MODULE DESCRIPTOR
MECHGF99 / MECHGI99 – Individual Project
Code:
Programme:
MECHGF99 / MECHGI99
MSc Engineering with Finance / MSc Engineering Innovation and
Entrepreneurship
Alt. Codes(s)
None
Title:
Individual Project (60 credits)
Level:
M
UCL Credits/ECTS: 60/24 ECTS
Start:
January
End:
September
Taught by:
Dr P J Tan (Module Coordinator)
Supervision by members of staff from Department
Prerequisites
All courses taught in the MSc programmes.
Course Aims and Objectives
The individual project aims to develop independent research and project management skills and to
improve technical writing and critical analysis ability. The student will be required to conduct an
individual piece of research over an extended period of time and to produce a coherent body of work to
a deadline. Guidance will be provided by an academic supervisor but it is expected that the work and
effort is driven and managed by the student. The output consists of a presentation followed by a
question and answer session and a theses of between 10,000 – 12,000 words. The practical and
experimental skills learnt are dependent upon the type of project chosen.
Method of Instruction
Self study
Formal progress reports have to be submitted.
Each student will have a member of academic staff to act as their supervisor.
Assessment
Thesis (85%) - all theses are blind marked by the project supervisor and one other academic
Oral exam (15%)
Resources
Workshops, labs etc are project specific
Thesis guidelines document- available from Module Moodle page.
Additional Information
The start date is listed as January; this is when project selection takes place. Students start full time on
their projects after their MSc exams in March and work through until the end of their MSc in September.
Content
The individual project may cover any subject so long as it contains sufficient academic content and is
relevant to mechanical engineering. Projects maybe practical or theoretical, projects that are just literature
reviews are not encouraged. Where appropriate elements specific to programme specialisation (e.g.
economic evaluation or innovative design) will be incorporated into the project topic. The project topic is
usually selected by the student from a list of projects suggested by members of staff. Students are not
guaranteed their first choice of project. Students may suggest their own project topic provided a member
of staff is willing to adopt and supervise that project. Approval for a self suggested project should be
sought as soon as possible and no later than January. Projects can be with industrial partner. Projects
that are military or commercially classified are not acceptable.
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Learning Outcomes1 MECHGMZZ Individual Project EF/EIE
General Learning Outcomes
Ability to develop, monitor & update a plan, to reflect a changing operating environment
The module involves a major research project; planning, monitoring progress and adapting the
plan to the changing situation are necessary skills.
Ability to monitor and adjust a personal program of work on an on-going basis, and to learn
independently
The MSc individual project forms a significant personal work load requiring well developed self study
and independent learning skills. Students are required to produce a work plan and this is reviewed at
monthly intervals with project supervisor.
The ability to exercise initiative and personal responsibility, which may be as a team member or
leader
No team work, but students are expected to exercise initiative and take ownership of the project.
The ability to learn new theories, concepts and methods etc and apply these in unfamiliar
situations
Students are expected to actively learn new concepts as part of their research project as this typically
involves an in depth investigation of an engineering topic.
Specific Learning Outcomes
Underpinning science & Mathematics
A comprehensive understanding of the relevant scientific principles of the specialisation
The purpose of the individual project is to achieve this within context of the specialist area of
the project.
A critical awareness of current problems and/or new insights much of which is at, or informed by,
the forefront of the specialisation.
The purpose of the individual project is to achieve this within context of the specialist area of
the project.
An understanding of concepts relevant to the discipline, some from outside engineering, and the
ability to critically evaluate and apply them effectively.
The purpose of the individual project is to achieve this in the specialist area of the project. Critical
analysis is seen as a key component of the thesis. Research projects frequently take the student
beyond just their own discipline.
1 EAB website http://www.engab.org.uk/documentation document Accreditation Of Masters Degrees Other Than MEng last
accessed 10 Aril 2012
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Engineering Analysis
Ability to use fundamental knowledge to investigate new and emerging
technologies Where relevant to the subject matter of the project
Ability to apply appropriate models for solving problems in engineering and the ability to
assess the limitations of particular cases;
The purpose of the individual project is to achieve this within context of the specialist area of the
project.
The ability to collect and analyse research data and use appropriate engineering tools to tackle
unfamiliar problems, such as those with uncertain or incomplete data or specifications, by the
appropriate innovation, use or adaptation of engineering analytical methods.
The purpose of the individual project is to achieve this within context of the specialist area of the
project.
Design
The ability to apply original thought to the development of practical solutions for
products, systems, components or processes
Where relevant to the subject matter of the project. Some project have considerable design content
others none.
Economic, Social and Environmental Context
Knowledge and understanding of management and business practices, and their limitations, and
how these may be applied appropriately, in the context of the particular specialisation
Depending on the nature of the project students will be required to demonstrate certain management
skills and business awareness through an economic evaluation of the technology involved in
the project.
The ability to make general evaluations of risks through some understanding of the basis of
such risks
Risks associated with managing the project and where appropriate financial risk involved in
commercialising a certain technology developed in the project will be evaluated.
Engineering Practice
A thorough understanding of current practice and its limitations, and some appreciation of
likely new developments
Where relevant to the subject matter of the project
Advanced level knowledge and understanding of a wide range of engineering materials and
components
Where relevant to the subject matter of the project – a selection of materials orientated projects
are always undertaken.
The ability to apply engineering techniques taking account of a range of commercial and
industrial constraints
Opportunities depend upon nature of research topic and industrial/commercial input to project
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