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Individual Project

  • Module code: CI6100
  • Year: 2018/9
  • Level: 6
  • Credits: 30
  • Pre-requisites: None
  • Co-requisites: None

Summary

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.

Aims

  • To give experience of undertaking some personal research, analysis and the development of an artefact, or an application of techniques from one or more of these areas to a practical problem relevant to the chosen course.
  • To demonstrate, independently and with supervision, the ability to develop a technical solution by using a relevant methodology.
  • To enhance written and oral communication skills and time management
  • To provide preparation for future careers or further study.

Learning outcomes

On successful completion of the module, students will be able to:

  • 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;
  • plan tasks within time and other commitment constraints;
  • 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;
  • present or answer questions clearly and concisely in a structured interview about their work;
  • create an artefact relating to the chosen course;
  • identify and take account of relevant legal, social and ethical issues.

Curriculum content

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.

Teaching and learning strategy

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.

Breakdown of Teaching and Learning Hours

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

Assessment strategy

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.

Mapping of Learning Outcomes to Assessment Strategy (Indicative)

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

Elements of Assessment

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%

Achieving a pass

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.

Bibliography core texts

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

Bibliography recommended reading

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

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