MODULE SPECIFICATION FORM
Module Title:
Dissertation
(120 credits for MRes)
Level:
Module code:
(if known)
ENG708
Semester(s) in which to
be offered:
Existing/New:
New
Title of module being
replaced (if any):
Originating Subject:
Engineering
Module duration (contact hours/
directed/ private study:
1200
hours
MRes
 Renewable Energy and Distributed Generation
 Electrical and Electronic Systems
Credit Value:
With effect from:
Module leader:
120
Sept. 2010
Y Hu
Z Zouaoui
Status: core/option/elective (identify
programme where appropriate):
Percentage taught by Subjects other than originating
Subject (please name other Subjects):
Programme(s) in which to be offered:
Stage 2
M(7)
Core
0%
Pre-requisites per programme
(between levels):
Co-requisites per
programme
(within a level):
Completion of
Part 1 of the MRes programme
Module Aims:
The module
 aims to equip students with the skills they need to undertake independent quantitative and
qualitative research while, through the dissertation, students are given the opportunity to develop
practical, intellectual and critical skills in the chosen areas of academic interest;
 enables the participant to conduct research and apply the knowledge into practice through an
independent project.
Expected Learning Outcomes
At the end of this module, students should be able to:
Knowledge and Understanding:
1. apply skills in identifying and reviewing relevant literature science research methods to a particular
area in an appropriate manner
2. demonstrate an understanding of how to select and apply an appropriate methodology to a well
designed research project and develop an original and achievable research proposal
3. demonstrate the ability in applying deep knowledge and research principles to theoretical and
practical problems in the project related to the programme of study.
4. to be aware of the technological advances in the area of study innovative use of new methods and
techniques in solving critical problems in the research project.
5. to use appropriate Qualitative and Quantitative Methods and Analysis in the research
6. be aware of current research progress in the area of study and adaptation of research findings to
solving problems within the research project
7. be able to self-manage time and other resources in the preparation and completion of an extensive
research project, including the adaptation of original research plans.
8. to analyse research results and to feed them back the modification and/or further development
process of the research plans.
9. to show evidence of an ability to contribute to and develop knowledge and thinking within the field
of Engineering.
10. use appropriate techniques in interpreting the ideas and results to produce good quality research.
Expected Learning Outcomes (Continued)
Transferable/Key Skills and other attributes:
Write in an advanced academic manner by following scholarly protocols of organization, citation, and
rhetorical presentation (proper diction and style).
Communicate research findings appropriately in terms of written and oral presentation.
Project management skills.
Problem solving skills using selectively available tools and techniques.
Decision making in complex and unpredictable situations.
Take initiative and personal responsibility
Independent learning ability required for continuing professional development
Assessment: please indicate the type(s) of assessment (eg examination, oral, coursework, project) and the
weighting of each (%). Details of indicative assessment tasks must be included.
The participant should show a detailed understanding of informatics, concepts and methods in the
chosen subject domain. The project will involve a survey of recent developments in the field, a critical
analysis of these developments and a prognosis of future developments.
Assessment takes the form of research presentation plus an average 30000 word dissertation on an
agreed topic relevant to the programme for those that are undertaking the MRes Degree.
The student must also pass a viva-voce examination with a specialist external examiner and a second,
internal, examiner.
Assessment
Type of assessment
Assessment
One:
Learning
Outcomes
to be met
outcomes
1, 2, 4, 6
Weighting
Interim presentation
covering progress and
plans for completion
10%
Assessment
Two:
outcomes
1 - 10
Dissertation
70%
Assessment
Three:
outcomes
1 - 10
Viva voce examination
20%
Duration
(if exam)
Word count
or equivalent
if appropriate
30 mins
30000
Or equivalent
30 mins
Learning and Teaching Strategies:
Seminar / workshop, Independent study, Individual supervision
Students will be guided towards the choice of an appropriate research topic during the delivery of the
Research Methods module. This may be a current research topic of a member of staff, a topic
suggested by industry or a topic of particular interest to a student or his or her employer or sponsor.
Prior to the start of the project students have to write a project proposal containing an introduction,
background to the proposal, outline of the proposal, conclusion and a bibliography.
A presentation, covering the progress and plans for completion of project work and dissertation, takes
place half-way through the project.
Regular timetabled meetings will be held between students and supervisors to discuss the
development and progress of the research project and dissertation.
Syllabus outline:
Supervised independent work leading to the submission of a dissertation of 30,000 words in average,
based on innovative research and development work conducted with an awareness of current
scholarship.
Conduct of the Dissertation Project
Supervision: There will be individual supervisor in specialist knowledge to supervise the general
conduct and progress of the project. Each student will be required to maintain a Research log
folder and to consult with his/her supervisor regularly, normally every week.
The Dissertation is assessed by two tutors on the programme. A senior member from the course
will be involved in the case there is any discrepancy.
Assessment:
Successful completion of the Dissertation will demonstrate that the student has the ability:
1. to use together relevant concepts and theories in dealing with particular problems;
2. to design and carry out a coherent piece of research drawing upon an appropriate
methodology and using appropriate methods;
3. to deal with theoretical, conceptual, experiments and empirical results in interpreting research
findings and generating new knowledge;
4. to present and defend arguments based on theories, concepts, experiments and empirical
evidence in project development;
5. to demonstrate the capacity for reflective and analytical thought;
7. provide evidence of a substantial piece of research carried out
8. to present the research process and outcomes effectively, logically in a scholarly manner.
The external examiner will be invited to confirm the final grading. Each student will be required to
attend a viva voce to defend to dissertation and answer examiners’ questions.
Sample Dissertation/Project Topics (MRes)
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Hysteresis control of PMSG for wind turbine applications
Converter control for Wind Power Plant connect to Grid
dsPIC wireless communication; central control system with sub-remote systems
Wireless data aquisition and processing using Zigbee
Sinusoidal Control of PMSM Motors with dsPIC
Field Oriented Control (FOC) of an AC Induction Motor.
Bibliography
Essential reading:
Sage. Salkind, N. J, (2008) Exploring Research, 7th Ed. (Prentice Hall)
Sharp et al (2002), The Management of a Student Research Project, (Open University)
Other indicative reading:
Barrass, R. (2002), Scientists must write: A guide to better writing for scientists, engineers and
students, 2nd edition (Routledge0
Beer, D and McMurrey, D. (1997), A guide to writing as an engineer, (John Wiley).
Davis, M. (1997), Scientific papers and presentations, (Academic Press)
Goodlad, S. (1996) Speaking technically: A handbook for scientists, engineers and physicians on how
to improve technical presentations, (Imperial College Press)
Holtom, D. and Fisher, E. (1999), Enjoy writing your science thesis and dissertation: a step by step
guide to. (Imperial College Press)
Houp K.W., et al. (2002), Reporting technical information,10th edition, (Oxford University Press)