Module Catalogue 2024/25

Pre Requisite Comment

Both modules provide the context and background, and preparatory work for the project and dissertation module

Co Requisite Comment

N/A

Aims

- To deepen the knowledge and skills acquired in the first part of the programme through practice.
- To develop an awareness of the range and limitations of technologies available for the analysis and development of smart systems
- To enhance research skills and awareness of the professional literature.
- To develop an awareness of open problems in the subject.

The individual project is a substantial piece of independent work involving the technical and research skills developed in the taught part of the degree. You will have the opportunity to contribute directly to research or development activities, develop your own specialist expertise in the project topic, and further improve your planning and communication skills. You will work closely with a member of staff from one of the University research labs working with Smart Systems, and you may also be working with an industrial partner (possibly in an industry laboratory)

Outline Of Syllabus

1. Project Definition and Planning: Bounding and clarifying a problem for research. Planning background research, identifying relevant information sources. Decomposing a problem and forming a project outline in terms of goals and criteria for success. Identifying resources and tooling required.
Students will either select a project from a list offered by potential supervisors or propose and refine a project proposal with an academic supervisor. In every project there will be a research component and a strong design, programming and/or analytic element.

2. Supervision Arrangements: Each project has a lead supervisor and second supervisor, both staff from the Faculty of Science, Agriculture and Engineering. Additional supervision support may be provided by an industrial partner. The student and lead supervisor will meet regularly throughout the period of the project.

3. Research: Background research will be undertaken in the selected topic using the skills developed in earlier modules with access to library and online resources. The supervisor will advise on quality of sources and standards in the topic area.

4. Development and Analytic Skills: The core of the project will involve carrying out the project plan largely independently, but with guidance form the supervisors.

5. Report Writing: A project proposal report will be produced 6 weeks into the project, documenting progress to date and future plans.

6. Technical Presentation: A presentation will be given to students and staff at the end of the project.

7. Dissertation: A dissertation will be prepared, describing the technical background, the work undertaken, the analysis of results and directions for further work. Guidance on the style and content of an academic dissertation will be provided

Intended Knowledge Outcomes

To be able to describe and discuss:
- analysis, design and development techniques appropriate to realistic problems in smart systems engineering.
- the professional literature and information resources at an advanced level.

Intended Skill Outcomes

To be able to demonstrate:
- problem solving skills related to the provision of smart systems.
- written and oral communication skills appropriate to technical communication and presentation to non-specialists.
- personal skills for lifelong learning; ability to exploit professional information resources.

Teaching Rationale And Relationship

The project is undertaken with a lead academic supervisor, working in association with one of the research groups in the University or with a collaborating industrial research laboratory (in which case it will be supervised jointly). There will be a designated second academic supervisor to offer additional assistance.

Assessment Rationale And Relationship

The project proposal provides a means of assessing the project aims, methodology and planning. The presentation provides for an assessment of student’s skills at communicating work to a broader audience. The dissertation provides for an assessment of professional skills in research and development, analysis, and detailed technical communication

General Notes

N/A