| Unit name | Research Project |
|---|---|
| Unit code | EENGM0030 |
| Credit points | 60 |
| Level of study | M/7 |
| Teaching block(s) |
Academic Year (weeks 1 - 52) |
| Unit director | Professor. Calway |
| Open unit status | Not open |
| Pre-requisites |
Satisfactory completion of the taught section of the course |
| Co-requisites |
None |
| School/department | Department of Electrical & Electronic Engineering |
| Faculty | Faculty of Engineering |
The aim of the Research Project is to provide a critical and in-depth literature review for the PhD phase (years 2-4), and where appropriate some initial results. The report should present the state-of-the-art in your project field; comparing and contrasting results and methodology used in the referenced technical papers. It should also contain recommendations and a plan for the full PhD project stage. Each project is carried out under the supervision of at least one member of staff. Importance is given to the planning of the work programme, the setting and achievement of objectives, the presentation of the results of the work and a work plan for the PhD phase.
The precise content of a project will vary between individual students and supervisors. However, the work to be performed will, in general, not be repeating known work or techniques, other than for comparing and contrasting different methods. In this way the student will be encountering new challenges and is encouraged to seek and propose his or her own solutions to these challenges and hence demonstrate individual ability. The project may involve the design of a piece of software (in some cases hardware) if this is agreed with the supervisors and is useful for the critical review.
The mini research project contains a research or investigative element which will enable the student to demonstrate individual talent and intellectual ability and prepare them for the PhD research phase. They will be able to:
1) Critically appraise the literature and define the state of the art;
2) Plan a project taking account of risks and resource constraints;
3) Construct an hypothesis and undertake preliminary investigations, critically appraising results;
4) Structure and clearly present their findings in written and oral form.
Project supervision with assigned supervisor(s)
Poster presentation: The marker(s) will first read through your poster and then ask a number of questions relating to the work described. Students will be given the opportunity to present any demonstrations prepared. The poster presentations normally take place during the annual CDT conference.
Final project thesis: The overall length of the project should be around 12,000 words. The report should contain a project plan for the PhD phase; the first 12 months should be covered by a more detailed plan.The report will be marked by the supervisor(s) and an assessor.
Barrass, R., Scientists Must Write, Science Paperbacks, 1978 Fitzroy Dearborn Publishers: editorial house style
Kirkman, J., Good Style for Scientific and Engineering Writing, Pitman, 1992 University of Wales MSc. Student Handbook
Van Emden, J., Handbook of Writing for Engineers, McMillan, 1990
