MEng projects 2014 Introduction Mike Spann Project coordinator

Contents Overview of a research project Administration of project Key resources Key dates

A research project This is an exercise in individual inquiry Is driven by the student, and steered by the supervisor – it is YOUR project! Address an academically challenging research problem May use theoretical or practical based methods 60 credits

What are assessors are looking for? Evidence of individual inquiry: –A well thought out research question addressing something which is academically challenging –Good understanding of the background literature –Sensible methodologies, practical/theoretical –Validation of your work and critical review Tangible deliverables

What are assessors are looking for? A well presented final report: –A clear and concise structure –Good use of English –Clear diagrams –Clear graphs –Use of SI units and sensible use of significant figures –Good references (Harvard style) –A good introduction and conclusions –Feedback from 1 st reports and 2 nd reports designed to help you improve

Some tips Go to the library and read through some MSc, PhD and MPhil theses – –Will give you some idea about the standard required –Department is intending to put some dissertations on Canvas in due course Ask your supervisor to give you examples of good work –Especially if they have supervised projects in a similar area

MEng Projects – What Goes Wrong This will be the first time that you are on-your-own. Often students have been carried/motivated by others in a group. Self-delusion about how little work you think you can get away with. This is half your final year, so 40 hours per week on the project alone is not unreasonable! Plagiarism – intended or unintended Poor project management Don’t deliver the report late. Excuses such as ‘my computer broke’ are not accepted!

Project administration and skills Use a log book and meeting forms (available in general office). Record meetings with Technical Staff too. It is your responsibility to meet with your supervisor and request meetings (remember staff may be away during part of the year). Expect to report on your progress in meetings. Use a work plan or chart to structure your activities. Back-up work regularly – especially when you are writing up the report.

Project administration Ethical review Risk assessment Log book

Project resources Your supervisors book shelf! The library The on-line library The web of science Other sites: Canvas page for project info

Key Dates TaskDate Required Project specification agreed with supervisor. ed to Sam McCauley Friday 17 th October Ethics and risk assessment formsFriday 17 th October 1 st report (uploaded to Canvas) Friday 24th October Technical PresentationThursday 11 th December 2 nd report (uploaded to Canvas)Friday 12 th December Bench inspectionThursday 26 th March Final report (uploaded to Canvas) Project Open Day requiring a poster to be displayed describing your project Wednesday 15 th April Thursday 1 st May

Assessment First Report5% Second Report5% Technical Presentation + CV presentation5% Final Report & Bench Inspection [Assessment Team]0.666(70% + 14%) Final Report & Supervisor’s Report [Supervisor] 0.333(70% + 14%) Project Open Day Poster Presentation1%

Next steps Fill out the project choice form and hand it in to Sam McCauley in the PGO by Friday 10 th October. I will allocate projects early in week 3 so arrange a meeting with your supervisor that week