This module is a core module in the BSc Aerospace Engineering programme and forms one of the capstone experiences of the course. This major project based task is undertaken throughout the final year of the programme and allows you to experience working as a design team, researching and studying in depth an industrially relevant design task.
The module provides you with a simulated experience of the difficulties and needs for team work within the modern engineering environment. It encourages you to work together to achieve defined goals and milestones and provides a platform for you to demonstrate your employability skills in this key area. It allows you to develop their project management skills alongside your organisational and interpersonal skills.
On successful completion of the module, students will be able to:
The project may cover any industrially-related subject area which is relevant to the programme of study, subject to the approval of the Module and/or Field Leader.
There are no formal teaching sessions associated with this module.
Students are allocated at random to a group undertaking the same programme of study. Each group will be allocated a Project Supervisor. Students then work independently on the project and attend one-hour group progress and technical meetings, which take place weekly and are run by the students with the supervisor in attendance.
300 hours of learning time is allocated to this module.
| Definitive UNISTATS Category | Indicative Description | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Scheduled learning and teaching | 22 x 1 hour scheduled meetings with supervisor in attendance | 22 |
| Guided independent study | Regular independent and group study, such as research, preparation of reports, experimentation, etc. | 278 |
| Total (number of credits x 10) | 300 | |
The summative assessment for this module is 100% coursework based which is achieved through a portfolio of work made up of a Preliminary Report (individual) (25%).
The next portfolio consists of a Group Seminar Presentation and Poster record of progress and development illustrated by the Log Book, a Peer Assessed engagement element based upon a student's contribution to the group effort worth15%. The last assessment is the final written Group Report worth 60%. This final report is assessed by the Supervisor and a Second Reader and overall moderation is provided by a Project Moderation Committee.
Formative opportunities will be provided through the regular meetings and discussions with the project supervisor and design group. Submission of early drafts of sections of the dissertation, presentation etc. will provide opportunities for the supervisor to give regular detailed feedback and feed-forward to the key summative points. It is envisaged that these on-going discussions will encourage the students, both individually and as a group, to develop strategies for improvement and enhancement of their employability skills.
| Learning Outcome | Assessment Strategy |
|---|---|
| 1) Generate an industrially relevant design from initial specification through the detailed design stage, to the optimised solution. | Log book, Preliminary (individual) Design Solution Report assessed by Project Supervisor. Final Group Design Solution Report assessed by Project Supervisor, Second Reader and moderated by a Project Moderation Committee. |
| 2) Manage and participate in the design process, devising an effective plan of approach with appropriate time scheduling. | Log book assessed by Project Supervisor. Also assessed via observation by Project Supervisor at weekly meetings, and Peer Assessment by group members. |
| 3) Effectively defend a technical design via a presentation to an industrial audience and produce a final technical report to a professional standard. | Group Seminar and Poster assessed by Academic and Industrial Panel. Final Group Design Solution Report assessed by Project Supervisor, Second Reader and moderated by a Project Moderation Committee. |
| Description of Assessment | Definitive UNISTATS Categories | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| Individual Preliminary Report (individual) (25%). Generate an industrially relevant design from initial specification through the detailed design stage, to the optimised solution. | Coursework | 25% |
| The group presentation and poster which is assessed according to a number of different criteria. | Coursework | 15% |
| The final report where the group technical design is described to a professional standard. | Coursework | 60% |
| Total (to equal 100%) | 100% | |
It IS NOT a requirement that any category of assessment is passed separately in order to achieve an overall pass for the module.
Pears R and Shields G, 2010, Cite Them Right, Palgrave; ISBN-13: 978-0230272316.