| Unit name | Technical Project |
|---|---|
| Unit code | EMATM5000 |
| Credit points | 40 |
| Level of study | M/7 |
| Teaching block(s) |
Teaching Block 4 (weeks 1-24) |
| Unit director | Dr. Berdeni |
| Open unit status | Not open |
| Units you must take before you take this one (pre-requisite units) |
Mathematical and Data Modelling 3 or equivalent Methods of Applied Mathematics or equivalent SEMT20003 Methods of Artificial Intelligence or equivalent |
| Units you must take alongside this one (co-requisite units) |
None |
| Units you may not take alongside this one |
None |
| School/department | School of Engineering Mathematics and Technology |
| Faculty | Faculty of Engineering |
Why is this unit important?
In the final year of the Masters of Engineering degree, every student is required to undertake a major individual technical project. In this Technical Project, you will use the mathematical, computational, and data analysis skills that you developed through the rest of your degree to solve real-world problems proposed by academics and/or external partners. All projects (including those proposed by academics) will have an external stakeholder in mind and this unit will give you more experience of articulating how your results would be valuable for an external stakeholder.
Solving complex modelling problems is central to many engineering and industrial sectors. This is a multi-step process that typically begins by translating the original problem into a mathematical and/or computational model that balances simplicity, accuracy, and feasibility. In many cases, a key step will also be dealing with real data and finding appropriate data analysis techniques that will enable you to form valid, robust, and insightful conclusions. Relevant ethical issues must also be considered as an integral part of the process. This unit will develop your skills in working through the entire problem-solving pipeline, from model formulation to critical assessment of results, and finally delivery to stakeholders. While you will have supervision from an academic throughout, the project is largely self-motivated and all work is carried out individually.
How does this unit fit into your programme of study
The final year technical project unit will bring together everything you have learned so far in the Engineering Mathematics programme, building directly on the foundations set by Mathematical and Data Modelling 1,2 and 3. You will have the chance to see how the mathematical, computational, and data-driven modelling techniques you have developed can be used to find the solution of real-world problems. The aim of the final year technical project unit is to develop research methodology, analytical and presentational skills. You must pass this unit in order to graduate with an Engineering Mathematics MEng degree.
An overview of content
Students will choose from a range of projects, all of which are designed with an external stakeholder in mind, and then will work independently with the help of their supervisor. Students will learn about project planning, academic writing, and how to present their findings in a technical report and poster.
How will students, personally, be different as a result of the unit
After taking this unit, students will have the confidence to address a wide variety of industry-motivated, real-world problems. Students will have the ability to translate a complex real-world problem into a format that can be solved using mathematical and computational models. They will learn the art of developing appropriate modelling and solution strategies, considering ethical implications as an integral part of the process. Students will refine their skills in problem solving and code development, and learn how to communicate technical results to stakeholders who may not have a mathematical, engineering, or scientific background.
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this unit, students will be able to:
1. Translate a real-world problem into a form that can be solved with mathematical and computational techniques.
2. Find, interpret, and critically evaluate technical information, including engineering and scientific literature.
3. Independently select, analyse and refine modelling and computational methods.
4. Use modelling results to make substantiated conclusions about real-world problems and communicate their findings to a range of audiences.
5. Apply project management techniques to plan and run a substantial project, including consideration of the ethical implications of the project
6. Apply the advanced research methodology and analytical skills developed through the rest of the degree to solve complex problems and clearly explain the work done in a substantial technical report.
How you will learn
Teaching will be delivered though regular supervision meetings involving discussion of progress, technical advice, and guidance. By engaging with their supervisor at weekly meetings, students will learn how to develop and simplify models for their problems and how to implement appropriate mathematical and computational modelling approaches. These will be supplemented by a series of synchronous lectures with Q&A sessions to provide the key organisational and practical skills required for the project. There will be weekly project brainstorming sessions, where students can work in an environment supported by teaching assistants.
Tasks which help you learn and prepare you for summative tasks (formative)
Students submit a draft interim report, draft chapter, and draft final report and poster to their supervisor for feedback.Students receive feedback on their interim report from a different academic to their supervisor.
Tasks which count towards your unit mark (summative)
The unit has three summative coursework assessments:
When assessment does not go to plan
Reassessment takes the same form as the original summative assessment.
If this unit has a Resource List, you will normally find a link to it in the Blackboard area for the unit. Sometimes there will be a separate link for each weekly topic.
If you are unable to access a list through Blackboard, you can also find it via the Resource Lists homepage. Search for the list by the unit name or code (e.g. EMATM5000).
How much time the unit requires
Each credit equates to 10 hours of total student input. For example a 20 credit unit will take you 200 hours
of study to complete. Your total learning time is made up of contact time, directed learning tasks,
independent learning and assessment activity.
See the University Workload statement relating to this unit for more information.
Assessment
The assessment methods listed in this unit specification are designed to enable students to demonstrate the named learning outcomes (LOs). Where a disability prevents a student from undertaking a specific method of assessment, schools will make reasonable adjustments to support a student to demonstrate the LO by an alternative method or with additional resources.
The Board of Examiners will consider all cases where students have failed or not completed the assessments required for credit.
The Board considers each student's outcomes across all the units which contribute to each year's programme of study. For appropriate assessments, if you have self-certificated your absence, you will normally be required to complete it the next time it runs (for assessments at the end of TB1 and TB2 this is usually in the next re-assessment period).
The Board of Examiners will take into account any exceptional circumstances and operates
within the Regulations and Code of Practice for Taught Programmes.
