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MODULE SPECIFICATION

Code: UFMERY-30-M Title: MEng Individual Project part B

Version: 2011

Level: M UWE credit rating: 30 ECTS credit rating: 15

Module Type: Project

Owning Faculty: Faculty of Environment and Technology

Field: Engineering, Design and Mathematics Field

Valid from: 1st September 2011 Discontinued From:

Pre-requisites: UFPERX-30-3 MEng Individual Project part A

Co-requisites: None

Excluded combinations: None

Learning Outcomes

On completion of this module a student will typically be able to:-Assessed in component(s):

A. Show a detailed knowledge and understanding of

i)the technical and management challenges of completing an extended piece of project work.

A

ii) integrating knowledge and applying it A

iii) presenting technical information in the form of a structured report A

iv) using theoretical methods within a practical problem A

v) presenting the project to a viva panel A

B. Demonstrate subject specific skills with respect to

i)integration/utilisation of skills learned at levels 3 and M to solve technical problems

A

ii) critically reviewing the aims and objectives of the project A

iii)identifying and critically assessing the current body of knowledge in the problem domain

A

iv)writing a concise yet informative report of the project with a critical appraisal of the findings

A

C. Show cognitive skills with respect to

i)producing a realistic plan for the execution of an extended study, including interfaces with other parallel work

A

ii) critically evaluating the relevance and quality of information and data A

iii)drawing conclusions about the subject reflecting their own analysis and research and showing an awareness of the limitations of the work.

A

iv) presenting the work in a structured, concise and effective way. A

v) defending the work at a viva examination A

D. Demonstrate key transferable skills in

i) self-management skills A

ii) IT skills in context A

iii) problem formulation and decision making A

iv) progression to independent learning A

v) working with others A

Syllabus Outline

The main content of the module will depend of the subject agreed by the supervisor.

Project selection: an extension of the work presented in UFMERX-30-3.

Project proposal: derived from the concluding chapters of UFMERX-30-3.

Project execution: monitored by supervisor.

Project presentation: written report and viva examination.

Teaching and Learning Methods

1. Project Selection

The project will be an extension of the work completed on the M.Eng Individual Project part A (UFMERX-30-3)

2. Project Proposal

This will comprise a concise set of aims and objectives based on the work completed in UFMERX-30-3

3. Project Execution

The project is carried out, with appropriate project management and project review methods being used. The frequency of formal project reviews will be determined by the needs of the project, but there will not be less than two reviews during the course of the project. At each review the student will be required to address technical progress, planning and scheduling, technological risk assessment, progress on deliverables, and cost implications.

Regular informal contact will also take place between the student and the academic supervisor, usually at least once per week. The student will be expected to take responsibility for informing his/her supervisor of any significant developments or changes. The student will be expected to identify and make use of other resources, including other staff, and even other students.

4. Presentation

The student is required to produce a written dissertation on the work done. It is not expected that the work will be written up after completion - rather the student will be encouraged to produce the dissertation as the work proceeds. Students will also be required to defend their work at a viva examination (approximately 45 mins duration).

Assessment Criteria

The assessment of the dissertation will be made against the following criteria:

1. The work undertaken should be properly planned, and managed against the plan, suitably amended in the light of experience.

2. Relevant supporting information should be located, analysed and used constructively.

3. The work itself should be of a high technical standard, and should contribute positively to the original aims and objectives of the work.

4. The report should be clear, well-written, properly structured and suitably concise.

Assessment of the Dissertation against these criteria is undertaken by two markers, one of whom is normally the Dissertation supervisor. Students will be examined viva voce, in order to contribute to the assessment of performance against these criteria. In the case of significant variation in the marking a third marker, normally the Module Leader, may review the work, and determine the appropriate final mark in consultation with the other markers.

Reading Strategy

1. Essential Reading

All students will need to familiarise themselves with the Harvard referencing system, through the UWE Library web site. Blackboard will be used extensively to supply supportive information relating to the projects and the development of key skills.

2. Further Reading

The indicative reading list gives sources relevant to the development of research and project management skills. In addition to these sources students will need to access and read materials relating to their particular project topics.

Indicative Reading List

The following list is offered to provide validation panels/accrediting bodies with an indication of the type and level of information students may be expected to consult. As such, its currency may wane during the life span of the module specification. However, CURRENT advice on readings will be available via other more frequently updated mechanisms.

Blaxter, L., Hughes, C. & Tight, M. (1998). How to Research, OU Press

Weaver, P. (2004). Success in your Project: a Guide to Student System Development Projects, Prentice-Hall

Yin, R. (2003). Case Study Research Design and Methods, Sage

http://www.uwe.ac.uk/library/resources/general/info_study_skills/refs.htm,

Assessment

Weighting between components A and B A: 100% B: 0%

ATTEMPT 1 First Assessment Opportunity Element Description  Element Type   % of Component   % of Assessment 

Component A (Controlled Conditions)

Written dissertation (Final Assessment)  Project  75% 75%

Oral examination  Project  25% 25%

Second Assessment Opportunity (further attendance at taught classes is not required) Element Description  Element Type   % of Component   % of Assessment 

Component A (Controlled Conditions)

Written dissertation (Final Assessment)  Project  75% 75%

Oral examination  Project  25% 25%

EXCEPTIONAL SECOND ATTEMPT (Retake): Attendance at taught classes is not required.