The group project aims to develop skills in group and team management by producing a solution to a real-world research problem linked to a live research theme, typically with an industrial or healthcare focus, delivered within a specified time scale and to a high standard. 

Students work typically in groups of 3 to 6 students. Group project work involves the use of state-of-the-art test & measurement equipment and CAD within the relevant research groups.  

1. Select and effectively apply a range of complex tools and techniques to real-world problems to achieve innovative solutions. 
2. Collaborate effectively with others to work towards identified objectives and standards, with a self-critical awareness of process and outcomes and with sensitivity to equality, diversity and culture. 
3. Negotiate, set and meet objectives and deadlines over extended periods of time with a high level of autonomy and management of risk. 
4. Effectively communicate technical information through written, oral and graphical methods taking account of the audience/fellow participants. 
5. Critically evaluate existing information from a variety of sources. 
6. Select, devise, apply and critically evaluate appropriate methods and tools for data and information collection for an extended piece of research. 
7. Identify and structure security risks and develop solutions for tamper prevention or data loss for necessary project elements. 
8. Give deliberate thought to the critical consideration of the wider ethical, social and security issues and how the methods, process and outcomes by which new solutions or actions emerge could affect those from other countries, cultures or backgrounds. 

Students will be assigned to projects following a selection process. Each group will assign a project manager and secretary based on a rota such that every member of the team has the opportunity to undertake both roles. Weekly meetings will be arranged with the team of academic supervisors for each project where progress will be reported and discussed. The project managers and secretaries from all teams will also meet with the module leader each week to present their progress. A brief weekly progress report will be produced by each group. Peer assessment will be applied at the end of each semester together with a reflective statement from each individual team member. 

1. Collaboration 

• Contribute positively and effectively when working in different roles within a team, having an impact from the outset 

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

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

 2. Communication: 

• Listen to and take account of the views of others 

• Communicate complex ideas effectively to diverse audiences including peers, supervisors and external visitors 

• Contribute to discussions, negotiate and present with impact 

• Deliver, accept and act on constructive feedback 

• Take a professional approach to communication, including oral and poster presentations, and be alert to how words and actions may be interpreted by others 

   3. Ethics, social and environmental awareness 

• Consider your own personal and professional ethical, social and environmental responsibilities within the context of the project 

• Demonstrate personal and professional integrity, reliability and competence 

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

• Consideration of human rights, celebrating diversity and widening inclusion 

• Be mindful of the Climate Emergency and the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals 

    4. Independent and critical thinking 

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

• Demonstrate intellectual curiosity and engage in the pursuit of new knowledge and understanding in your project area 

• Investigate problems and offer effective solutions, reflecting on and learning from successes and failures from your own experience and previous work in the field 

      5. Innovation, enterprise and commercial awareness 

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

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

• Understand organisations, their stakeholders and their impact on the economy 

   6. Reflection and resilience 

• Actively reflect on your own work, achievements and self-identity 

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

• Identify and articulate your own skills, knowledge and understanding confidently with team mates and supervisors 

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

There are four assessments on the module.  All of these assessments are weighted (30%) by reflective peer assessment exercises which take place at the end of each semester   

One summative assessment will be the Autumn Group Presentation (10%) which covers MLO 1(p), 2 and 4 (p)  

Graduate attributes of reflection, collaboration and communication are developed here 

Feedback on the presentation will be provided as collated comments from audience members, supervisors and examiners 

Formative opportunities will be provided through weekly sessions with module leader and supervisor 

The second summative assessment will be the Interim Report (20%) which covers MLO 1(p), 3, 4(p), 7 

Graduate attributes of communication, resilience and innovation are developed here 

Feedback on the report will be provided as collated comments from supervisors and examiners 

Formative opportunities will be provided through the project brief and weekly sessions with module leader and supervisor. 

Feedback on formative work will be verbal from project supervisors 

The third summative assessment will be the Viva and Poster (20%) which covers MLO 4(p), 8 

Graduate attributes of communication, ethics, social and environmental awareness are developed here 

Feedback on this will be provided orally and as collated comments from supervisors and examiners 

Formative opportunities will be provided through discussions with the module leader 

Feedback on formative work will be verbal from the module leader. 

The fourth summative assessment will be the Viva and Poster (50%) which covers MLO 2(p), 4(p), 6, 8 

Graduate attributes of communication, critical thinking, innovation and commercial awareness are developed here 

Feedback on the report will be provided as collated comments from supervisors and examiners 

Formative opportunities will be provided through a draft submission 

Feedback on formative work will be verbal from the supervisor. 

Note (p) denotes partial coverage of MLO 

All components are group-based summative assessments to reflect the relatively complex nature of each project, as these typically require an effective team-based approach, while also being aligned with Engineering Council accreditation requirements. All marks are subject to peer review. The peer review outcomes are scrutinised by project supervisors to ensure they are reflective of the team dynamics observed throughout the academic year.    

THE OPPORTUNITY FOR REASSESSMENT IN THIS MODULE:  

The opportunity for reassessment in this module will be set at component level. The remit of the reassessment will be set by the project supervisor in consultation with the module leader while also mapped against the module learning outcomes. 

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. 

Project titles and specifications will be provided from a number of research groups within the school of Engineering reflecting current research challenges being addressed by the groups and will often have an industrial collaborator.  Typical titles include: 

• Processing and monitoring the actuation of Artificial cells with distributed cores 

• Modelling and Optimal Dispatch of a Local Energy System 

• Autonomous Drone System for Live High Voltage Equipment Monitoring 

• Network Scale Communication and Monitoring Using Chirp Spread Spectrum 

• Evaluation of magnetic non-destructive testing for critical applications 

• Energy provision for Antarctic infrastructure - Standalone renewable energy systems in remote areas 

• Improving Electrical micro mobility – e-bike and scooter using fast charging devices (ultracapacitors) and wireless devices 

• Diamonds and DWST (Direct measurement of WaveformS in the Time domain) 

• Biosensing using Modulated Microwave Absorption (Bio-MMA)