Study information

MEng Individual Investigative Project - 2024 entry

MODULE TITLEMEng Individual Investigative Project CREDIT VALUE45
MODULE CODEENGM015 MODULE CONVENERProf Raziyeh Farmani (Coordinator)
DURATION: TERM 1 2 3
DURATION: WEEKS 11 11
Number of Students Taking Module (anticipated) 80
DESCRIPTION - summary of the module content

The MEng Individual Project module will enable you to put into practice your research, project management and engineering skills, in the investigation of an engineering research question. This is a research focused project that will give you the opportunity to develop a deep level of understanding in a research area of your choice. You will work with engineering academics in their areas of expertise and contribute towards engineering innovation. 
 
Upon selecting of an area of research interest, you will, in collaboration with your research supervisor, develop a research question based on your review and assessment of the existing literature. You will develop a hypothesis and set about designing a programme of research that allows you to test your hypothesis. Projects may range from heavily experimental to purely theoretical or numerical. 
 
You will disseminate your research findings by producing an academic paper and presentation. A goal throughout your project will be the production of publishable work that advances the state of knowledge. To this end, you will produce an academic paper. Should your work have made a contribution to the state of knowledge on your chosen topic and be endorsed by your supervisor, your paper will be submitted for publication in an academic journal. 
 
Additionally all project papers will be presented at the Exeter Engineering Conference at the end of the academic year. The conference will be attended by academics, invited industry guests and fellow students. It will serve as an assessment opportunity, a celebration of your academic career thus far and a networking opportunity to kick-off your professional engineering career. 
 
Upon completion of your project you will have determined the validity of your hypothesis, developed an expert level of knowledge in your chosen area and accumulated a range of valuable skills in research practice, critical thinking, project management and problem solving. These skills will leave you well placed to tackle real-world engineering challenges at the forefront of your discipline.

AIMS - intentions of the module
The aim of this project is to apply the knowledge and skills you have developed during the course of your studies. Unlike previous project work in your degree, you will work independently of your peers. This will give you the opportunity to drive the direction and success of this, your final capstone university project. 
 
This project also aims to give you experience of research and investigation on the edge of your field, beyond the routine and ordinary. As a master’s level student, demonstrating your ability to independently research and investigate a research question is essential. It is also a skill expected of a Chartered Engineer. 
INTENDED LEARNING OUTCOMES (ILOs) (see assessment section below for how ILOs will be assessed)

Programmes that are accredited by the Engineering Council are required to meet Accreditation of Higher Education   

Programmes (AHEP4) Learning Outcomes.  

The following Engineering Council AHEP4 Learning Outcomes are covered on this module (shown in brackets): 

 

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

 

Module Specific Skills and Knowledge: 

1. Demonstrate a deep level of understanding on your chosen topic and knowledge of the key literature in the field (M4) 

2. Identify relevant and credible literature in the investigation of an engineering challenge or research question (M4) 

3. Establish where the limits of the literature are on a chosen topic (M4) 

 

Discipline Specific Skills and Knowledge: 

4. Develop a research hypothesis based on an assessment of the literature (M2) 

5. Design a programme of research capable of testing a hypothesis (M3) 

6. Write a compelling project proposal that articulates why your research should be supported (M17) 

7. Effectively manage a programme of research with due regard for scientific rigour and project deadlines (M15) 

 

Personal and Key Transferable/ Employment Skills and Knowledge: 

8. Effectively manage risk and adapt a project plan in the face of changing circumstances (e.g. unforeseen delays) (M9) 

9. Critically analyse and present data to support your conclusions (M2, M5) 

10. Select appropriate research methods and tools to complete your research and work, and to evaluate and understand your system  

performance to maintain and improve quality (M3) 

11. Produce an academic paper that gives you complete and accurate account of your work and findings (M17) 

12. Present your work and field questions from an informed audience in a professional manner (M17) 

13. Identify and analyse ethical concerns and make reasoned ethical choices informed by professional codes of conduct and submit  

an ethical form for approval (M8) 

 

 

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

The project does not have a set syllabus. Your learning activities will be self-directed and bespoke to your individual project. You will receive, support and guidance from your research supervisor. You should expect to carry out a significant amount of background reading and self-directed learning of various, theories, methodologies, toolsets (e.g. software) and/or (experimental) techniques.

LEARNING AND TEACHING
LEARNING ACTIVITIES AND TEACHING METHODS (given in hours of study time)
Scheduled Learning & Teaching Activities 26 Guided Independent Study 428 Placement / Study Abroad
DETAILS OF LEARNING ACTIVITIES AND TEACHING METHODS
Category Hours of study time Description
Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities 22
Weekly 1-hour meetings throughout the course of the project
 
Guided Independent Study 428 Guided independent study and project development

 

ASSESSMENT
FORMATIVE ASSESSMENT - for feedback and development purposes; does not count towards module grade

Project log

SUMMATIVE ASSESSMENT (% of credit)
Coursework 80 Written Exams 0 Practical Exams 20
DETAILS OF SUMMATIVE ASSESSMENT
Form of Assessment % of Credit Size of Assessment (e.g. duration/length) ILOs Assessed Feedback Method
Coursework - Literature Review and Project Proposal 20  8 pages 1-4, 6 (M2, M3, M4, M8, M17) Written feedback
Coursework - Research Manuscript 60 20 pages 5, 7-11 (2, M3, M5, M9, M15, M17) Written feedback
Practical - Presentation of paper 20 10 slides (10 minutes) 9, 12 (M2, M5, M17) Written and verbal feedback

 

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-reassessment
Research Manuscript Project report submission (100%) All Referral/Deferral Period

 

RE-ASSESSMENT NOTES
Deferrals: Reassessment will be by coursework and/or exam in the deferred element only. For deferred candidates, the module mark will be uncapped.
 
Referrals: Reassessment will be by a single Project report worth 100% of the module. As it is a referral, the mark will be capped at 50%.
 
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

Reading list for this module:

There are currently no reading list entries found for this module.

CREDIT VALUE 45 ECTS VALUE
PRE-REQUISITE MODULES None
CO-REQUISITE MODULES None
NQF LEVEL (FHEQ) 7 AVAILABLE AS DISTANCE LEARNING No
ORIGIN DATE Friday 22nd March 2024 LAST REVISION DATE Tuesday 1st October 2024
KEY WORDS SEARCH None Defined

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