Module Details

Module Code: INTR8022
Title: Eng. Project Initialisation
Long Title: Engineering Project Initialisation
NFQ Level: Advanced
Valid From: Semester 2 - 2019/20 ( January 2020 )
Duration: 1 Semester
Credits: 5
Field of Study: 5213 - Interdisciplinary Engineering
Module Delivered in: 2 programme(s)
Module Description: This module develops within the learner the knowledge, skills, and competences required to successfully start an engineering project. The module requires that the learner develop a project plan, design a solution to an open-ended unstructured problem and commence the implementation of the proposed solution. A key aspect of this implementation is that the learner begins to gather relevant data through simulation software, developed prototypes or from existing systems. Some preliminary conclusions are drawn from this data. The learner is expected to work autonomously under direction of a project supervisor and to communicate the process and outcomes of their work in a style and manner appropriate for professional practitioners in the engineering profession.
 
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this module the learner will be able to:
# Learning Outcome Description
LO1 Develop and implement a project plan for an open-ended unstructured project
LO2 Perform a literature review using reputable sources and publications.
LO3 Research and design a solution for an open-ended unstructured project
LO4 Collect preliminary data relevant to the project solution through experimentation, simulation or prototype development
LO5 Communicate project progress and outcomes using oral methods to a high ethical and professional standard
LO6 Communicate project progress and outcomes using written methods to a high ethical and professional standard
Dependencies
Module Recommendations

This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is strongly recommended before enrolment in this module. You may enrol in this module if you have not acquired the recommended learning but you will have considerable difficulty in passing (i.e. achieving the learning outcomes of) the module. While the prior learning is expressed as named MTU module(s) it also allows for learning (in another module or modules) which is equivalent to the learning specified in the named module(s).
Incompatible Modules
These are modules which have learning outcomes that are too similar to the learning outcomes of this module. You may not earn additional credit for the same learning and therefore you may not enrol in this module if you have successfully completed any modules in the incompatible list.
No incompatible modules listed
Co-requisite Modules
No Co-requisite modules listed
Requirements

This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is mandatory before enrolment in this module is allowed. You may not enrol on this module if you have not acquired the learning specified in this section.
No requirements listed
 
Indicative Content
Planning
Develop a project plan that includes a work break-down description, monthly deliverables and a Gantt Chart using appropriate software.
Management
Meet with project supervisor at arranged time every week. Maintain minutes of these meetings using the approved template and share with project supervisor.
Implementation
This is predominantly self-directed learning with support from the project supervisor. Research and develop a solution that meets the project specification, collect preliminary data (from simulation, prototype or physical system) and draw some conclusions from that data. The learner should utilise the curriculum content as a whole to support this endeavor, in addition to external sources e.g. Internet, Library and other professionals.
Written Report
Write a professional report that conveys the project outcomes in accordance with the Departments template and recommendations. The report should be succinct and focus on the proposed solution, technical work completed to date, results gathered, and an analysis of those results.
Oral Presentation
Describe the project work to date and main outcomes via an oral presentation. Defend and explain decisions, solutions, results and analysis in a question and answer session.
Module Content & Assessment
Assessment Breakdown%
Coursework100.00%

Assessments

Coursework
Assessment Type Presentation % of Total Mark 15
Timing Week 4 Learning Outcomes 1,5,6
Assessment Description
Present project description and plan via a short formal (5min) presentation. Submit log book.
Assessment Type Written Report % of Total Mark 15
Timing Week 8 Learning Outcomes 3,5,6
Assessment Description
Student is to present a short project report to their supervisor outlining project description and proposed solution. This should adhere to professional and ethical standards. Submit log book.
Assessment Type Presentation % of Total Mark 20
Timing Sem End Learning Outcomes 1,3,4,5
Assessment Description
Ten minute presentation followed by Q&A session outlining project achievements and analysis of preliminary data.
Assessment Type Written Report % of Total Mark 50
Timing Sem End Learning Outcomes 1,3,4,5
Assessment Description
Project report describing and analysing the work completed this semester. Log book to be included as an appendix. Report should be less than 20 A4 pages.
No End of Module Formal Examination
Reassessment Requirement
Coursework Only
This module is reassessed solely on the basis of re-submitted coursework. There is no repeat written examination.

The University reserves the right to alter the nature and timings of assessment

 

Module Workload

Workload: Full Time
Workload Type Contact Type Workload Description Frequency Average Weekly Learner Workload Hours
Lecturer-Supervised Learning (Contact) Contact Meeting with project supervisor Every Week 0.50 0.5
Independent Learning Non Contact Project development, management and documentation Every Week 6.50 6.5
Total Hours 7.00
Total Weekly Learner Workload 7.00
Total Weekly Contact Hours 0.50
Workload: Part Time
Workload Type Contact Type Workload Description Frequency Average Weekly Learner Workload Hours
Lecturer-Supervised Learning (Contact) Contact Meeting with project supervisor Every Week 0.50 0.5
Independent Learning Non Contact Project development, management and documentation Every Week 6.50 6.5
Total Hours 7.00
Total Weekly Learner Workload 7.00
Total Weekly Contact Hours 0.50
 
Module Resources
Recommended Book Resources
  • Phillip A. Laplante. (2018), Technical Writing (What Every Engineer Should Know), 2nd. Routledge, [ISBN: 1138628107].
Supplementary Book Resources
  • Anthea Sutton ,Diana Papaioannou ,Andrew Booth. (2016), Systematic Approaches to a Successful Literature Review, Sage Publications Ltd, [ISBN: 9781473912465].
  • Peter Levin. (2011), Excellent Dissertations!, 2nd. Open University Press, Maidenhead, [ISBN: 978-0335238613].
  • Harvey F. Hoffman. (2014), The Engineering Capstone Course: Fundamentals for Students and Instructors, Springer, [ISBN: 3319058967].
This module does not have any article/paper resources
Other Resources
 
Module Delivered in
Programme Code Programme Semester Delivery
CR_EEPSY_8 Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) in Electrical Engineering 7 Mandatory
CR_EELES_8 Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) in Electronic Engineering 7 Mandatory