MENG INDIVIDUAL PROJECT - 2024/5

Module code: ENGM247

Module Overview

All final year MEng students undertake this project module. The module focuses on the application of theoretical knowledge and practical techniques to address a complex engineering issue or problem related to the student’s degree discipline. The issue is explored by means of guided independent study which produces (i) a body of practical work, (ii) a substantial project report and (iii) a presentation which is examined orally.

The projects include experimental work, design, analysis, synthesis, computing and information processing in varying proportions consistent with the engineering 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 a designated Principal Supervisor.

Module provider

Mechanical Engineering Sciences

Module Leader

HILLS Nicholas (Mech Eng Sci)

Number of Credits: 45

ECTS Credits: 22.5

Framework: FHEQ Level 7

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

Overall student workload

Independent Learning Hours: 363

Lecture Hours: 1

Tutorial Hours: 11

Guided Learning: 75

Module Availability

Year long

Prerequisites / Co-requisites

None

Module content

As each project is an independent, individual piece of work, the content here is only indicative.  However, all students would be expected to familiarise themselves with current literature before either undertaking a design, modelling or practical project.  They would be expected to consider both the health and safety and project risks when planning and undertaking their project.

Assessment pattern

Assessment type Unit of assessment Weighting
Project (Group/Individual/Dissertation) PROJECT PERFORMANCE 20
Project (Group/Individual/Dissertation) FINAL REPORT 60
Oral exam or presentation ORAL PRESENTATION AND DEFENCE 20

Alternative Assessment

Not applicable.

Assessment Strategy

The assessment strategy is designed to provide students with the opportunity to demonstrate that they are able to demonstrate all of the key competences associated with planning, performing and reporting on an individual piece of research work.

Thus, the summative assessment for this module consists of:

·         Final Report     [Learning Outcomes 2,3,4]                        {60%}

·         Project Performance [Learning Outcomes 1, 2, 3]              {20%}

·         Oral Presentation and Defence [Learning Outcomes 5, 6]   {20%}

Formative assessment and feedback

Students discuss their work on a weekly basis with their project supervisors.  

Module aims

  • The experience of working independently with minimum guidance and being responsible for addressing a complex engineering issue relating to their programme of study.
  • The opportunity to use and further develop appropriate research, analytical, practical and interpersonal skills to deal with complex situations and/or incomplete information, including health and safety risk assessment.
  • The experience of producing a substantial report and defending their work orally

Learning outcomes

Attributes Developed
1 1. Maintain a log book in line with professional conventions (P and T) to include health and safety risk assessment) [EL1m, EL5m, EL6m, P7, G3m].. PT
2 Set objectives, produce and monitor a plan and undertake an individual and original engineering investigation which demonstrates a breadth and/or depth of knowledge and understanding of scientific principles within their engineering discipline, including the range of risks that are associated with research projects and the ability to deal with complex and/or changing situations[SM1m, SM3m, SM4m, SM5m, EA1m, EA3m, EA5m, D1, D2, D6, D7m, D8m, EL2, EL3m, P7, P1,P2m, P3, P6, P2m, G1, G2, G4, G3m]. KCPT
3 Select and evaluate sometimes conflicting and/or incomplete data from literature sources and/or obtained from practical or computer-based studies to support a line of reasoning and/or a develop a solution to a complex and/or challenging research question [SM2m, SM3m, SM4m, EA5m, EA6m, D5, D3m,, P4m, P8m, P9m, G1, G2]. C
4 Structure and write a technical report which presents the context, technical data and findings of an engineering investigation in line with normal professional expectations to both specialist and non-specialist readers [D6, G1]. PT
5 Select and implement an appropriate oral presentation format to effectively communicate the conduct and outcomes of a complex engineering investigation to audience comprising both specialists and non-specialists [D6, G1]. PT
6 Combine prior knowledge and analytical skills to synthesis answers to complex or open-ended technical questions about the context and rationale of the project work demonstrating the ability for original thought [EA1m, EA4m, EA5m, EA6m, D3m, D8m, P8m, G4]. CT
7 Demonstrate appropriate ethical conduct with regard to acknowledgement of source data , treatment of research results and conduct of experiments  especially where these involve people or animals [EL1m] P

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 support students as they undertake an individual research project by providing them with a project supervisor who can offer a bespoke response to individual needs.  Project supervisors are encouraged to meet with students on a weekly basis but this can be more or less frequent by mutual consent.

The learning and teaching methods include:


  • Explaining the requirements of a log book then reviewing it at each project meeting

  • Working through a risk assessment together

  • Identifying and discussing key pieces of literature

  • Suggesting and reviewing ideas and plans

  • Discussing results and challenging findings

  • Providing constructive criticism of written work


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: ENGM247

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 2024/5 academic year.