Students will carry out an individual project under the supervision of a member of academic staff. They will report findings both verbally and in writing. The purpose of the project is as follows. • To provide students with the opportunity to plan, carry out and control a research project at the forefront of their academic discipline, field of study or area of professional practice. • To prepare students for research or investigative work as a professional engineer or computer scientist. • To enable students to gain a comprehensive understanding of the techniques applicable to research. • To make an original contribution to knowledge. The dissertation must provide evidence of the following. • An in-depth understanding of the subject area chosen for the dissertation. • A mastery of research techniques relevant to the topic area. • The ability to collect and analyse empirical data. • The ability to evaluate project outcomes.
A. Demonstrate a critical awareness and understanding of the relevant scientific literature associated with the project; B. Understand all aspects of working as an engineer or computer scientist in the planning, design and execution of academic or technical activities to solve specific problems; C. Define a problem, gather and evaluate research information, manage risks, analyse data and propose new technologies; D. Use appropriate analysis software, IT tools or research equipment necessary to carry out relevant experimental, laboratory, or workshop activities; E. Effectively communicate project work and findings through a formal presentation and/or structured dissertation thesis. Communicate effectively on complex engineering matters with technical and non-technical audiences and evaluate the effectiveness of the methods used; F. Demonstrate understanding and participation in the legal, social, ethical and professional framework in systems, software or information engineering; G. Design solutions that evidence some originality and meet a combination of societal, user, business and customer needs as appropriate. This includes the consideration of applicable health & safety, diversity, inclusion, cultural, societal, environmental and commercial matters, codes of practice and industry standards.
Regular meetings/consultations with supervisor; laboratory and other investigative work under direct/indirect supervision (as appropriate); preparation of project specification and final thesis, poster or web-page and oral presentation.