Module ENGI40190: Research and Development Project

Department: Engineering

ENGI40190: Research and Development Project

Tied To

• H1K709: Communications Engineering

Pre-requisites

Corequisites

Excluded Combinations

Aims

• The research and development project provide an open-ended challenge to each individual student. In collaboration with a staff supervisor, the student is required to identify and initiate methods to investigate the topic, to generate data, to analyse this data, to formulate recommendations and findings, and to present the work in a report.
• All the projects offered will include:
• In-depth study of some aspects of communications;
• Literature searches and market surveys;
• Design of a programme of experimental or development work;
• Implementation of the program and analysis of the results;
• Production of a detailed report;
• An opportunity to apply the theory and knowledge gained in the lecture courses to a real world scale problem.

Content

• A research and development project approved by the course director relevant to the field of communication. The supervisor of each project will arrange any specific additional tuition the student needs to carry out the project.

Learning Outcomes

• To appraise and analyse data critically using appropriate mathematical and IT skills.
• To be able to apply best practice research methods.
• To produce an effective report which clearly presents and describes the investigations, results and conclusions. Communication skills will be assessed through the written report and an oral examination. In addition, a poster presentation is required.
• To plan and implement a project work schedule.
• To utilise knowledge and skills acquired from the formal teaching process.
• To show imagination and problem solving skills in formulating lines of investigation.
• To show technical awareness and mature judgement in producing data. This may require design skills applied to laboratory or simulation work.

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 to assess oral communication skills.

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Summative Assessment

Formative Assessment

Feedback will be given to the student on a weekly basis by the supervisor.