Module Details

Module Code: INTR9016
Title: Research Project Preparation
Long Title: Graduate Research Project Preparation
NFQ Level: Expert
Valid From: Semester 1 - 2011/12 ( September 2011 )
Duration: 1 Semester
Credits: 10
Field of Study: 5213 - Interdisciplinary Engineering
Module Delivered in: 1 programme(s)
Module Description: Detailed investigation and conversion of an engineering "problem" to "research or development need". The state of the art will be defined, solution strategies proposed, evaluated (incl. risk) and a definitive solution pathway defined in detail.
 
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this module the learner will be able to:
# Learning Outcome Description
LO1 Distil and critically analyse knowledge and demonstrate understanding of the the current state of the art relating to a new and complex engineering problem.
LO2 Generate a number of alternative potential solution strategies and recommend the optimum with respect to objective criteria.
LO3 Evaluate and select the most appropriate mathematical methods, scientific principles or computer based methods for the formulation, analysis, solution and communication of a complex engineering problem.
LO4 Validate a rigorous problem solving methodology for an ill-defined engineering problem.
LO5 Define and develop a technical research or development proposal for an ill-defined engineering problem.
LO6 Conduct a risk assessment of the health and safety, environmental, ethical and sustainability implications of a proposed engineering problem solving strategy
LO7 Develop and propose a detailed project management plan to solve an ill-defined engineering problem which is subject to numerous constraints.
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
Engineering project development methodologies
Use of standardised development methodologies e.g. Stage-Gate (TM) Technology and Product Development Process: technology scoping, assessment, transfer; innovation maps as linkages between technology and needs (customer, market). Needs analysis: voice of customer, house of quality; achieving an agreed definition of needs.
Determination of state of the art
Review of peer-reviewed scientific literature: use of on-line databases, analysis of scientific papers, synthesis of key points. Intellectual property analysis, patent searching and analysis. Identification and review of technical literature from research institutes and government agencies, commercial technical literature. Identification and review of international and national standards. Determination of current industrial practice and trends, including sustainability.
Technical research or development proposal
Devising an experimental or work programme to satisfy expressed needs. Incorporation of appropriate support tools: design software, experimental design regimes, measurement methods, error and sensitivity analysis. Identification, specification and procurement of project execution needs (constraints and resources: equipment, materials, access, supports - analytical, post-processing evaluation).
Risk assessment
Risk assessment of a project: health and safety, environmental, technical viability, commercial significance. Measures to ensure conformity with applicable norms, standards and legislation e.g. health and safety, and measures to mitigate impacts. Ethical appraisal of solution strategies, outcomes and impacts.
Communication
Synthesis of findings into a concise, measurable work programme with milestones and deliverables. Written and oral communications: definition of objectives and delivery. Engagement with needs "owner", if appropriate.
Module Content & Assessment
Assessment Breakdown%
Coursework100.00%

Assessments

Coursework
Assessment Type Presentation % of Total Mark 20
Timing Week 6 Learning Outcomes 1,2,3
Assessment Description
Problem description; scoping; preliminary review of state of the art; assessment of solution methodologies and recommendation. The presentation will be supported by appropriate slides and progress report.
Assessment Type Written Report % of Total Mark 60
Timing Week 12 Learning Outcomes 1,2,3,4,5,7
Assessment Description
Research project elaboration. Detailed report on the research proposal, methodology, management plan and comprehensive and detailed review of the state of the art.
Assessment Type Oral Examination/Interview % of Total Mark 20
Timing Sem End Learning Outcomes 1,2,3,4,5,7
Assessment Description
Research proposal defence. Presentation and discussion.
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 Weekly progress review Every Week 0.50 0.5
Independent & Directed Learning (Non-contact) Non Contact Problem analysis and synthesis and independent learning Every Week 13.50 13.5
Total Hours 14.00
Total Weekly Learner Workload 14.00
Total Weekly Contact Hours 0.50
This module has no Part Time workload.
 
Module Resources
Recommended Book Resources
  • Warren D. Seider, J.D. Seader, Daniel R. Lewin, Soemantri Widagdo,. (2010), Product and Process Design Principles: Synthesis, Analysis and Design, 3rd Edition, 3rd. Wiley, [ISBN: 978 0 470 41441 5].
  • Gina Wisker. The postgraduate research handbook, [ISBN: 9780230521308].
  • Van Emden, J.. (2005), Writing for Engineers, 3rd. Palgrave Macmillan, Basingstoke, [ISBN: 9781403946003].
  • Martin Brett Davies. Doing a Successful Research Project, [ISBN: 9781403993793].
Supplementary Book Resources
  • Richard Pears, Graham Shields. Cite Them Right: The essential referencing guide, [ISBN: 9780230272316].
  • H.E. Sales. Professional Communication in Engineering, [ISBN: 9780230580138].
  • Ben Marsden, Crosbie Smith. Engineering Empires, [ISBN: 9780230507043].
  • John Davies. (2010), Communication Skills: A Guide for Engineering and Applied Science Students, 3rd. Pearson Education, [ISBN: 9780273729525].
  • Jonathan Weyers, Kathleen McMillan,. How to Write Dissertations and Project Reports, [ISBN: 9780273726937].
  • Anthony Wheeler. (2010), Introduction to Engineering Experimentation, 3rd Edition. Pearson Education, [ISBN: 9780135113141].
This module does not have any article/paper resources
This module does not have any other resources
 
Module Delivered in
Programme Code Programme Semester Delivery
CR_ECHBI_9 Master of Engineering in Chemical and Biopharmaceutical Engineering 2 Mandatory