Durham University
Programme and Module Handbook

Postgraduate Programme and Module Handbook 2014-2015 (archived)

Module ENGI43960: Masters Research Project

Department: Engineering

ENGI43960: Masters Research Project

Type Tied Level 4 Credits 60 Availability Not available in 2014/15 Module Cap
Tied to H1K809

Prerequisites

  • None

Corequisites

  • None

Excluded Combination of Modules

  • None

Aims

  • To allow students to undertake an individual, research-based project within an industrial context. The project will allow students to deal with a technical topic of depth and challenge.

Content

  • The exact content of the project will be decided in consultaiton with the academic supervisor (company representative where appropriate) and the student. The project will take into consideration the topics studied by the student during the taught part of the MSc.

Learning Outcomes

Subject-specific Knowledge:
  • To be able to carry out extensive in-depth work in a specialist area
Subject-specific Skills:
  • To plan and manage an investigation of an industrial process or product design
  • To utilise knowledge and skills acwuired from the formal teaching process
  • To be able to carry out work that is both relevant and realistic in industrial terms
  • To be able to apply best practice research methods
  • To produce an effective report which clearly presents and describes the investigations, results and conclusions
Key Skills:
  • To transmit findings via oral and written presentations

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

  • A project supervised by a member of staff is the appropriate format for such research and development projects.
  • Regular meetings with supervisor to discuss project progress, planning, research methods and technical issues ensures that an appropriate level of guidance is provided.
  • Poster presentation to allow an assessment of the student's understanding of their work, and their oral and written communication skills.
  • Oral examination to allow detailed questions to be put to the student regarding the technical aspects of their work and also assess oral communication skills.

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Activity Number Frequency Duration Total/Hours
Tutorials 25 1 per week 1 hour 25
Practicals 300 1 hour 300
Preparation and Reading 275
Total 600

Summative Assessment

Component: Report and Oral Examination Component Weighting: 100%
Element Length / duration Element Weighting Resit Opportunity
Project Report and Oral Examination Research report/50 pages/15000 words or Research paper 100%

Formative Assessment:

Feedback will be given to the students on a weekly basis by the supervisor. Poster Display, Research Methods (literature survey, project plan), Risk and COSHH assessment forms.


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