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.
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.
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.