PROJECT - 2020/1

Module code: ENGM242

Module Overview

The module focuses on the application of theoretical knowledge and practical techniques to address an engineering issue or problem in Advanced Materials. The issue is explored by means of guided independent study by the student which produces a literature review based on an understanding of previous work and of the techniques to be employed, a body of practical work and a dissertation. This module includes experimental work, analysis, synthesis, and information processing in varying proportions consistent with the topic being addressed. Project allocation is based on projects proposed by academic staff (often in liaison with industrial partners) being allocated according to students’ stated preferences regarding both the project type and subject area.  Each project has one, or more, designated Project Supervisors.

Module provider

Mechanical Engineering Sciences

Module Leader

WHITING Mark (Mech Eng Sci)

Number of Credits: 60

ECTS Credits: 30

Framework: FHEQ Level 7

Module cap (Maximum number of students): N/A

Overall student workload

Independent Learning Hours: 585

Tutorial Hours: 15

Module Availability

Year long

Prerequisites / Co-requisites

N/A

Module content

Indicative content:


  • Perform an investigation which demonstrates knowledge and understanding of scientific principles within an area of Advanced Materials

  • Structure and write a technical report which presents the context, literature review, technical data and findings of the investigation 

  • Synthesise data and evidence from other sources to reach coherent conclusion(s). 


Assessment pattern

Assessment type Unit of assessment Weighting
Project (Group/Individual/Dissertation) PROJECT 100

Alternative Assessment

Not applicable.

Assessment Strategy

The assessment strategy:

Undertake a complex experimentally-based research task at the forefront of the academic discipline competently and with minimum guidance, providing regular updates on recent progress and future plans.  Within the dissertation, provide a structured description of the work undertaken and the conclusions reached which will demonstrate the ability to evaluate the research and data collection methods, showing insight and understanding of relevant literature, making informed judgements about incomplete, uncertain and/or ambiguous findings, and devising predictive models where possible.

·         Dissertation      [Learning outcomes 1, 2, 3]              Due towards the end of the year.  {80%}                      

·         Progress reports [Learning outcomes 1, 2, 3]           Four reports during the project period {20%}

 

Formative assessment and feedback

·         Formative verbal feedback is given on a regular basis in one-to-one meetings with the Project Supervisor(s). 

Module aims

  • To provide an opportunity for individual postgraduate taught students to demonstrate their capability to conduct a demanding individual experimentally-based project to a given deadline within the overall context of the programme theme. Also to enable students to demonstrate independent critical thought in the analysis of the results obtained as discussed in the dissertation. 

Learning outcomes

Attributes Developed
1 Upon successful completion of the module, students should have demonstrated the ability to work with personal responsibility and self-direction for a demanding task under limited supervision, using appropriate analytical and qualitative methods. They should have developed comprehensive knowledge and understanding of science and engineering practice through experiment design, instrumentation operation, sample preparation, process development etc., and shown originality in the application of knowledge. Students should have improved their interpersonal, multi-tasking and time management skills through working with other colleagues to complete the experimental programme. Other skills developed include the ability to write a literature review, critically assess experimental data, prepare formal reports and to respond convincingly to progressive questioning of their methods and conclusions.
2 Undertake complex research tasks competently, with minimum guidance and evaluate the research and data collection methods KCP
3 Create, implement and monitor a plan to achieve their objectives in unpredictable situations KCP
4 communicate complex information and nuance of meaning / ambiguity effectively in English which is accurate and has clarity and demonstrating ability to make appropriate use of grammar, syntax, vocabulary and style. KCP

Attributes Developed

C - Cognitive/analytical

K - Subject knowledge

T - Transferable skills

P - Professional/Practical skills

Methods of Teaching / Learning

The learning and teaching strategy is designed to provide regular interactions with, and guidance from, academic Project Supervisor(s).

The learning and teaching methods include:


  • Regular interactions with the Project supervisor(s)



 

Indicated Lecture Hours (which may also include seminars, tutorials, workshops and other contact time) are approximate and may include in-class tests where one or more of these are an assessment on the module. In-class tests are scheduled/organised separately to taught content and will be published on to student personal timetables, where they apply to taken modules, as soon as they are finalised by central administration. This will usually be after the initial publication of the teaching timetable for the relevant semester.

Reading list

https://readinglists.surrey.ac.uk
Upon accessing the reading list, please search for the module using the module code: ENGM242

Programmes this module appears in

Programme Semester Classification Qualifying conditions
Advanced Materials MSc(YEAR LONG) Year-long Compulsory A weighted aggregate mark of 50% is required to pass the module

Please note that the information detailed within this record is accurate at the time of publishing and may be subject to change. This record contains information for the most up to date version of the programme / module for the 2020/1 academic year.