MEng projects 2013 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 CV

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

Project resources Room 206 Computer rooms Laboratory facilities – see Dave Checkley – will issue project numbers after risk assessment forms have been completed Stores - in Met and Mat Online resources (for risk assessment): is available at and is also available as an embedded search within the Library Services site and the University Portal (Library tab of ServicesUniversity Portal

Key Dates TaskDate Required Project specification agreed with supervisor. ed to Sam McCauley Friday 11 th October Ethics and risk assessment formsFriday 11 th October 1 st report (uploaded to Canvas) Wednesday 23 rd October Technical PresentationMonday/Tuesday 9 th, 10 th December 2 nd report (uploaded to Canvas)Friday 13 th December Bench inspectionMonday/Tuesday 24 th, 25 th March Final report (uploaded to Canvas) Project Open Day requiring a poster to be displayed describing your project Monday 14 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 See your supervisor this week (!!!!!!) Start thinking about finalizing your specification and your 1 st report Arrange meeting date with supervisor to discuss the report and feedback after it is marked