Aims and Fit of Module

This two-semester project module aims to offer students a context in which to develop a proposal for an intelligent manufacturing project through their internships in companies and interaction with supervisors, and then complete the problem analysis, research, conceptualization, design development, and system development. In the first semester an emphasis on design research, problem formulation, and conceptualization is encouraged, while in the second semester an emphasis on system development, testing, and evaluation is encouraged. Students are encouraged to develop intelligent manufacturing projects based on their interests and professional goals, and make use of practical use of principles, techniques and methodologies acquired.

Students are expected to aim for an integration of all knowledge, insights, and skills gained while studying on this program as well as present results at the highest standards of enquiry and production in all aspects of this final year project.


Individual FYP

The module aims 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. It also gives experience of carrying out a large piece of individual work and in producing a dissertation. It finally enhances communication skills, both oral and written.

Multidisciplinary Group FYP

The module allows for a maximum of three students from different schools to work together to explore a substantial problem of a multidisciplinary nature, with the opportunity to practice the task management and problem-solving activities of a professional and to explore original ideas by applying and extending the methods, skills, information, knowledge and understanding obtained during the various parts of their programmes to developing and evaluating an original design, or modification of an product or system.
The research proposal must be agreed by all involved students and all respective supervisors from different schools, with considerations given to whether the proposed group project is achievable or not, in terms of students’ particular capabilities, resources and time available, adequate supervision and fair division of tasks among the students. The research group proposal shall consist of identified aims, objectives, and methodologies for an interdisciplinary project with agreed specific targets for each individual.

Each student will be advised by supervisor from respective schools to work in a guided but independent fashion to reach specific targets for each individual.

Each student will submit an FYP report that is similar to the Individual FYP project, other than highlighting the purpose of the group FYP project and the assigned tasks for the student, individual contribution to the group FYP project, etc. The FYP report submitted is the responsibility of the student and it must be the student‘s own work. This does not prevent students engaging in group work in the initial stages of any project where this is appropriate. Supervisors are not responsible for the submission of the project but act as advisor to the student.

Each student will give an oral presentation similar to that for Individual FYP project, other than highlighting the purpose of the group FYP project and the assigned tasks for the student, individual contribution to the group FYP project, etc.

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

This module fosters independent learning under the guidance of supervisors, emphasizing continuous monitoring and formative feedback. Supervisors from both the university and industry maintain regular communication with students, providing direction, advice, and ensuring consistent progress throughout the project duration.

Project Delivery Options

Students have the option to select either:

1. Individual Project: Students who choose the individual project will work closely with their academic supervisor to agree upon an appropriate delivery pattern. Some supervisors prefer group meetings with multiple students undertaking similar individual projects, while others may opt for individual meetings. Typically, supervisors arrange weekly meetings to support students' progression and to provide tailored advice and feedback.

2. Interdisciplinary Group Project (Group FYP):Students opting for the interdisciplinary group project collaborate closely within their teams and supervisors to agree upon the delivery pattern. Similar to individual projects, some supervisors organize regular group meetings, whereas others prefer individual sessions to address specific needs. Additionally, combined meetings involving all students and supervisors engaged in interdisciplinary group projects will be scheduled periodically or as needed to ensure cohesive progress and interdisciplinary coordination.

Formative Assessment: Interim Reports

For the interdisciplinary group project, students are required to submit fortnightly interim reports, led by a designated student group leader on a rotational basis. Each report formally documents the group's progress, clearly outlining aims, deliverables, task analysis, and timelines. These interim reports serve as formative assessments, guiding students and providing essential feedback from supervisors.

Although interim reports are submitted by the group collectively, each student is responsible for explicitly demonstrating their individual contribution. This approach ensures individual accountability and allows supervisors to verify that each student achieves all the specified Learning Outcomes (LOs).

Final Submission and Assessment

The final report submission will be clearly indicated as either an individual report for individual projects or a group report for the interdisciplinary group project. For group projects, assessment will involve two components:

Group Evaluation: The overall project outcomes, coherence, and integration of interdisciplinary contributions are evaluated based on the submitted group report and any final presentations or demonstrations.

Individual Evaluation: Each student is required to submit an individual reflective statement or portfolio explicitly detailing their personal contributions, roles, tasks completed, and reflections on their learning experience. This individual submission ensures fair and transparent assessment aligned with individual achievement of the Learning Outcomes.