BEngTech in Rocketry and Guided Weapons Systems
Examine aerospace-related mathematics, scientific reasoning and the governance of technology within a strictly academic scope.
About the course
Examine aerospace-related mathematics, scientific reasoning and the governance of technology within a strictly academic scope. This provisional outline addresses the existing catalogue title through civilian aerospace examples, ethics and international responsibilities. No exact South African or Zimbabwean degree with the catalogue title was verified during research.
What you'll learn
Apply mathematics and basic physics to a non-operational aerospace teaching problem.
Evaluate the assumptions and limitations of a simplified scientific model.
Analyse ethical, legal and environmental responsibilities in aerospace activity.
Prepare a documented literature-based investigation and reasoned policy recommendation.
Requirements
Recommended preparation includes strong mathematics, physical science, technical English and computer literacy. BMIT must publish its approved admissions and recognition-of-prior-learning rules before enrolment decisions. Comparator universities set their own thresholds. Their credits, module codes and duration have not been transferred to this outline.
Course content
This programme presents civilian mathematical foundations, space science, ethics, law and policy analysis. Practical work consists of classroom analysis and public-data studies within this scope.
4 learning stages 24 subjects
1Stage 1: Mathematics and scientific reasoning9 subjects
2Stage 2: Civilian aerospace science and context6 subjects
3Stage 3: Governance, ethics and public responsibility7 subjects
4Stage 4: Non-operational academic investigation2 subjects
Subjects in this programme
This programme presents civilian mathematical foundations, space science, ethics, law and policy analysis. Practical work consists of classroom analysis and public-data studies within this scope.
24 subjects are listed below with a short description of each. The Subject descriptions tab contains the learning outcomes, topics, practical tasks and assessments.
Stage 1: Mathematics and scientific reasoning
- Differential Calculus. Examine functions, limits and their relationship within differential calculus. The subject develops differentiation and rates of change, then examines optimisation and model assumptions. Analyse a measured change and compare graphical and algebraic solutions.
- Integral Calculus and Differential Equations. Develop your understanding of integral calculus and differential equations through integration and accumulated quantities. The subject develops first-order equations and second-order equations, then examines initial conditions and numerical checks. Model a simple accumulation process and check the solution against a numerical estimate.
- Linear Algebra. Study vectors and matrices as foundations for linear algebra. The subject develops linear systems and eigenvalues, then examines transformations and computational verification. Solve a small system using manual reasoning and a computational check.
- Applied Statistics. Examine descriptive measures, probability and their relationship within applied statistics. The subject develops sampling and estimation, then examines hypothesis testing and regression. Analyse an approved dataset and distinguish uncertainty from systematic bias.
- Mechanics and General Physics. Develop your understanding of mechanics and general physics through motion and forces. The subject develops energy and momentum, then examines oscillations and measurement uncertainty. Use a supervised teaching experiment to compare observation with a physical model.
- Electricity, Magnetism and Waves. Study electric fields and magnetic fields as foundations for electricity, magnetism and waves. The subject develops electromagnetic induction and wave behaviour, then examines optical principles and physical models. Interpret measurements from supervised electrical or optical teaching equipment.
- Numerical Methods. Examine approximation error, root finding and their relationship within numerical methods. The subject develops interpolation and numerical integration, then examines differential-equation solvers and convergence. Compare numerical solutions at different resolutions and explain convergence.
- Academic and Professional Communication. Develop your understanding of academic and professional communication through reading strategies and evidence use. The subject develops report structure and presentations, then examines audience and referencing. Prepare a report and presentation for a defined professional audience.
- Digital Information Skills. Study file organisation and word processing as foundations for digital information skills. The subject develops spreadsheets and online information, then examines account security and data integrity. Organise files and analyse a small dataset using common digital tools.
Stage 2: Civilian aerospace science and context
- Mathematical Models in Civilian Aerospace. Examine dimensional analysis, coordinate systems and their relationship within mathematical models in civilian aerospace. The subject develops scaling and approximation, then examines uncertainty and model criticism. Evaluate a non-operational civilian aerospace teaching model.
- History of Civilian Aerospace and Space Science. Develop your understanding of history of civilian aerospace and space science through scientific milestones and institutions. The subject develops public investment and international cooperation, then examines societal effects and historical evidence. Analyse a civilian historical case using public sources.
- Earth and Space Science. Study atmosphere and gravity concepts as foundations for earth and space science. The subject develops planetary systems and solar activity, then examines earth observation and scientific uncertainty. Interpret public Earth-observation or astronomical teaching data.
- Climate and Environmental Change. Examine weather systems, climate variability and their relationship within climate and environmental change. The subject develops climate evidence and impacts, then examines adaptation and uncertainty. Interpret regional climate information and compare adaptation choices.
- Remote Sensing. Develop your understanding of remote sensing through sensors and spectral response. The subject develops image geometry and classification, then examines accuracy and environmental monitoring. Analyse public satellite imagery and evaluate a classification result.
- Engineering Professional Practice. Study professional responsibility and ethics as foundations for engineering professional practice. The subject develops technical communication and public welfare, then examines evidence integrity and continuing development. Analyse a regional engineering decision involving conflicting responsibilities.
Stage 3: Governance, ethics and public responsibility
- International Space Law and Governance. Examine treaty principles, state responsibility and their relationship within international space law and governance. The subject develops liability and registration, then examines peaceful purposes and environmental duties. Compare civilian space-governance cases at policy level.
- Ethics of Dual-Use Technology. Develop your understanding of ethics of dual-use technology through civilian benefit and foreseeable harm. The subject develops accountability and research boundaries, then examines public participation and ethical review. Assess a fictional research proposal without developing harmful capabilities.
- Aerospace Safety Culture. Study human factors and evidence quality as foundations for aerospace safety culture. The subject develops incident learning and organisational responsibility, then examines risk communication and independent review. Analyse a published civilian safety case without operational design work.
- Space Environment and Sustainability. Examine debris concepts, environmental effects and their relationship within space environment and sustainability. The subject develops stewardship and monitoring, then examines international coordination and policy choices. Compare civilian space-sustainability proposals using public evidence.
- Environmental Justice and Health Equity. Develop your understanding of environmental justice and health equity through exposure distribution and access. The subject develops vulnerability and participation, then examines evidence and accountability. Compare environmental impacts on different groups using authorised evidence.
- Environmental Policy and Governance. Study institutions and rights and duties as foundations for environmental policy and governance. The subject develops policy instruments and participation, then examines compliance and accountability. Compare governance responses to a documented environmental problem.
- Project Planning and Management. Examine scope, work breakdown and their relationship within project planning and management. The subject develops scheduling and resources, then examines risk and progress control. Build and update a plan for a realistic technical or service project.
Stage 4: Non-operational academic investigation
- Research Methods. Develop your understanding of research methods through research questions and literature review. The subject develops study design and data collection, then examines ethics and interpretation. Prepare a feasible investigation proposal with a defined evidence need.
- Policy Research and Evidence Synthesis. Study question framing and source evaluation as foundations for policy research and evidence synthesis. The subject develops comparative analysis and stakeholders, then examines argumentation and recommendations. Complete a literature-based civilian policy study with no operational experimentation.
Assessment and practical learning
- Proposed assessment: literature reviews and non-operational scientific problems with explicit assumptions and uncertainty.
- A reproducible classroom simulation using public teaching data, assessed through its documented method and critical interpretation.
- A written analysis and oral discussion of civilian aerospace governance, ethics or environmental responsibilities. BMIT must approve the assessment rules.
Practical application
Practical activity is limited to classroom analysis, non-operational simulations and literature research. The outline excludes weapon design, construction, guidance implementation, targeting and performance optimisation. BMIT should review the catalogue title with an academic board and agree a legitimate civilian scope before developing detailed learning materials.
Subject descriptions
Select a subject to read its learning outcomes, main topics, practical task and assessment.
Stage 1: Mathematics and scientific reasoning
Differential Calculus
Examine functions, limits and their relationship within differential calculus. The subject develops differentiation and rates of change, then examines optimisation and model assumptions. Analyse a measured change and compare graphical and algebraic solutions.
Learning outcomes
- Explain functions and limits using an appropriate example.
- Analyse a subject-related problem involving differentiation and rates of change.
- Present reasoned evidence addressing optimisation and model assumptions.
Main topics
- Functions
- Limits
- Differentiation
- Rates of change
- Optimisation
- Model assumptions
Practical task
Complete a classroom calculation, public-data interpretation or literature review within civilian science and policy. All work excludes weapons design, targeting, guidance implementation and operational experimentation.
Assessment
Submit an individual analytical paper with calculations or public evidence appropriate to the civilian subject scope.
Integral Calculus and Differential Equations
Develop your understanding of integral calculus and differential equations through integration and accumulated quantities. The subject develops first-order equations and second-order equations, then examines initial conditions and numerical checks. Model a simple accumulation process and check the solution against a numerical estimate.
Learning outcomes
- Explain integration and accumulated quantities using an appropriate example.
- Analyse a subject-related problem involving first-order equations and second-order equations.
- Present reasoned evidence addressing initial conditions and numerical checks.
Main topics
- Integration
- Accumulated quantities
- First-order equations
- Second-order equations
- Initial conditions
- Numerical checks
Practical task
Complete a classroom calculation, public-data interpretation or literature review within civilian science and policy. All work excludes weapons design, targeting, guidance implementation and operational experimentation.
Assessment
Submit an individual analytical paper with calculations or public evidence appropriate to the civilian subject scope.
Linear Algebra
Study vectors and matrices as foundations for linear algebra. The subject develops linear systems and eigenvalues, then examines transformations and computational verification. Solve a small system using manual reasoning and a computational check.
Learning outcomes
- Explain vectors and matrices using an appropriate example.
- Analyse a subject-related problem involving linear systems and eigenvalues.
- Present reasoned evidence addressing transformations and computational verification.
Main topics
- Vectors
- Matrices
- Linear systems
- Eigenvalues
- Transformations
- Computational verification
Practical task
Complete a classroom calculation, public-data interpretation or literature review within civilian science and policy. All work excludes weapons design, targeting, guidance implementation and operational experimentation.
Assessment
Submit an individual analytical paper with calculations or public evidence appropriate to the civilian subject scope.
Applied Statistics
Examine descriptive measures, probability and their relationship within applied statistics. The subject develops sampling and estimation, then examines hypothesis testing and regression. Analyse an approved dataset and distinguish uncertainty from systematic bias.
Learning outcomes
- Explain descriptive measures and probability using an appropriate example.
- Analyse a subject-related problem involving sampling and estimation.
- Present reasoned evidence addressing hypothesis testing and regression.
Main topics
- Descriptive measures
- Probability
- Sampling
- Estimation
- Hypothesis testing
- Regression
Practical task
Complete a classroom calculation, public-data interpretation or literature review within civilian science and policy. All work excludes weapons design, targeting, guidance implementation and operational experimentation.
Assessment
Submit an individual analytical paper with calculations or public evidence appropriate to the civilian subject scope.
Mechanics and General Physics
Develop your understanding of mechanics and general physics through motion and forces. The subject develops energy and momentum, then examines oscillations and measurement uncertainty. Use a supervised teaching experiment to compare observation with a physical model.
Learning outcomes
- Explain motion and forces using an appropriate example.
- Analyse a subject-related problem involving energy and momentum.
- Present reasoned evidence addressing oscillations and measurement uncertainty.
Main topics
- Motion
- Forces
- Energy
- Momentum
- Oscillations
- Measurement uncertainty
Practical task
Complete a classroom calculation, public-data interpretation or literature review within civilian science and policy. All work excludes weapons design, targeting, guidance implementation and operational experimentation.
Assessment
Submit an individual analytical paper with calculations or public evidence appropriate to the civilian subject scope.
Electricity, Magnetism and Waves
Study electric fields and magnetic fields as foundations for electricity, magnetism and waves. The subject develops electromagnetic induction and wave behaviour, then examines optical principles and physical models. Interpret measurements from supervised electrical or optical teaching equipment.
Learning outcomes
- Explain electric fields and magnetic fields using an appropriate example.
- Analyse a subject-related problem involving electromagnetic induction and wave behaviour.
- Present reasoned evidence addressing optical principles and physical models.
Main topics
- Electric fields
- Magnetic fields
- Electromagnetic induction
- Wave behaviour
- Optical principles
- Physical models
Practical task
Complete a classroom calculation, public-data interpretation or literature review within civilian science and policy. All work excludes weapons design, targeting, guidance implementation and operational experimentation.
Assessment
Submit an individual analytical paper with calculations or public evidence appropriate to the civilian subject scope.
Numerical Methods
Examine approximation error, root finding and their relationship within numerical methods. The subject develops interpolation and numerical integration, then examines differential-equation solvers and convergence. Compare numerical solutions at different resolutions and explain convergence.
Learning outcomes
- Explain approximation error and root finding using an appropriate example.
- Analyse a subject-related problem involving interpolation and numerical integration.
- Present reasoned evidence addressing differential-equation solvers and convergence.
Main topics
- Approximation error
- Root finding
- Interpolation
- Numerical integration
- Differential-equation solvers
- Convergence
Practical task
Complete a classroom calculation, public-data interpretation or literature review within civilian science and policy. All work excludes weapons design, targeting, guidance implementation and operational experimentation.
Assessment
Submit an individual analytical paper with calculations or public evidence appropriate to the civilian subject scope.
Academic and Professional Communication
Develop your understanding of academic and professional communication through reading strategies and evidence use. The subject develops report structure and presentations, then examines audience and referencing. Prepare a report and presentation for a defined professional audience.
Learning outcomes
- Explain reading strategies and evidence use using an appropriate example.
- Analyse a subject-related problem involving report structure and presentations.
- Present reasoned evidence addressing audience and referencing.
Main topics
- Reading strategies
- Evidence use
- Report structure
- Presentations
- Audience
- Referencing
Practical task
Complete a classroom calculation, public-data interpretation or literature review within civilian science and policy. All work excludes weapons design, targeting, guidance implementation and operational experimentation.
Assessment
Submit an individual analytical paper with calculations or public evidence appropriate to the civilian subject scope.
Digital Information Skills
Study file organisation and word processing as foundations for digital information skills. The subject develops spreadsheets and online information, then examines account security and data integrity. Organise files and analyse a small dataset using common digital tools.
Learning outcomes
- Explain file organisation and word processing using an appropriate example.
- Analyse a subject-related problem involving spreadsheets and online information.
- Present reasoned evidence addressing account security and data integrity.
Main topics
- File organisation
- Word processing
- Spreadsheets
- Online information
- Account security
- Data integrity
Practical task
Complete a classroom calculation, public-data interpretation or literature review within civilian science and policy. All work excludes weapons design, targeting, guidance implementation and operational experimentation.
Assessment
Submit an individual analytical paper with calculations or public evidence appropriate to the civilian subject scope.
Stage 2: Civilian aerospace science and context
Mathematical Models in Civilian Aerospace
Examine dimensional analysis, coordinate systems and their relationship within mathematical models in civilian aerospace. The subject develops scaling and approximation, then examines uncertainty and model criticism. Evaluate a non-operational civilian aerospace teaching model.
Learning outcomes
- Explain dimensional analysis and coordinate systems using an appropriate example.
- Analyse a subject-related problem involving scaling and approximation.
- Present reasoned evidence addressing uncertainty and model criticism.
Main topics
- Dimensional analysis
- Coordinate systems
- Scaling
- Approximation
- Uncertainty
- Model criticism
Practical task
Complete a classroom calculation, public-data interpretation or literature review within civilian science and policy. All work excludes weapons design, targeting, guidance implementation and operational experimentation.
Assessment
Submit an individual analytical paper with calculations or public evidence appropriate to the civilian subject scope.
History of Civilian Aerospace and Space Science
Develop your understanding of history of civilian aerospace and space science through scientific milestones and institutions. The subject develops public investment and international cooperation, then examines societal effects and historical evidence. Analyse a civilian historical case using public sources.
Learning outcomes
- Explain scientific milestones and institutions using an appropriate example.
- Analyse a subject-related problem involving public investment and international cooperation.
- Present reasoned evidence addressing societal effects and historical evidence.
Main topics
- Scientific milestones
- Institutions
- Public investment
- International cooperation
- Societal effects
- Historical evidence
Practical task
Complete a classroom calculation, public-data interpretation or literature review within civilian science and policy. All work excludes weapons design, targeting, guidance implementation and operational experimentation.
Assessment
Submit an individual analytical paper with calculations or public evidence appropriate to the civilian subject scope.
Earth and Space Science
Study atmosphere and gravity concepts as foundations for earth and space science. The subject develops planetary systems and solar activity, then examines earth observation and scientific uncertainty. Interpret public Earth-observation or astronomical teaching data.
Learning outcomes
- Explain atmosphere and gravity concepts using an appropriate example.
- Analyse a subject-related problem involving planetary systems and solar activity.
- Present reasoned evidence addressing earth observation and scientific uncertainty.
Main topics
- Atmosphere
- Gravity concepts
- Planetary systems
- Solar activity
- Earth observation
- Scientific uncertainty
Practical task
Complete a classroom calculation, public-data interpretation or literature review within civilian science and policy. All work excludes weapons design, targeting, guidance implementation and operational experimentation.
Assessment
Submit an individual analytical paper with calculations or public evidence appropriate to the civilian subject scope.
Climate and Environmental Change
Examine weather systems, climate variability and their relationship within climate and environmental change. The subject develops climate evidence and impacts, then examines adaptation and uncertainty. Interpret regional climate information and compare adaptation choices.
Learning outcomes
- Explain weather systems and climate variability using an appropriate example.
- Analyse a subject-related problem involving climate evidence and impacts.
- Present reasoned evidence addressing adaptation and uncertainty.
Main topics
- Weather systems
- Climate variability
- Climate evidence
- Impacts
- Adaptation
- Uncertainty
Practical task
Complete a classroom calculation, public-data interpretation or literature review within civilian science and policy. All work excludes weapons design, targeting, guidance implementation and operational experimentation.
Assessment
Submit an individual analytical paper with calculations or public evidence appropriate to the civilian subject scope.
Remote Sensing
Develop your understanding of remote sensing through sensors and spectral response. The subject develops image geometry and classification, then examines accuracy and environmental monitoring. Analyse public satellite imagery and evaluate a classification result.
Learning outcomes
- Explain sensors and spectral response using an appropriate example.
- Analyse a subject-related problem involving image geometry and classification.
- Present reasoned evidence addressing accuracy and environmental monitoring.
Main topics
- Sensors
- Spectral response
- Image geometry
- Classification
- Accuracy
- Environmental monitoring
Practical task
Complete a classroom calculation, public-data interpretation or literature review within civilian science and policy. All work excludes weapons design, targeting, guidance implementation and operational experimentation.
Assessment
Submit an individual analytical paper with calculations or public evidence appropriate to the civilian subject scope.
Engineering Professional Practice
Study professional responsibility and ethics as foundations for engineering professional practice. The subject develops technical communication and public welfare, then examines evidence integrity and continuing development. Analyse a regional engineering decision involving conflicting responsibilities.
Learning outcomes
- Explain professional responsibility and ethics using an appropriate example.
- Analyse a subject-related problem involving technical communication and public welfare.
- Present reasoned evidence addressing evidence integrity and continuing development.
Main topics
- Professional responsibility
- Ethics
- Technical communication
- Public welfare
- Evidence integrity
- Continuing development
Practical task
Complete a classroom calculation, public-data interpretation or literature review within civilian science and policy. All work excludes weapons design, targeting, guidance implementation and operational experimentation.
Assessment
Submit an individual analytical paper with calculations or public evidence appropriate to the civilian subject scope.
Stage 3: Governance, ethics and public responsibility
International Space Law and Governance
Examine treaty principles, state responsibility and their relationship within international space law and governance. The subject develops liability and registration, then examines peaceful purposes and environmental duties. Compare civilian space-governance cases at policy level.
Learning outcomes
- Explain treaty principles and state responsibility using an appropriate example.
- Analyse a subject-related problem involving liability and registration.
- Present reasoned evidence addressing peaceful purposes and environmental duties.
Main topics
- Treaty principles
- State responsibility
- Liability
- Registration
- Peaceful purposes
- Environmental duties
Practical task
Complete a classroom calculation, public-data interpretation or literature review within civilian science and policy. All work excludes weapons design, targeting, guidance implementation and operational experimentation.
Assessment
Submit an individual analytical paper with calculations or public evidence appropriate to the civilian subject scope.
Ethics of Dual-Use Technology
Develop your understanding of ethics of dual-use technology through civilian benefit and foreseeable harm. The subject develops accountability and research boundaries, then examines public participation and ethical review. Assess a fictional research proposal without developing harmful capabilities.
Learning outcomes
- Explain civilian benefit and foreseeable harm using an appropriate example.
- Analyse a subject-related problem involving accountability and research boundaries.
- Present reasoned evidence addressing public participation and ethical review.
Main topics
- Civilian benefit
- Foreseeable harm
- Accountability
- Research boundaries
- Public participation
- Ethical review
Practical task
Complete a classroom calculation, public-data interpretation or literature review within civilian science and policy. All work excludes weapons design, targeting, guidance implementation and operational experimentation.
Assessment
Submit an individual analytical paper with calculations or public evidence appropriate to the civilian subject scope.
Aerospace Safety Culture
Study human factors and evidence quality as foundations for aerospace safety culture. The subject develops incident learning and organisational responsibility, then examines risk communication and independent review. Analyse a published civilian safety case without operational design work.
Learning outcomes
- Explain human factors and evidence quality using an appropriate example.
- Analyse a subject-related problem involving incident learning and organisational responsibility.
- Present reasoned evidence addressing risk communication and independent review.
Main topics
- Human factors
- Evidence quality
- Incident learning
- Organisational responsibility
- Risk communication
- Independent review
Practical task
Complete a classroom calculation, public-data interpretation or literature review within civilian science and policy. All work excludes weapons design, targeting, guidance implementation and operational experimentation.
Assessment
Submit an individual analytical paper with calculations or public evidence appropriate to the civilian subject scope.
Space Environment and Sustainability
Examine debris concepts, environmental effects and their relationship within space environment and sustainability. The subject develops stewardship and monitoring, then examines international coordination and policy choices. Compare civilian space-sustainability proposals using public evidence.
Learning outcomes
- Explain debris concepts and environmental effects using an appropriate example.
- Analyse a subject-related problem involving stewardship and monitoring.
- Present reasoned evidence addressing international coordination and policy choices.
Main topics
- Debris concepts
- Environmental effects
- Stewardship
- Monitoring
- International coordination
- Policy choices
Practical task
Complete a classroom calculation, public-data interpretation or literature review within civilian science and policy. All work excludes weapons design, targeting, guidance implementation and operational experimentation.
Assessment
Submit an individual analytical paper with calculations or public evidence appropriate to the civilian subject scope.
Environmental Justice and Health Equity
Develop your understanding of environmental justice and health equity through exposure distribution and access. The subject develops vulnerability and participation, then examines evidence and accountability. Compare environmental impacts on different groups using authorised evidence.
Learning outcomes
- Explain exposure distribution and access using an appropriate example.
- Analyse a subject-related problem involving vulnerability and participation.
- Present reasoned evidence addressing evidence and accountability.
Main topics
- Exposure distribution
- Access
- Vulnerability
- Participation
- Evidence
- Accountability
Practical task
Complete a classroom calculation, public-data interpretation or literature review within civilian science and policy. All work excludes weapons design, targeting, guidance implementation and operational experimentation.
Assessment
Submit an individual analytical paper with calculations or public evidence appropriate to the civilian subject scope.
Environmental Policy and Governance
Study institutions and rights and duties as foundations for environmental policy and governance. The subject develops policy instruments and participation, then examines compliance and accountability. Compare governance responses to a documented environmental problem.
Learning outcomes
- Explain institutions and rights and duties using an appropriate example.
- Analyse a subject-related problem involving policy instruments and participation.
- Present reasoned evidence addressing compliance and accountability.
Main topics
- Institutions
- Rights and duties
- Policy instruments
- Participation
- Compliance
- Accountability
Practical task
Complete a classroom calculation, public-data interpretation or literature review within civilian science and policy. All work excludes weapons design, targeting, guidance implementation and operational experimentation.
Assessment
Submit an individual analytical paper with calculations or public evidence appropriate to the civilian subject scope.
Project Planning and Management
Examine scope, work breakdown and their relationship within project planning and management. The subject develops scheduling and resources, then examines risk and progress control. Build and update a plan for a realistic technical or service project.
Learning outcomes
- Explain scope and work breakdown using an appropriate example.
- Analyse a subject-related problem involving scheduling and resources.
- Present reasoned evidence addressing risk and progress control.
Main topics
- Scope
- Work breakdown
- Scheduling
- Resources
- Risk
- Progress control
Practical task
Complete a classroom calculation, public-data interpretation or literature review within civilian science and policy. All work excludes weapons design, targeting, guidance implementation and operational experimentation.
Assessment
Submit an individual analytical paper with calculations or public evidence appropriate to the civilian subject scope.
Stage 4: Non-operational academic investigation
Research Methods
Develop your understanding of research methods through research questions and literature review. The subject develops study design and data collection, then examines ethics and interpretation. Prepare a feasible investigation proposal with a defined evidence need.
Learning outcomes
- Explain research questions and literature review using an appropriate example.
- Analyse a subject-related problem involving study design and data collection.
- Present reasoned evidence addressing ethics and interpretation.
Main topics
- Research questions
- Literature review
- Study design
- Data collection
- Ethics
- Interpretation
Practical task
Complete a classroom calculation, public-data interpretation or literature review within civilian science and policy. All work excludes weapons design, targeting, guidance implementation and operational experimentation.
Assessment
Submit an individual analytical paper with calculations or public evidence appropriate to the civilian subject scope.
Policy Research and Evidence Synthesis
Study question framing and source evaluation as foundations for policy research and evidence synthesis. The subject develops comparative analysis and stakeholders, then examines argumentation and recommendations. Complete a literature-based civilian policy study with no operational experimentation.
Learning outcomes
- Explain question framing and source evaluation using an appropriate example.
- Analyse a subject-related problem involving comparative analysis and stakeholders.
- Present reasoned evidence addressing argumentation and recommendations.
Main topics
- Question framing
- Source evaluation
- Comparative analysis
- Stakeholders
- Argumentation
- Recommendations
Practical task
Complete a classroom calculation, public-data interpretation or literature review within civilian science and policy. All work excludes weapons design, targeting, guidance implementation and operational experimentation.
Assessment
Submit an individual analytical paper with calculations or public evidence appropriate to the civilian subject scope.
Instructors
