MEng Individual Investigative Project - 2023 entry

The MEng Individual Project module will enable you to put into practice your research, project management and engineering skills, in the investigation of an engineering research question. This is a research focused project that will give you the opportunity to develop a deep level of understanding in a research area of your choice. You will work with engineering academics in their areas of expertise and contribute towards engineering innovation.

Upon selecting of an area of research interest, you will, in collaboration with your research supervisor, develop a research question based on your review and assessment of the existing literature. You will develop a hypothesis and set about designing a programme of research that allows you to test your hypothesis. Projects may range from heavily experimental to purely theoretical or numerical.

You will disseminate your research findings by producing an academic paper and presentation. A goal throughout your project will be the production of publishable work that advances the state of knowledge. To this end, you will produce an academic paper. Should your work have made a contribution to the state of knowledge on your chosen topic and be endorsed by your supervisor, your paper will be submitted for publication in an academic journal.

Additionally all project papers will be presented at the Exeter Engineering Conference at the end of the academic year. The conference will be attended by academics, invited industry guests and fellow students. It will serve as an assessment opportunity, a celebration of your academic career thus far and a networking opportunity to kick-off your professional engineering career.

Upon completion of your project you will have determined the validity of your hypothesis, developed an expert level of knowledge in your chosen area and accumulated a range of valuable skills in research practice, critical thinking, project management and problem solving. These skills will leave you well placed to tackle real-world engineering challenges at the forefront of your discipline.

The aim of this project is to apply the knowledge and skills you have developed during the course of your studies. Unlike previous project work in your degree, you will work independently of your peers. This will give you the opportunity to drive the direction and success of this, your final capstone university project.

This project also aims to give you experience of research and investigation on the edge of your field, beyond the routine and ordinary. As a Masters level student, demonstrating your ability to independently research and investigate a research question is essential. It is also a skill expected of a Chartered Engineer.

Discipline and Module Intended Learning Outcomes:

On successful completion of this module you should be able to:

ILO.1: Demonstrate a deep level of understanding on your chosen topic and knowledge of the key literature in the field

ILO.2: Identify relevant and credible literature in the investigation of an engineering challenge or research question

ILO.3: Establish where the limits of the literature are on a chosen topic

ILO.4: Develop a research hypothesis based on an assessment of the literature

ILO.5: Design a programme of research capable of testing a hypothesis

ILO.6: Write a compelling project proposal that articulates why your research should be supported

ILO.7: Effectively manage a programme of research with due regard for scientific rigour and project deadlines
 
ILO.8: Effectively manage risk and adapt a project plan in the face of changing circumstances (e.g. unforeseen delays)

ILO.9: Critically analyse and present data to support your conclusions

ILO.10: Select appropriate research methods and tools to complete your research and work, and to evaluate and understand your system performance to maintain and improve quality

ILO.11: Produce an academic paper that gives you complete and accurate account of your work and findings

ILO.12: Present your work and field questions from an informed audience in a professional manner

The project does not have a set syllabus. Your learning activities will be self-directed and bespoke to your individual project. You will receive, support and guidance from your research supervisor. You should expect to carry out a significant amount of background reading and self-directed learning of various, theories, methodologies, toolsets (e.g. software) and/or (experimental) techniques.

Project log

Reassessment will be by a single piece of coursework worth 100% of the module. For deferred candidates, the mark will be uncapped. For referred candidates, the mark will be capped at 50%.

Reading list for this module: