| Unit name | Research Project |
|---|---|
| Unit code | CADEM0011 |
| Credit points | 60 |
| Level of study | M/7 |
| Teaching block(s) |
Academic Year (weeks 1 - 52) |
| Unit director | Dr. Vardanega |
| Open unit status | Not open |
| Units you must take before you take this one (pre-requisite units) |
None |
| Units you must take alongside this one (co-requisite units) |
None |
| Units you may not take alongside this one |
None |
| School/department | School of Civil, Aerospace and Design Engineering |
| Faculty | Faculty of Engineering |
Why is this unit important?
In this unit students will demonstrate how they have applied the skills and knowledge gained from their programme of study to produce a major research work. The research project will involve managing a significant technical problem which is loosely defined and for which the solution, or method of approach has much that is unknown.
How does this unit fit into your programme of study
This unit is the culmination of the MSc programme. The unit draws on skills and knowledge gained from the other units in the programme. The unit will require different skills and knowledge depending on the research area the student is working in. The unit gives students an opportunity to demonstrate these skills in an individual piece of work carried out under the supervision of an academic member of staff.
An overview of content
The exact content of each student’s research project will vary depending on the topic area they are working on. Students will work under the supervision of an academic member of staff and will apply the scientific method or a method used in management science research to advance solutions in the area being investigated.
How will students, personally, be different as a result of the unit
Throughout this unit there is a focus on students developing their research and problem-solving skills while applying the scientific method to investigate a previously unsolved problem. Students will use the scientific method, or a method used in management science research and apply this to the investigation of a problem relevant to their master’s degree content.
Learning outcomes
On successful completion of this unit, students will be able to:
Students will undertake the research work under the supervision of an academic member of staff. Regular supervision meetings will be held with the project supervisor.
Students may also be asked to attend briefing sessions such as research skills workshops, paper writing and formatting advice sessions.
Tasks which help you learn and prepare you for summative tasks (formative):
Students may participate in various briefing sessions on topics such as research skills and methodology as well as investigations suggested by their supervisor.
Tasks which count towards your unit mark (summative):
Scientific research paper (85%) (to be formatted according to the supplied template). The paper will be marked by two academic members of staff. The marking of the paper will include a viva examination which will be attended by the student, the two paper markers and a chair. (ILOs 1 to 3)
Electronic research poster (15%) (to be formatted according to the supplied specification). The poster will be marked by two academic members of staff. (ILOs 3 to 4)
When assessment does not go to plan:
Re-assessment 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. CADEM0011).
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.
