Embed Size (px)
Citation preview
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 1st reports and 2nd reports designed to
help you improve
Some tips• Go to the library and read through some MSc,
PhD and MPhil theses– http://etheses.bham.ac.uk/– 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
http://www.library.bham.ac.uk/• The web of science
http://wok.mimas.ac.uk/• Other sites: http://ieeexplore.ieee.org/
http://www.sciencedirect.com/• Canvas page for project info
Key DatesTask Date Required
Project specification agreed with supervisor. Emailed to Sam McCauley
Friday 17th October
Ethics and risk assessment forms Friday 17th October
1st report (uploaded to Canvas) Friday 24th October
Technical Presentation Thursday 11th December
2nd report (uploaded to Canvas) Friday 12th December
Bench inspection Thursday 26th March
Final report (uploaded to Canvas)
Project Open Day requiring a poster to be displayed describing your project
Wednesday 15th April
Thursday 1st May
Assessment
First Report 5%
Second Report 5%
Technical Presentation + CV presentation 5%
Final Report & Bench Inspection [Assessment Team] 0.666(70% + 14%)
Final Report & Supervisor’s Report [Supervisor] 0.333(70% + 14%)
Project Open Day Poster Presentation 1%
Next steps
• Fill out the project choice form and hand it in to Sam McCauley in the PGO by Friday 10th October.
• I will allocate projects early in week 3 so arrange a meeting with your supervisor that week
