This module will enable you to undertake a substantial individual investigation of a challenging engineering problem. The module acts as a framework for you to develop and demonstrate individual creativity and originality, and to apply some engineering knowledge and skills acquired in other modules. The module will also provide you with the opportunity to develop and test valuable transferable skills including the ability to plan and organise work to deadlines, to understand and use information, to reflect on findings, and to communicate effectively with others via regular meetings, presentation and written reports. 

• LO1. Demonstrate intellectual curiosity and advanced knowledge in a particular subject area. (AHEP4 C1/M1, C2/M2, C4/M4, C5/M5, C6/M6, C13/ M13) 
• LO2. Critically evaluate relevant information from a variety of sources. (AHEP4 C4/M4, C6/M6) 
• LO3. Work on a project in a professional manner, planning an appropriate programme of work, building constructive working relationships with colleagues, managing data and information responsibly and working safely and ethically. (AHEP4 C5/M5, C6/M6, C9/M9, C16/M16, C17/M17) 
• LO4. Select and apply appropriate engineering principles and techniques to address a given problem and draw conclusions from achieved results. (AHEP4 C3/M3, C5/M5, C6/M6, C6/M6, C13/ M13) 
• LO5. Effectively communicate complex information, arguments and future plans clearly and professionally. (AHEP4 C17/M17 C18/M18) 
• LO6. Write a technical report that presents relevant information and project achievements clearly and in a professional style. (AHEP4 C4/M4, C18/M18) 

The Engineering Council sets the overall requirements for the AHEP (Accreditation for Higher Education Programmes). It is the standard used by the UK engineering profession to assess the competence and commitment of individual engineers and technicians and is in its 4th iteration. Link: ahep-fourth-edition 

This module is progressed through individual regular direct supervision from a member of staff. You will be expected to attend all scheduled meetings and undertake extensive individual study and research outside these meetings. 

Subject-Specific Skills: 

• Apply engineering principles to the solution of a significant engineering problem; evaluate and critically review the results. 

• Plan and complete a complex personal project from initial definition to final delivery of the report. 

• Conduct a systematic investigation of the problem identified. 

• Give an oral presentation on the scope of the project, the proposed approach to solving the problem preliminary results. 

• Compose a logical technical report which describes the scope, theory, methodology, results and conclusions of the investigative work, written in an appropriate style. 

Professional & Practical Skills (AHEP4): 

• C1: Apply knowledge of mathematics, statistics, natural science and engineering principles to the solution of complex problems. Some of the knowledge will be at the forefront of the particular subject of study. 
  • M1 Apply a comprehensive knowledge of mathematics, statistics, natural science and engineering principles to the solution of complex problems. Much of the knowledge will be at the forefront of the particular subject of study and informed by a critical awareness of new developments and the wider context of engineering. 
• C2 Analyse complex problems to reach substantiated conclusions using first principles of mathematics, statistics, natural science and engineering principles 
  • M2 Formulate and analyse complex problems to reach substantiated conclusions. This will involve evaluating available data using first principles of mathematics, statistics, natural science and engineering principles, and using engineering judgment to work with information that may be uncertain or incomplete, discussing the limitations of the techniques employed. 
• C3 M3 Select and apply appropriate computational and analytical techniques to model complex problems, recognising the limitations of the techniques employed 
• C4 Select and evaluate technical literature and other sources of information to address complex problems 
  • M4 Select and critically evaluate technical literature and other sources of information to solve complex problems 
• C5 Design solutions for complex problems that meet a combination of societal, user, business and customer needs as appropriate. This will involve consideration of applicable health and safety, diversity, inclusion, cultural, societal, environmental and commercial matters, codes of practice and industry standards. 
  • M5 Design solutions for complex problems that evidence some originality and meet a combination of societal, user, business and customer needs as appropriate. This will involve consideration of applicable health and safety, diversity, inclusion, cultural, societal, environmental and commercial matters, codes of practice and industry standard 
• C6 Apply an integrated or systems approach to the solution of complex problems. 
  • M6 Apply an integrated or systems approach to the solution of complex problems 
• C9 M9 Use a risk management process to identify, evaluate and mitigate risks (the effects of uncertainty) associated with a particular project or activity. 
• C13 M13 Select and apply appropriate materials, equipment, engineering technologies and processes, recognising their limitations 
• C16 Function effectively as an individual, and as a member or leader of a team. 
  • M16 Function effectively as an individual, and as a member or leader of a team. Evaluate effectiveness of own and team performance 
• C17 Communicate effectively on complex engineering matters with technical and non-technical audiences 
  • M17 Communicate effectively on complex engineering matters with technical and non-technical audiences, evaluating the effectiveness of the methods used. 
• C18 M18 Plan and record self-learning and development as the foundation for lifelong learning/CPD 

Transferable/Employability Skills (Graduate Attributes): 

Collaboration Skills: 

• C2: Demonstrate enthusiasm and the ability to motivate themselves, and positively influence others in meeting agreed responsibilities 

• C3 - Be respectful of the roles of others and acknowledge the limits of their own skills/experience 

Effective Communicators: 

• EC1: Listen to and take account of the views of others 

• EC2: Communicate complex ideas effectively to diverse audiences 

• EC3: Contribute to discussions, negotiate and present with impact 

• EC4: Deliver, accept and act on constructive feedback 

Ethically, socially and environmentally aware: 

• ESA1: Consider own personal and professional ethical, social and environmental responsibilities, and act as global citizens 

• ESA2: Demonstrate personal and professional integrity, reliability and competence 

• ESA3: Understand organisations, their stakeholders and their impact on the community 

Independent and critical thinkers 

• ICT1: Identify, define and analyse complex issues and ideas, exercising critical judgement in evaluating sources of information 

• ICT2: Demonstrate intellectual curiosity and engage in the pursuit of new knowledge and understanding 

• ICT3: Investigate problems and offer effective solutions, reflecting on and learning from successes and failures 

Innovative, enterprising and commercially aware: 

• IEC1: Generate original ideas and apply creative, imaginative and innovative thinking in response to identified needs and problems 

• IEC2: Take the initiative to act on own ideas and the ideas of others, balancing risk and returns and making things happen 

Reflective & Resilient 

• RR1: Actively reflect on own studies, achievements and self-identity 

• RR2: Demonstrate resilience, adaptability and creativity in dealing with challenges, and be open to change 

• RR3: Identify and articulate own skills, knowledge and understanding confidently and in a variety of contexts 

• RR4: Engage with new ideas, opportunities and technologies, building knowledge and experience to make informed decisions about own future 

• RR5: Set aspirational goals for continuing personal and professional development, planning effectively with a commitment to lifelong learning 

SUMMATIVE ASSESSMENT 

This module is assessed through two summative components. 

1. A presentation (LO 2,4, 6). Towards the end of the Autumn semester, you will give a formal presentation of your project to two academic assessors (your supervisor and a nominated second examiner). This presentation is worth 20% of the module mark. The presentation should include an outline of the project, progress and results to date, and a plan for the remainder of the project.  

2. A final report and associated viva voce examination (LO 1-6). This final component is worth 80% of the module mark and is assessed by both the project supervisor and the second examiner. This submission of the final report will be in Week 9 of the Spring semester and the subsequent viva voce examination will typically be held two academic weeks afterwards.  

FORMATIVE ASSESSMENT 

The module also provides the opportunity to engage with a formative assessment. In particular, during week 3 of the Autumn Semester, you will have to submit a Project Brief, which does not contribute to the final mark.  This brief will outline the nature and aim of the project, the main objectives that are to be completed, and include a Gantt chart showing the proposed timing of the different activities. The project supervisor will subsequently provide feedback on the project brief. 

THE OPPORTUNITY FOR REASSESSMENT IN THIS MODULE: 

Reassessment is set at component level.  Note that students are eligible to resit during the summer period provided the project supervisor confirms that the achievement of sufficient results can be considered to warrant a realistic case for re-submission during that period. Else, the reassessment will take place the following academic year. 

Opportunities for re-assessment is only permitted provided you have not failed more credit than in the resit rule adopted by your programme.  If the amount of credit you have failed is more than permitted by the relevant resit rule, you may be permitted to repeat study if you are within the threshold set for the Repeat rule adopted by your programme.  You will be notified of your eligibility to resit/repeat any modules after the Examining Board in the Summer period.  

The projects vary from year to year. Some typical past projects are listed below: 

• Finite element analysis of the stresses within a tidal turbine. 

• Design and manufacture of a diamond saw 

• Comparison of anaerobic digestion and composting processes for municipal solid waste. 

• Computational fluid dynamics modelling of a clarinet. 

• Utilising ground heat transfer in energy efficient buildings. 

• Stiffness behaviour of foundations on sand for large displacement design. 

• Measurements of the effectiveness of reed- beds for the removal of metal ions from mine drainage. 

• High frequency losses in magnetic cores. 

• Controlling signal waveforms under two dimensional magnetisation. 

• Dynamic domain imaging in amorphous ribbons. 

• Control algorithm in dental scalers. 

• Development of high resolution magnetic stress sensor.