Module Descriptors
INDUSTRIAL BASED PROJECT
ELEC60310
Key Facts
Digital, Technology, Innovation and Business
Level 6
60 credits
Contact
Leader: Cedric Belloc
Email: Cedric.Belloc@staffs.ac.uk
Hours of Study
Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities: 28
Independent Study Hours: 572
Total Learning Hours: 600
Assessment
- REPORT weighted at 100%
Module Details
Module Special Admissions Requirements
None
Module Resources
Key Website Resources:
IEEE Citation Reference: http://www.ieee.org/documents/ieeecitationref.pdf;
Citing and Referencing Guide: BMJ Vancouver Style:
http://www.southampton.ac.uk/library/resources/documents/vancouverreferencing.pdf;
Guidelines for writing an undergraduate engineering project:
http://ieeexplore.ieee.org/stamp/stamp.jsp?tp=&arnumber=5310138
IET Study Resources: http://www.theiet.org/students/resources/index.cfm;
+ Industrial-based Project Guide document available on the VLE and additional sources as directed by the Academic Supervisor.
IEEE Citation Reference: http://www.ieee.org/documents/ieeecitationref.pdf;
Citing and Referencing Guide: BMJ Vancouver Style:
http://www.southampton.ac.uk/library/resources/documents/vancouverreferencing.pdf;
Guidelines for writing an undergraduate engineering project:
http://ieeexplore.ieee.org/stamp/stamp.jsp?tp=&arnumber=5310138
IET Study Resources: http://www.theiet.org/students/resources/index.cfm;
+ Industrial-based Project Guide document available on the VLE and additional sources as directed by the Academic Supervisor.
Module Learning Strategies
Independent project work, discussion with academic and industrial supervisors.
Module Additional Assessment Details
A REPORT weighted at 100%. Typical word count: 10,000-12,000.
This industrial placement has the value of 60 credits. A detailed grid showing assessment criteria is used but in summary the three main areas of assessment are:
Log: An evidence portfolio built up by the student, including planning and development notes, a diary recording progress and reflective comments;
Presentation: An initial presentation and then a final formal presentation which includes a poster display;
Report: Interim and Final Formal written reports.
This industrial placement has the value of 60 credits. A detailed grid showing assessment criteria is used but in summary the three main areas of assessment are:
Log: An evidence portfolio built up by the student, including planning and development notes, a diary recording progress and reflective comments;
Presentation: An initial presentation and then a final formal presentation which includes a poster display;
Report: Interim and Final Formal written reports.
Module Texts
Essential reading:
Northey, M. and Jewinski, J. (2009) Making Sense in Engineering and the Technical Sciences: A Student¿s Guide to Research and Writing, 3rd Edn., OUP Canada.
Bary-Kahn, P. et al. (2010) A Practical Guide to Technical Reports and Presentations for Scientists, Engineers, and Students, Pearson Custom Publishing.
Fitchett, P. and Haslam, J. (2002) Writing Engineering Specifications, 2nd Edn., London: Eand FN Spon.
Neville, C. (2010) The Complete Guide to Referencing and Avoiding Plagiarism, 2nd Edn., Open University Press.
Nicholas, J.M. and Steyn, H. (2011) Project Management for Engineering, Business, and Technology, 4th Edn., Butterworth-Heinemann.
Recommended reading:
Meredith, J.R. and Mantel, S.J. (2012) Project Management: A Managerial Approach, 8th Edn., John Wiley and Sons, Inc.
Smith, N.J. (2007) Engineering Project Management, 3rd Edn., Wiley-Blackwell.
Silyn-Roberts, H. (2000) Writing For Science and Engineering Papers, Presentations and Reports, Butterworth-Heinmann.
Northey, M. and Jewinski, J. (2009) Making Sense in Engineering and the Technical Sciences: A Student¿s Guide to Research and Writing, 3rd Edn., OUP Canada.
Bary-Kahn, P. et al. (2010) A Practical Guide to Technical Reports and Presentations for Scientists, Engineers, and Students, Pearson Custom Publishing.
Fitchett, P. and Haslam, J. (2002) Writing Engineering Specifications, 2nd Edn., London: Eand FN Spon.
Neville, C. (2010) The Complete Guide to Referencing and Avoiding Plagiarism, 2nd Edn., Open University Press.
Nicholas, J.M. and Steyn, H. (2011) Project Management for Engineering, Business, and Technology, 4th Edn., Butterworth-Heinemann.
Recommended reading:
Meredith, J.R. and Mantel, S.J. (2012) Project Management: A Managerial Approach, 8th Edn., John Wiley and Sons, Inc.
Smith, N.J. (2007) Engineering Project Management, 3rd Edn., Wiley-Blackwell.
Silyn-Roberts, H. (2000) Writing For Science and Engineering Papers, Presentations and Reports, Butterworth-Heinmann.
Module Indicative Content
The Industrial-based project is an integral component of the integrated MEng degree programmes. It will normally be for 24 weeks (including statutory holiday), commencing September to May.
Although it will be the student responsibility to find his/her own industrial-based project, the University via its Careers Centre will offer significant help and support. The School placement officer will be in regular contact with both students and companies/organisations.
The industrial-based project will expose the student to a wide range of professional competences which are part of the modern engineer's work. The industrial context of the project work is important, but the educational objectives will override commercial concerns.
An ideal project will provide the student with the opportunity for a background investigation and analysis of relevant science and technology, detailed design work and component selection, manufacture and assembly, and practical examination, communication and evaluation of the outcome. The work must not be exclusively analytical, but should include sufficient novelty to be a challenge to the student.
It is intended that the project be carried out in industry, under joint academic and industrial supervision. The project will normally be conducted on an individual basis with the student collaborating closely with engineers in the company. In the event that a company can take on more than one student, the students may work together but must still work in close collaboration with experienced engineers and each student will have separately identified objectives and tasks.
In the event that an Industrial partner cannot accommodate a student within its own premises to undertake his/her project he/she will be able to work at the University but under the same arrangement as above.
This module is assessed entirely by means of Coursework.
Monitoring and Supervision
This industrial-based project forms 50% of the assessment for Level 6 of the MEng programmes. The intended learning outcomes are critically dependent upon a productive relationship between the student, the industrial partner and the University. It is therefore essential that there is a good working relationship between the student and the industrial partner, and that the project topic is both suitable for the student and capable of delivering the educational objectives.
Preparation and planning for this industrial-based project together with initial visits will start at the end Level 5 in order for arrangements to be established in April/May. By beginning of June, students will visit the company with the Module Leader or his/her Academic Supervisor and the Placement Officer to devise the project outline. The objectives of the work to be undertaken by the student will be discussed and agreed with the employer (or work placement provider), the student and the Industrial-based Project Module Leader/Academic Supervisor to ensure that the work to be undertaken by the student is both of value to the employer and meets the requirements of the module learning outcomes. Discussions proceed once work on the project has commenced to refine the specification, and precise role of the student within the overall activities of the industrial partner. Any additional input from the University should be defined at this stage (e.g. additional specialist supervision or other resources).
Regular monthly electronic progress reports are required from the student.
A written interim report, due one month into the project, forms the basis of a formal visit to teh company and review by the Academic Supervisor and the Placement Officer with input from the Industrial Supervisor. In addition to details of technical progress on the project the report must also outline background research and provide a Gantt chart for completion of the project. This review will include feedback from the industrial supervisor. A second formal visit to the student will be made in January/February
Although it will be the student responsibility to find his/her own industrial-based project, the University via its Careers Centre will offer significant help and support. The School placement officer will be in regular contact with both students and companies/organisations.
The industrial-based project will expose the student to a wide range of professional competences which are part of the modern engineer's work. The industrial context of the project work is important, but the educational objectives will override commercial concerns.
An ideal project will provide the student with the opportunity for a background investigation and analysis of relevant science and technology, detailed design work and component selection, manufacture and assembly, and practical examination, communication and evaluation of the outcome. The work must not be exclusively analytical, but should include sufficient novelty to be a challenge to the student.
It is intended that the project be carried out in industry, under joint academic and industrial supervision. The project will normally be conducted on an individual basis with the student collaborating closely with engineers in the company. In the event that a company can take on more than one student, the students may work together but must still work in close collaboration with experienced engineers and each student will have separately identified objectives and tasks.
In the event that an Industrial partner cannot accommodate a student within its own premises to undertake his/her project he/she will be able to work at the University but under the same arrangement as above.
This module is assessed entirely by means of Coursework.
Monitoring and Supervision
This industrial-based project forms 50% of the assessment for Level 6 of the MEng programmes. The intended learning outcomes are critically dependent upon a productive relationship between the student, the industrial partner and the University. It is therefore essential that there is a good working relationship between the student and the industrial partner, and that the project topic is both suitable for the student and capable of delivering the educational objectives.
Preparation and planning for this industrial-based project together with initial visits will start at the end Level 5 in order for arrangements to be established in April/May. By beginning of June, students will visit the company with the Module Leader or his/her Academic Supervisor and the Placement Officer to devise the project outline. The objectives of the work to be undertaken by the student will be discussed and agreed with the employer (or work placement provider), the student and the Industrial-based Project Module Leader/Academic Supervisor to ensure that the work to be undertaken by the student is both of value to the employer and meets the requirements of the module learning outcomes. Discussions proceed once work on the project has commenced to refine the specification, and precise role of the student within the overall activities of the industrial partner. Any additional input from the University should be defined at this stage (e.g. additional specialist supervision or other resources).
Regular monthly electronic progress reports are required from the student.
A written interim report, due one month into the project, forms the basis of a formal visit to teh company and review by the Academic Supervisor and the Placement Officer with input from the Industrial Supervisor. In addition to details of technical progress on the project the report must also outline background research and provide a Gantt chart for completion of the project. This review will include feedback from the industrial supervisor. A second formal visit to the student will be made in January/February