Individual Research Project module (GA40008)
This 30-credit module gives you the opportunity to undertake an independent programme of research addressing a specific engineering problem, culminating in a dissertation
This capstone module gives you the opportunity to demonstrate the research skills, technical knowledge, and independent thinking developed across your Graduate Apprenticeship programme.
Working closely with an academic supervisor, you will identify a specific engineering problem, carry out a programme of research to address it, and write a dissertation reporting your findings.
A number of Workshops cover project planning, giving research focused presentations, and dissertation writing.
You will also give an interim progress presentation, accounting for 10% of your mark, which provides an opportunity for formative feedback midway through the project.
The module runs across the entire academic year, with the choice of topic influencing the specific range of skills and learning outcomes addressed.
What you will learn
In this module, you will:
- Undertake a structured programme of research with clearly defined aims and objectives
- Assess risks and understand health and safety requirements within the context of project work
- Demonstrate an understanding of the research process and relevant analytical tools
- Manage project work with limited supervision across an extended period
By the end of this module, you will be able to:
- Define aims and objectives and carry out a programme of work to achieve them
- Write a dissertation reporting research findings to a professional standard
- Give a presentation of your work at an interim stage of the project
- Demonstrate analysis, critical thinking, and use of technical literature appropriate to your chosen topic
Assignments / assessments
Dissertation
- 90% of module mark
- Independently assessed by project supervisor and a second engineer
Interim Progress Presentation
- 10% of module mark
- Delivered midway through the project to provide an opportunity for feedback
This module does not have a final exam.
Teaching methods / timetable
- Continued individual supervision meetings with an academic supervisor
- Action research and independent study
- Introductory lectures on project planning, oral presentations and dissertation writing