Durham University
Programme and Module Handbook

Undergraduate Programme and Module Handbook 2008-2009 (archived)

Module ENGI3262: BENG ENGINEERING PROJECT

Department: Engineering

ENGI3262: BENG ENGINEERING PROJECT

Type Open Level 3 Credits 40 Availability Available in 2008/09 Module Cap None. Location Durham
Tied to H103

Prerequisites

  • None.

Corequisites

  • Software Engineering and Communications, Electronics, Control and Signal Processing and BEng Electronic Manufacture, OR, Electrical Engineering, Applied Mechanics, BEng mechanical Manufacture and BEng Thermodynamics and Fluid Mechanics, OR, Environmental Engineering, Soil Engineering, Structures and Surveying and BEng Civil Design.

Excluded Combination of Modules

  • Microelectronics, Engineering Design, Management and Manufacture, Thermodynamics and Fluid Mechanics, Civil Design, Design and Management for Civil Engineering, Management and Electronic Manufacture

Aims

  • This module provides an open-ended challenge for students to investigate a research topic at BEng level, to identify and initiate methods to investigate the topic, to generate data, to analyse this data, to formulate recommendations and to present the work in a written report.
  • It provides the opportunity for the student to carry out an individual research project, contributing to the professional skills required by practising engineers.

Content

  • Final year technical project for BEng students.

Learning Outcomes

Subject-specific Knowledge:
  • Mathematics relevant to the application of specialised engineering concepts.
  • An in-depth knowledge and understanding of a student's chosen area of specialisation and an ability to perform critical assessment and review.
Subject-specific Skills:
  • To individually specify, manage, conduct and report on an engineering project.
  • To collect and critically review data from a variety of sources
  • To observe, record, analyse and interpret data and experimental evidence both in the laboratory and, if appropriate, in the field
  • Preparation and delivery of a specialised technical report.
  • Effective preparation and delivery of technical presentations.
  • Competent and safe use of standard engineering laboratory instrumentation for independent research
  • Understanding of risk assessment and COSHH.
  • Use of computational tools and packages and/or to write specialised computer programs.
  • To demonstrate an awareness of practical engineering skills
Key Skills:
  • Capacity for independent self learning within the bounds of professional practice.
  • The effective communication of general and specialised engineering concepts (written, verbal, drawing, sketching etc.).
  • Specialised numerical skills appropriate to an engineer.
  • Effective use of IT relevant to engineering profession.
  • Time and resource management.
  • Advanced problem solving skills.

Modes of Teaching, Learning and Assessment and how these contribute to the learning outcomes of the module

  • Introductory Library course on literature research and review.
  • Students are supported by regular, individual consultation with their project supervisor and, when appropriate, by laboratory technicians.
  • Soon after the start of the project an individual project plan is submitted and which is included in the overall assessment.
  • At an early stage of the project students are required to make a presentation to their peers and supervisors to demonstrate their appreciation of their chosen research topic.
  • On completion of the project a substantial report is submitted which demonstrates the student's capacity for individual research, analysis, critical assessment and their ability to select and use specialised and/or advanced techniques appropriate to their research topic.
  • Each student is also examined by oral examination
  • An overall mark is derived from an assessment matrix which addresses all aspects of the project including effort and planning, initiative and ideas, written report, understanding, oral examination performance and achievement.

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Activity Number Frequency Duration Total/Hours
Tutorials (Project Supervision) 20 Weekly 1 Hour 20
Preparation and Reading 380
Total 400

Summative Assessment

Component: Project Component Weighting: 100%
Element Length / duration Element Weighting Resit Opportunity
technical project and oral examination 100%

Formative Assessment:

None.


Attendance at all activities marked with this symbol will be monitored. Students who fail to attend these activities, or to complete the summative or formative assessment specified above, will be subject to the procedures defined in the University's General Regulation V, and may be required to leave the University