| Unit name | Research Project 3 |
|---|---|
| Unit code | AENG30017 |
| Credit points | 40 |
| Level of study | H/6 |
| Teaching block(s) |
Teaching Block 4 (weeks 1-24) |
| Unit director | Dr. Kratz |
| Open unit status | Not open |
| Units you must take before you take this one (pre-requisite units) |
None |
| Units you must take alongside this one (co-requisite units) |
None |
| Units you may not take alongside this one |
None |
| School/department | School of Civil, Aerospace and Design Engineering |
| Faculty | Faculty of Engineering |
Why is this unit important?
In order to solve the engineering challenges of the future, engineers will continue to push the frontiers of existing knowledge, and test the limits of existing analysis and solution methods. This research project will introduce students to the scientific methodology of solving open-ended problems. Further, integral to this research project are development of skills in the following: time and resource management; search, acquisition and critique of literature materials; reasoning and planning; originality and creativity in problem solving; written, verbal and visual communication. These skills are essential for successful practising engineers.
How does this unit fit into your programme of study?
This unit enables students to apply their technical knowledge to independently solve an open-ended engineering problem. Research Project 3 therefore forms a corner stone of the degree, and enables the students to develop a wide range of skills essential for successful practising engineers.
An overview of content
The aim of this project is to provide students with the opportunity to scope, plan and execute original research of engineering relevance. This involves evaluation of academic literature to establish the state of the art in the relevant discipline, in order to address a novel and open-ended engineering question through analytical, numerical and/or experimental methods. The scope of project topics includes theoretical and applied academic research, as well as aspects of novel design, systems engineering and technical prototyping.
How will students, personally, be different as a result of the unit
Integral to this research project are development of skills in the following: time and resource management; search, acquisition and critique of literature materials; reasoning and planning; originality and creativity in problem solving; written, verbal and visual communication.
Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this project, the student will have acquired skills to:
Students are supervised by an academic member of staff throughout the duration of the project, who will discuss technical aspects and advise on project direction in regular meetings. The individual research supervision meetings are complemented by a series of seminars, covering topics such as project planning, searching and evaluating literature, report writing, etc.
Tasks which help you learn and prepare you for summative tasks (formative):
- technical writing exercise (ILO 1, 5) - technical communication panel (ILO 2, 6)Tasks which count towards your unit mark (summative):
[80%] - technical report (ILO 1, 2, 3, 4, 5)
[20%] - presentation (ILO 6)
When assessment does not go to plan:
Reassessment follows the same format for summative assessments.
If this unit has a Resource List, you will normally find a link to it in the Blackboard area for the unit. Sometimes there will be a separate link for each weekly topic.
If you are unable to access a list through Blackboard, you can also find it via the Resource Lists homepage. Search for the list by the unit name or code (e.g. AENG30017).
How much time the unit requires
Each credit equates to 10 hours of total student input. For example a 20 credit unit will take you 200 hours
of study to complete. Your total learning time is made up of contact time, directed learning tasks,
independent learning and assessment activity.
See the University Workload statement relating to this unit for more information.
Assessment
The Board of Examiners will consider all cases where students have failed or not completed the assessments required for credit.
The Board considers each student's outcomes across all the units which contribute to each year's programme of study. For appropriate assessments, if you have self-certificated your absence, you will normally be required to complete it the next time it runs (for assessments at the end of TB1 and TB2 this is usually in the next re-assessment period).
The Board of Examiners will take into account any exceptional circumstances and operates
within the Regulations and Code of Practice for Taught Programmes.
