The overarching aim of this individual project module is to provide you with the opportunity to impress. Working on a topic of your own choosing, with minimal guidance from your supervisor, you should apply approximately 300 hours of individual effort into the analysis of the problem and determination of the best solution or course of action. That 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 operational or engineering nature, though other other topics may be permitted with the agreement of the module leader.
By completing a capstone project of this nature, you are able to demonstrate that you can draw together the information from all the other teaching and learning on the course and, through innovation and analysis, demonstrate that you truly are independent learners.
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 material studied in levels 4 and 5 as a baseline but should quickly extend the student beyond this into the unknown. A project should allow the student the opportunity to demonstrate that they have the ability to determine solutions to problems that are beyond their current understanding. It will allow them to demonstrate that, through reading round the topic, they can work out a route build incrementally upon what they do know so as to achieve the project aim. They will do this largely on their own with perhaps a little guidance from their supervisor. A project that is based solely on material already delivered can only warrant a mediocre pass.
Students will be given guidance on selection of a suitable topic for their project at the start of the academic year (or even before if possible). They will be allocated a project supervisor who is familiar with the general field of study who will guide them through the process towards successful completion. Students should meet with their supervisor for approximately 30 minutes each week; it is, however, the student's responsibility to do so. The assessment strategy outlined below should help guide the student as to what they need to achieve. Students should start by reading round the topic and, base on this, determine exactly what it is they are trying to achieve. They will then construct a plan which will be agreed by their supervisor who will then monitor their progress through that plan, observing how they deal with problems, offering guidance as required. At the end of the project, the student will be required to have delivered a short presentation and to submit a formal project report. Students may seek specialist advice from individual members of staff in addition to their supervisor. Projects working with industry on a real-life issue are strongly recommended if such can be found.
The student is expected to commit about 300 hours to independent study.
| Definitive UNISTATS Category | Indicative Description | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Scheduled learning and teaching | 3 two hour lectures 20 half hour tutorial sessions | 6 10 |
| Guided independent study | 284 | |
| 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. Following selection of the project by the student, the first piece of assessed work is a planning report, typically worth 15% of the module marks. For this the student must describe his aims and objectives and detail the tasks to be undertaken to achieve them. A risk register will also be included. Having thus made sure that the project, as schemed, meets the requirements, the student can then get on with it. Towards the end of the project the student will be required to give a short presentation on his/her work, this being worth 10% of the module marks. At the end of the project, the student will be required to submit a project report of about 10,000 words detailing what has been achieved, this being worth 60% of the module marks. As this represents a significant proportion of the overall assessment, it is double blind marked to ensure fairness and provide moderation. The remaining 15% of the marks are awarded by the supervisor for the effort the student has applied; this being assessed through the routine meetings between supervisor and student and from the student's logbook. On-going discussion with both the personal tutor and supervisor will assist the student in the development of strategies for improvement and enhancement.
| Learning Outcome | Assessment Strategy |
|---|---|
| Investigate or review a specified topic according to given guidelines. | Coursework |
| Organise and carry out any appropriate experimental work, questionnaires and/or surveys. | Coursework |
| Collate data from experimental work or other sources and use appropriate statistical methods to analyse data. | Coursework |
| Draw conclusions based on analysis of information/data and comment on them. | Coursework |
| Present information and arguments orally and in the form of a poster-style display. Structure a report according to guidelines provided and write, in clear English, a description of the project and a logical discussion of the processes, results and conclusions. | Coursework |
| Description of Assessment | Definitive UNISTATS Categories | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| Coursework | Planning report | 15% |
| Coursework | Project presentation | 10% |
| Coursework | Final report | 60% |
| Coursework | Student effort | 15% |
| Total (to equal 100%) | 100% | |
There is only one major category of assessment which must be passed. Compensation for marginal failure is not permitted.
Alley, Michael. (1996) 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.(2004) Mastering Communication.4th ed. Pelgrave Master Series. ISBN-10 0-333-6934344