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Study information

MSc Dissertation - 2023 entry

MODULE TITLEMSc Dissertation CREDIT VALUE60
MODULE CODEECMM164 MODULE CONVENERProf Yang Liu (Coordinator)
DURATION: TERM 1 2 3
DURATION: WEEKS 0 11 11
Number of Students Taking Module (anticipated) 200
DESCRIPTION - summary of the module content
This dissertation will give you the chance to demonstrate your knowledge, to exercise your initiative and personal responsibility, and to use the research techniques and skills you have developed throughout your degree.
 
You will be required to solve a research or industrially-related practical problem based on the topics learned within, but not exclusive to, the MSc programme you are registered for. The project work will lead to a major piece of work (dissertation) of approximately 15,000 words (max. 80 pages, including references and appendices) that involves project planning, analytical, experimental or empirical results and their interpretation, showing how the goals of the project have been met. You will receive a list of potential projects and will be required to express your two preferences. Alternatively, you can discuss your own dissertation ideas with the module leader / potential supervisor (academic staff) with a view to explore if they offer required technical rigour and research challenge. You will be encouraged to discuss your preferences with relevant academic staff before we allocate projects. As part of the research project, you are expected to undertake a considerable amount of self-study. There is no formal taught component in the module, apart from suggested regular meetings with the supervisor.
 
Prerequisite modules: All compulsory modules listed for (or equivalent) the MSc programme you are registered for.
 
AIMS - intentions of the module

The aim of the project and associated dissertation is to showcase a range of your abilities, including effective communication skills. You will have the chance to undertake individual research of a technical, management or combined nature at Masters level related to your MSc programme.
 

INTENDED LEARNING OUTCOMES (ILOs) (see assessment section below for how ILOs will be assessed)

On successful completion of this module, you should be able to:

 
Module Specific Skills and Knowledge: 


1 Demonstrate a deep and systematic understanding of knowledge in areas appropriate to the chosen research project at the forefront of the academic discipline.

2. Demonstrate critical awareness of current problems and/or new insights most of which is at, or informed by, the forefront of the specialisation.

3. Understand concepts relevant to the discipline, some from outside engineering, and the ability to evaluate them critically and to apply them effectively, including in engineering projects.

4. Apply appropriate engineering analysis methods for solving complex problems in engineering and to assess their limitations.

5. Use fundamental knowledge to investigate new and emerging technologies.

6. Collect and analyse research data and to use appropriate engineering analysis tools in tackling unfamiliar problems, such as those with uncertain or incomplete data or specifications, by the appropriate innovation, use or adaptation of engineering analytical methods.

7. Show comprehensive understanding of research techniques and methodologies applicable to the research area of the project.

8. Apply engineering techniques taking account of a range of commercial and industrial constraints.


Discipline Specific Skills and Knowledge

9. Demonstrate critical awareness of current problems and/or new insights most of which is at, or informed by, the forefront of the specialisation.

10. Understand concepts relevant to the discipline, some from outside engineering, and the ability to evaluate them critically and to apply them effectively, including in engineering projects.

11. Collect and analyse research data and to use appropriate engineering analysis tools in tackling unfamiliar problems, such as those with uncertain or incomplete data or specifications, by the appropriate innovation, use or adaptation of engineering analytical methods.

12. Develop knowledge, understanding and skills to work with information that may be incomplete or uncertain, quantify the effect of this on the design and, where appropriate, use theory or experimental research to mitigate deficiencies.

13. Develop knowledge, comprehensive and understanding of design processes and methodologies and the ability to apply and adapt these in unfamiliar situations.

14. Generate an innovative design for products, systems, components or processes to fulfil new needs.

15. Show awareness that engineers need to take account of the commercial and social contexts in which they operate.

16. Understand and show an understanding of management and business practices, their limitations, and how these may be applied in the context of the particular engineering area.

17. Show awareness that engineering activities should promote sustainable development and ability to apply quantitative techniques where appropriate.

18. Develop knowledge off relevant regulatory requirements governing engineering activities in the context of the particular engineering area.

19. Make general evaluations of risk issues in the context of the particular specialisation, including health & safety, environmental and commercial risk.

20. Develop an advanced level of knowledge and understanding of a wide range of engineering materials and components.

21. Understanding thoroughly the current practice and its limitations, and some appreciation of likely new developments.

Personal and Key Transferable / Employment Skills and Knowledge

22. Apply skills in problem solving, communication, information retrieval, working with others, and the effective use of general IT facilities.

23. Plan self-learning and improve performance, as the foundation for lifelong learning/CPC.

24. Monitor and adjust a personal programme of work on an on-going basis.

25. Exercise initiative and personal responsibility, which may be as a team member or leader.

26. Prove independence and self direction in problem solving and decision making.

27. Exercise initiative and personal responsibility in professional practice.

28. Illustrate effective communication skills using a variety of commonly available media and techniques..

Learning Outcomes 13-21 will be developed depending on the nature of the dissertation undertaken, therefore, some skills maybe more concentrated on rather than others.
 

SYLLABUS PLAN - summary of the structure and academic content of the module

Programme of work to be set by the project supervisor.

LEARNING AND TEACHING
LEARNING ACTIVITIES AND TEACHING METHODS (given in hours of study time)
Scheduled Learning & Teaching Activities 22 Guided Independent Study 578 Placement / Study Abroad 0
DETAILS OF LEARNING ACTIVITIES AND TEACHING METHODS
Category Hours of study time Description
Scheduled learning and teaching activities 22 Supervision
Guided Independent Study 578 Dissertation writing and private study

 

ASSESSMENT
FORMATIVE ASSESSMENT - for feedback and development purposes; does not count towards module grade
Form of Assessment Size of Assessment (e.g. duration/length) ILOs Assessed Feedback Method
Not applicable      

 

SUMMATIVE ASSESSMENT (% of credit)
Coursework 90 Written Exams 0 Practical Exams 10
DETAILS OF SUMMATIVE ASSESSMENT
Form of Assessment % of Credit Size of Assessment (e.g. duration/length) ILOs Assessed Feedback Method
Project proposal 10 1,500 words 2, 3, 7, 9, 10, 14, 15, 17, 19, 22, 23, 25, 28 Written
Dissertation 80 15,000 words (maximum 80 pages, including references and appendices) All Written
Interview 10 Interview with the examiners (10-15 minutes oral presentation followed by 10-15 Q&A session, PPT slides are optional) All Written

 

DETAILS OF RE-ASSESSMENT (where required by referral or deferral)
Original Form of Assessment Form of Re-assessment ILOs Re-assessed Time Scale for Re-assessment
Dissertation Coursework (90%) All Referral/deferral period  
Interview Interview (10%) All Referral/deferral period

 

 

RE-ASSESSMENT NOTES
RESOURCES
INDICATIVE LEARNING RESOURCES - The following list is offered as an indication of the type & level of
information that you are expected to consult. Further guidance will be provided by the Module Convener

Basic reading:

ELE: http://vle.exeter.ac.uk

Including ECMM410 (Research Methodology module lecture notes)

Reading list for this module:

Type Author Title Edition Publisher Year ISBN
Set Robert McGinn The Ethical Engineer Princeton University Press 2018 978-0-691-17770-0
Set Kate Williams Pocket Study Skills: Planning your Dissertation Macmillan Education 2013 978-0230-21605-1
Set McMillan, K., Weyers, J. How to Write Dissertations and Project Reports Pearson Education 2010 978-0273726937
Set Jennifer Boyle & Scott Ramsey Palgrave Study Skills: Writing for Science Students Macmillan Education 2017 978-1-137-57151-9
Set Margot Northey & Judi Jewinski Making Sense: A Students guide to Research and Writing Engineering and the Technical Sciences Oxford University Press 2016 978-0-19-901025-7
CREDIT VALUE 60 ECTS VALUE 30
PRE-REQUISITE MODULES None
CO-REQUISITE MODULES None
NQF LEVEL (FHEQ) 7 AVAILABLE AS DISTANCE LEARNING No
ORIGIN DATE Tuesday 10th July 2018 LAST REVISION DATE Tuesday 31st October 2023
KEY WORDS SEARCH MSc Dissertation

Please note that all modules are subject to change, please get in touch if you have any questions about this module.