The goal of the module is to further develop skills in organisation, timekeeping, research literature, developing and critically analysing results as well as reporting work verbally and in a written format. The end result will be an artefact or artefacts which demonstrate creativity and technical competence as well as a technical report.
On successful completion of the module, students will be able to:
The content will vary according to the project but in all cases will be under the supervision of appropriate staff. Every student must attend a series of lectures designed to help them with information searching, presentation and evaluation. Every student will be involved in creating an artefact from the initial analysis, design, implementation as well as testing and the writing of technical documentation.
The project module is simulating a professional studio environment to create an artefact whilst going through the complete development process from initial concept to implementation and testing.
Each eligible student is assigned a project with a staff member. There will be some formal guidance aiming at the development of study, research, report writing and information finding skills. The student is required to submit, at regular intervals, a project log to the supervisor. Progress needs to be discussed with the supervisor and through prototype demos. Teaching is by discussion during the meetings with the supervisor, directed reading and attendance of project sessions. Learning is by discussion, independent reading and implementation of work by which students will develop a range of intellectual, practical and transferable skills.
Definitive UNISTATS Category | Indicative Description | Hours |
---|---|---|
Scheduled learning and teaching | Project lectures providing clear examples of what is expected of the project and how it should be presented. | 15 |
Guided independent study | Independent and directed reading. Online learning materials and study notes. Project. | 285 |
Total (number of credits x 10) | 300 |
Students will be assessed by their development and progress on the project, the written report of the project outcomes and by an oral examination. Development and progress will be marked by the supervisor(s) alone; the written report and oral examination will be double-marked. The overall module assessment will comprise marks for:
Progress - from the student's development and progress on the project throughout the period of the module; this will take into account effort, self-reliance, initiative and work organisation.
Content - the creation of an artefact, the analysis, conceptual and technical design as well as the complexity of the solution, testing and evaluation. The report, taking account of the abstract, introduction and description of background, aims, outline of work undertaken, formulation, solution, discussion and conclusion.
Presentation - from the oral presentation of findings, taking account of structure and organisation of presentation, rapport with audience or interviewer, visual and/or audible clarity, style, answering questions; from the written presentation of findings, taking account of organisation of chapters and sections, logical structure, use of abstract and appendices, tables, graphs, style, clarity of expression, accurate use of
language, layout and appearance. There will be opportunities for formative assessment during the module.
Learning Outcome | Assessment Strategy |
---|---|
1) carry out a literature search to summarise and evaluate background work relevant to the chosen course, undertake an investigation of the planned topic and critically evaluate the outcomes | Coursework: Project proposal, report and progress blog |
2) plan tasks within time and other commitment constraints | Coursework: Project proposal and progress blog |
3) produce a well-structured written report demonstrating a sound understanding of the theory of the chosen project area including relevant references and use of language, diagrams, tables and graphs where necessary | Coursework: Report |
4) present or answer questions clearly and concisely in a structured interview about their work | Practical Examination: Viva and interim demos |
5) create an artefact relating to the chosen course | Coursework: Artefact and report |
6) identify and take account of relevant legal, social and ethical issues | Coursework: Artefact and report |
Description of Assessment | Definitive UNISTATS Categories | Percentage |
---|---|---|
Proposal and progress blog | Coursework | 20% |
Artefact and report | Coursework | 60% |
Viva and interim demos | Practical Examination | 20% |
Total (to equal 100%) | 100% |
It IS NOT a requirement that major element of assessment is passed separately in order to achieve an overall pass for the module. The project module cannot be compensated. Refer to the relevant programme specification section J for full information.
Reading as advised by the supervisor
Christian Dawson (2015), Projects in Computing and Information Systems: A Student's Guide (3rd edition), Pearson Education. ISBN: 1292073462
McMillan, Kathleen and Weyers, Jonathan (2011), How to write essays and assignments, Prentice Hall
Holthom D and Fisher E, (2014), 2nd Edition, Enjoy Writing Your Science Thesis or Dissertation!, Imperial College Press, London