Aims and Fit of Module

To give students the opportunity to work in a guided but independent fashion to explore a substantial problem in depth, making practical use of principles, techniques and methodologies acquired elsewhere in the course.
To give experience of carrying out a large piece of individual work and in producing a dissertation.
To enhance communication skills, both oral and written.

Learning outcomes

A. Specify a substantial problem, and produce a plan to address the problem;
B. Produce and follow an appropriate project plan to fit within the available time and assessment structure;
C. Locate and perform a review of project related literature;
D. Design, implement and test a solution to a substantial problem;
E. Evaluate in a critical fashion the work they have done, and to place it in the context of related work;
F. Prepare and deliver a formal presentation;
G. Structure and write a dissertation describing their projects.

Method of teaching and learning

In the project we wish to foster independent learning, under the guidance of a supervisor. There is a review, which provides an opportunity for monitoring progress and giving formative feedback. Supervisors maintain regular contact with students throughout the project to provide direction and advice as needed.