Postgraduate Programme and Module Handbook 2016-2017 (archived)

Module ENGI40190: Research and Development Project

Department: Engineering

ENGI40190: Research and Development Project

Type	Tied	Level	4	Credits	90	Availability	Available in 2016/17

Tied to	H1K709

Prerequisites

None.

Corequisites

As specified in the programme regulations.

Excluded Combination of Modules

As specified in the programme regulations.

Aims

The research and development project provides 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 communications. The supervisor of each project will arrange any specific additional tuition the student needs to carry out the project.

Learning Outcomes

Subject-specific Knowledge:

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.

Subject-specific Skills:

To specify, plan, manage, conduct and report on an engineering project.
to analyse, evaluate and interpret complex engineering data.
To apply engineering principles to the solution of problems in an industrial context.
To synthesise data from a variety of sources and apply to the solution of a particular problem.
To demonstrate an awareness of practical engineering skills.
To observe and record accurately, data and experimental evidence both in the laboratory and, if appropriate, in the field.
Preparation and delivery of advanced technical reports.
Effective preparation and delivery of technical presentations.
The competent and safe use of engineering laboratory instrumentation for independent research.
An understanding of Risk assessment and COSHH.
The application of engineering principles to the design and manufacture process.
To write advanced or highly specialised computer programs.
to use advanced or highly specialised computational tools and packages.
To be imaginative and innovative in the solution of technical and non-technical problems.

Key Skills:

Capacity for independent self-learning within the bounds of professional practice.
Ability to work independently, show initiative and generate ideas.
The effective communication of advanced technical concepts (written, verbal, drawing, sketching etc.).
Highly specialised numerical skills appropriate to an engineer.
Highly specialised use of information technology (IT) relevant to the engineering profession.
Time and resource management in order to plan and maintain effort.
Advanced problem solving skills including working.

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.
A course on how to write a research paper is given at the end of the practical component.
On completion of the project an academic journal style paper is submitted which demonstrates the student's capacity for individual research, analysis, critical assessment and their ability to select and use advanced or specialised techniques appropriate to their research topic.
The students gain feedback on a literature review and the draft research paper.
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

Activity	Number	Frequency	Duration	Total/Hours
Tutorials	25	1 per week	1 hour	25	■
Project Work				600
Abstract Writing Tutorial	1		1	1
Paper Writing Lecture	1		1	1
Preparation and Reading				273
Total				900

Summative Assessment

Component: Coursework and Oral Examination		Component Weighting: 100%
Element	Length / duration	Element Weighting	Resit Opportunity
Effort and Planning		10%	Yes
Initiative and Ideas		10%	Yes
Report (Research Paper)		25%	Yes
Understanding		25%	Yes
Oral Performance		15%	Yes
Achievement		15%	Yes

Formative Assessment:

Feedback will be given to the student 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