Module Catalogue 2024/25

Pre Requisite Comment

Entry to MSc degree programme in the School of Mechanical Engineering

Co Requisite Comment

MSc degree programme in the School of Mechanical Engineering

Aims

The aim of this module is to provides an opportunity for students to engage in an extended, in-depth study of some aspect of engineering appropriate to their MSc degree. The project allows students to participate in mainstream engineering work and to develop both engineering and organisation skills crucial in the modern industrial work place.

Outline Of Syllabus

By definition project-based-learning is highly variable in its content, depending on the industry or discipline focus, the specific topic(s), the knowledge and skills underpinning this, the prior capabilites of the student and the project focus (e.g. design or research and development or trouble-shooting, etc.) Emphasis will be placed on understanding and achievement. Project-based-learning requires students to demonstrate the application of knowledge, skills and understanding acquired elsewhere in the course or from their prior learning and/or experience. Normally, a 60 credit MSc Project will be constructed from the following elements whose weightings may vary in individual cases within the ranges indicated:

- State-of-the-art review relevant to the MSc discipline and project topic(s) using appropriate tools-Development and demonstration of relevant core skills (eg, design, scientific investigation, industrial applications, problem analysis and solution, etc) through specified activities, and the ability to report these.
- Major engineering project work to be a given specification building on the above.
- Project planning and management.

Intended Knowledge Outcomes

Specific knowledge outcomes will depend on the MSc degree followed, the student's prior knowledge and skills base and the topic(s) set, but will be intended to go beyond (in greater breadth and/or depth) the content of the taught modules as well as to synthesise the knowledge gained from these and from the student's prior learning and/or experience. (M1, M2, M3, M4, M5, M6)

Intended Skill Outcomes

Specific skills outcomes will depend on their relevance to the Intended Knowledge Outcomes but will normally include at least:

- Interpretation of a project specification and execution of the project work necessary to accomplish this within a specified timeframe, with risk assessment, planning and management of both individual and group contributions.(M9)

- Maintaining traceable records of all project work in a chronological project Logbook (M18)

- State-of-the-art (literature and/or product and/or technology review as appropriate) information investigation techniques. (M4)

- Industrial/technical/scientific report writing and oral presentation. (M17)

- As appropriate to the project specification, problem-solving and/or design and/or laboratory or field testing technique and/or scientific investigation methodology and/or analysis or synthesis of information and/or application of technology. (M1, M2, M3, M4, M5, M6, M13)

Teaching Rationale And Relationship

Project-based-learning will be used, but may be supplemented by taught elements (lecture, laboratory, seminar) to cover basic skills or review learning to date.
The emphasis is on the need to develop core skills for industry and the engineering profession.

The supervisor will provide advice on the approaches and methods that are best suited to the industrial or lab based research problem. They gain the skills and knowledge delivered by the module by “learning through doing” as they undertake the project.

Assessment Rationale And Relationship

The understanding and achievement will be assessed using a verified statement of achievement, detailed discussion, log book and other project documents. The details of the assessment will depend on the discipline and the topic set and will be confirmed at the start of the project. The logbook tests the ability to maintain traceable professional records. Reports are typical methods of communication in industry.

General Notes

N/A