules and regulations pertaining to discipline and conduct of students as
specified in the University Student Handbook shall be applied.

EFFECTIVITY AND REVISION INFORMATION 

Date Effective:  Jan. 16, 2022 / 2nd Sem., SY 2022-2023 

Date Revised:  January 9, 2022 

Engr. Alberto Cruz Jr.  
Prepared by:  Signature: 
CpE Instructor  
Dr. Ma. Magdalena V. Gatdula 
Signature:   
Checked and
Approved by:  (Dean - College of Engineering) 

Page 16 of 17
Declaration

I have read and understood the above syllabus in full and in participating in this course I agree to
the above rules. I have a clear understanding of the policies and my responsibilities, and I have
discussed everything unclear to me with the instructor.

I will adhere to the academic integrity and policy and I will treat my fellow students and my teacher
with due respect.

I understand that this syllabus can be modified or overruled by announcements of the instructor
in class or on any social media site at any time

______________________________________ ____________________ _______________

Student’s Printed name Signature Date

______________________________________ ____________________ _______________

Parent’s Printed name Signature Date

Student’s Copy

-------------------------------------------------------Cut here----------------------------------------------------------

Declaration

I have read and understood the above syllabus in full and in participating in this course I agree to
the above rules. I have a clear understanding of the policies and my responsibilities, and I have
discussed everything unclear to me with the instructor.

I will adhere to the academic integrity and policy and I will treat my fellow students and my teacher
with due respect.

I understand that this syllabus can be modified or overruled by announcements of the instructor
in class or on any social media site at any time

______________________________________ ____________________ _______________

Student’s Printed name Signature Date

______________________________________ ____________________ _______________

Parent’s Printed name Signature Date
Instructor's Copy

Page 17 of 17