This module enables students to pursue a research project under the guidance of a member of academic staff.

(LO1) On successful completion of the project, the student should have developed a substantial and systematic knowledge and understanding of key aspects of the engineering or engineering-related topic of his/her project, including the theory, recognised principles and best practices (as appropriate). Much of this knowledge will be at, or informed by, the forefront of defined aspects of the discipline.

(LO2) On successful completion of the project, the student should also have developed a comprehensive knowledge and understanding of the experimental and theoretical techniques and research methodology appropriate to advanced study in their field.

(S1) On successful completion of the project, the student should be able to show experience and enhancement of the following key skills:
Dealing with complex issues in a systematic and creative manner;
Effectively communicating findings orally and in writing to specialist and non-specialist audiences;
Planning and implementing tasks autonomously at a professional level;
Interacting effectively with others (eg, supervisor, technicians, etc);
Designing poster/webpages;
Computing and ITskills (scope-dependent);
Self-discipline, self-motivation, self-direction and originality in tackling and solving problems.

(S2) On successful completion of the project, the student should be able to show experience and enhancement in some of the following discipline-specific practical skills (depending on the scope of the project):
Using sophisticated research equipment to carry out experimental/laboratory/workshop activities with due regard to safety;
Using appropriate engineering analysis software and IT tools.

(S3) On successful completion of the project, the student should be able to demonstrate ability in several of the following:
Critically evaluating current research and advanced scholarship;
Defining/specifying a problem;
Researching and information-gathering;
Planning/designing experimental work using suitable techniques and procedures with due regard to safety;
Assessing and managing risk;
Analysing technical problems qualitatively and/or quantitatively and drawing conclusions;
Designing a system, component or process based on an outline or detailed specification;
Assembling and analysing data and drawing conclusions;
Evaluating current methodologies and (where appropriate) propose new methodologies;
Critically evaluate the project outcomes;
Making an original contribution to knowledge.

The purpose of the project is: to provide students with the opportunity to plan, carry out and control a research project at the forefront of their academic discipline, field of study or area of professional practice to prepare students for research or investigative work in professional engineering to enable students to gain a comprehensive understanding of the techniques applicable to research or advanced scholarship in their field of study to make an original contribution to knowledge.
The dissertation must provide evidence of: in-depth understanding of the subject mastery of research techniques ability to assemble and analyse data ability to evaluate the project outcomes.
The project provides the main means for assessing whether a student meets the QAA’s Qualification Descriptor for a Master’s degree (level M) (taken from Framework for Higher Education Qualifications in England, Wales and Northern Ireland , Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education, Jan uary 2001) http://www.qaa.ac.uk/crntwork/nqf/ewni2001/contents.htm Master's degrees are awarded to students who have demonstrated: a systematic understanding of knowledge, and a critical awareness of current problems and/or new insights, much of which is at, or informed by, the forefront of their academic discipline, field of study, or area of professional practice; a comprehensive understanding of techniques applicable to their own research or advanced scholarship; originality in the application of knowledge, together with a practical understanding of how established techniques of research and enquiry are used to create and interpret knowledge in the discipline; conceptual understanding that enables the student: to evaluate critically current research and advanced scholarship in the discipline; and to evaluate methodologies and develop critiques of them and, where appropriate, to propose new hypotheses.
Typically, holders of the qualification will be able to: deal with co mplex issues both systematically and creatively, make sound judgements in the absence of complete data, and communicate their conclusions clearly to specialist and non-specialist audiences; demonstrate self-direction and originality in tackling and solving problems, and act autonomously in planning and implementing tasks at a professional or equivalent level; continue to advance their knowledge and understanding, and to develop new skills to a high level; and will have: the qualities and transferable skills necessary for employment requiring: the exercise of initiative and personal responsibility; decision-making in complex and unpredictable situations; and the independent learning ability required for continuing professional development.

Teaching Method 1 - Tutorial
Description: Regular project meetings with academic supervisor