MODULE DESCRIPTOR
MECHGM91 – Group Project
Code:
Alt. Codes(s)
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Level:
UCL units/ECTS
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Coordinator:
MECHGM91
None
Group Project
MSc
15/6
November
May
Dr Suwan N Jayasinghe (Module Coordinator)
Supervision from members of staff from Department
Prerequisites and Co-requisite
There are no prerequisites or co-requisites
Course Aims and Objectives
To provide experience of working as a multi-disciplinary group, in liaison, where possible, with
industry, in order to design a complex engineering product/system or service under stringent time and
resource limitations. It provides the students with an opportunity to apply the engineering knowledge
and skills acquired in the earlier part of the course to a multifaceted design problem. It also presents
the students with an opportunity to: apply formal project management techniques such as planning,
resource allocation, cost estimation, project monitoring and reporting; to develop commercial skills
and business awareness. This module runs over the second and third terms of the academic year for
all MSc students in Mechanical Engineering and Power Systems Engineering. The projects are wide
ranging in their theme and each is championed by an individual academic. The students choose their
own project and group members but will be limited to only approximately six members per group.
Method of Instruction
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Introductory lectures and support from module coordinator including risk management and
project organisation and scheduling.
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Independent study individually and as a group
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Group meetings, progress reports and presentations
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Supervision by a member of academic staff and where appropriate by industry.
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Group presentations with feedback
Assessment
The groups will have the opportunity to present their progress through two presentations and finally
through a collated group project report with the additional inclusion of a two page report for each
member justifying their contribution to the overall goal of the project.
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First presentation – 10% for a 10 minute presentation with 5 minutes questions
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Second presentation – 20% for a 15 minute presentation with 5 minutes questions
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Final report – 55% format which would be discussed and agreed with the groups chosen
project champion
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Individual contribution – 15% for a 2 page justification.
Resources
Departmental workshops, lab facilities
Institute of Making facilities, from 2012
Additional Information
Module title under review new title to be “Group design project”
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Learning Outcomes MECHGM91 Group Project
General Learning Outcomes
Ability to develop, monitor & update a plan, to reflect a changing operating environment
Project management and group planning are essential parts of this module
Ability to monitor and adjust a personal program of work on an on-going basis, and to learn
independently
N/A
The ability to exercise initiative and personal responsibility, which may be as a team member or
leader
Students work as part of a group of 4-6 students. Each member of the group has specific tasks
The ability to learn new theories, concepts and methods etc and apply these in unfamiliar
situations
N/A
Specific Learning Outcomes
Underpinning science & Mathematics
A comprehensive understanding of the relevant scientific principles of the specialisation
N/A
A critical awareness of current problems and/or new insights much of which are at, or informed by,
the forefront of the specialisation.
Awareness of current problems and legislation both existing and planned is expected
An understanding of concepts relevant to the discipline, some from outside engineering, and the
ability to critically evaluate and apply them effectively.
Students are expected to consider issues other than those directly related to their field of study,
including these out with Engineering. Critical analysis is regarded as an essential component of the
module.
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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
Projects are set by staff so that they usually overlap research areas hence they will be investigating
new and emerging technologies e.g. AUV or fuel cells.
Ability to apply appropriate models for solving problems in engineering and the ability to assess
the limitations of particular cases;
Students are expected to take knowledge from other parts of the MSc and previous degrees and
apply it to their design problem.
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 design problems set by staff are open ended and no “text book” solution exists. Students are
expected to provide their own solutions with a supporting argument.
Design
The ability to apply original thought to the development of practical solutions for products,
systems, components or processes
All groups are expected to produce a design as part of their output.
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
Direct application to management of the group project itself
The ability to make general evaluations of risks through some understanding of the basis of such
risks
Application to management of the group project itself and with respect to their design.
Engineering Practice
A thorough understanding of current practice and its limitations, and some appreciation of likely
new developments
Where appropriate students must consider relevant safety and environmental codes, as design
projects are usually linked to the research areas of staff the appreciation of new developments is
inevitable.
Advanced level knowledge and understanding of a wide range of engineering materials and
components
In this module an appreciation of engineering materials and a variety of components is expected the
combination f which is project dependant.
The ability to apply engineering techniques taking account of a range of commercial and industrial
constraints
Commercial and industrial constrains must be considered within their designs. Students are
encouraged to interact with relevant sectors of industry.
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