The overarching aim of this individual project module is to provide each student with the opportunity to impress. Working on a topic of their own choosing, the student, with minimal guidance from their supervisor, should apply approximately 300 hours of individual effort into the analysis of a problem and determination of the best solution and/or course of action. The analysis can take a variety of forms ranging from an in-depth comparison of a number of already documented potential solutions to the collection and comparison of experimental and theoretical data. The topic investigated should ideally be of an aircraft maintenance or engineering nature, though other topics may be permitted with the agreement of the module leader.
By completing a capstone project of this type, each student is able to demonstrate that they can draw together the information from all the other teaching and learning on the course and past learning and experience; and through innovation and analysis, demonstrate that they truly are independent learners.
The aim of this module is to develop a student's ability to:
On successful completion of the module, students will be able to:
The project can cover any subject area related to the programme of study. The best projects generally allow the student to use knowledge, understanding and skills gained from previous courses (academic and vocational) and/or working in the field as a baseline. However, they should extend the student beyond this into the unknown.
The project should provide an opportunity for the student to demonstrate that they have the ability to analyse problems and identify solutions that are beyond their current level of understanding and outside their comfort-zone. It should require the student to research and read around a topic to develop their knowledge and understanding; and provide them with an opportunity to reflect on their knowledge and abilities, identify shortfalls and take the necessary action to bridge gaps.
Students will be expected to plan, manage and progress their project to a successful conclusion. Whilst each student will be allocated a Project Supervisor, students requiring a lot of guidance or support, or who complete a project based primarily on data and material already available will not achieve a good grade.
Students will be allocated a Project Supervisor and given guidance on the selection of a suitable topic for their project at the start of the academic year (or earlier if possible). The supervisor will be familiar with the general field of study and will there to guide the student through the module/project and to make sure it stays on track. However, it must be noted that, whilst help and guidance will be given, this is a student-driven module and students requiring an excessive input from supervisors (and others) will not achieve a good grade. The primary role of the supervisor should be confirming that what is "presented" by the student is relevant and appropriate.
Both full-time and part-time students will be expected to maintain regular contact with their supervisor over the lifetime of the project/module. It is the student's responsibility to contact the supervisor to arrange meetings and the level of contact described here will not be regarded as excessive. Full-time students should arrange to meet, face-to-face, with their supervisor once per week. Ideally, part-time students should also have weekly face-to-face meetings with their supervisor; however, this will often not be possible. In such circumstances, part-time students should arrange a video-conference (Skype) call with their supervisor or email them a brief progress report. Part-time students will get an opportunity to meet face-to face with their supervisors during the attendance periods.
Students are expected to have carried out a preliminary investigation into the topic of their project at the time of project selection to ensure the project is viable. Once the project has been agreed with the supervisor, students are expected to start by reading round the topic of their project to determine exactly what it is they are trying to achieve. Students will then construct a plan for completing the project which will be discussed and agreed with their supervisor. One the project is started the supervisor will monitor the student's progress against their plan, observing how they deal with problems and offering guidance as required.
The first point of contact for any project related issues is the supervisor. However, students also may seek specialist advice from other members of staff.
Projects working with industry on a real-life issue are strongly recommended. However, such projects can be hard to find and are therefore not compulsory.
The student is expected to commit about 300 hours to independent study on this module.
| Definitive UNISTATS Category | Indicative Description | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Scheduled learning and teaching | Group and/or individual tutorial sessions (may not be face-to-face for part-time students) | 16 |
| Guided independent study | 284 | |
| Study abroad / placement | ||
| Total (number of credits x 10) | 300 | |
Summative assessment is made up from:
The aim of the coursework is to lead the student through the process of running a successful project. Therefore, the coursework comprises a number of pieces of assessment that are completed at intervals throughout the programme: interim report, presentation and final report. The student is also expected to maintain a project log book that contributes to a mark for effort awarded by the supervisor.
The interim report is the first piece of assessment and is typically worth 20% of the module marks. The interim report is summative but it will also provide the student with feedback and feed-forward that will assist in the production of the presentation and final project report. The report also provides an opportunity for the supervisor to confirm that the aim, objectives and plan are appropriate.
The presentation, typically worth 20% of the module marks, provides an opportunity for the student to demonstrate their presentation production and delivery skills and provides another opportunity for further feedback on the project and its progress.
The final submission comprises the project report and Log Book worth 60% of the overall module mark. The report is a substantial piece of written work that makes a very significant contribution to the overall module mark; therefore, it is blind second marked to ensure fairness and to provide moderation. The log book mark provides an indication of the effort demonstrated by the student throughout the project and is the place where the student is expected to record all matters related to the project. However, it is also the place where the student is able to record reflection (emotion is encouraged) on the project and the module in general.
| Learning Outcome | Assessment Strategy |
|---|---|
| 1. Investigate or review a specified topic according to given guidelines with minimal guidance. | Coursework |
| 2. Apply relevant techniques to systematically design a system, a component or a process to solve a problem. | Coursework |
| 3. Demonstrate ability in several (scope dependent) of the following areas: a. Research and information-gathering. b. Qualitative and quantitative analysis. c. Designing and carrying out practical activities with due regard to safety. d. Working with incomplete information and assessing the effects of incomplete information on the project outcomes. e. Evaluating the impact of design on society and the environment. | Coursework |
| 4. Draw reasoned conclusions from the analysis of data and present evidence based arguments to support them. | Coursework |
| 5. Present data, reasoned arguments and evidence orally and in written form to specialist and non-specialist audiences. | Coursework |
| Description of Assessment | Definitive UNISTATS Categories | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| Interim Report | Coursework | 20% |
| Final Project Report and Log Book | Coursework | 60% |
| Project Presentation | Practical Exam | 20% |
| Total (to equal 100%) | 100% | |
It IS a requirement that the major category of assessment is passed in order to achieve an overall pass for the module. Compensation for a marginal failure is not permitted and reassessment is normally by repeat only.
The material provided and the recommended reading for the Aircraft Maintenance Operations module.
Alley, Michael. (2017) The Craft of Scientific Writing. 3rd ed. Springer Scientific + Business media inc. ISBN-13 978-0387947662
Seely, John. (2005) Oxford Guide to Effective Writing and Speaking. 2nd ed. Oxford University Press. ISBN-13 978-019280613-0
Stanton, Nicky. (2009) Mastering Communication. 5th ed. Palgrave Master Series. ISBN-13 978-0230216921