Research Project Portfolio

Code

CHEE4008

School

Chemical and Environmental Engineering

Level

4

Credits

20

Semesters

Autumn UK

Summary

The projects are student-driven, with tutoring/research/ and reporting/training from their allocated supervisor. In determining the content and scope of the work for the project the student must demonstrate that: (1) clear aims and objectives have been identified; (2) the proposal is based on the application of appropriate research methods; (3) data of sufficient detail and quantity has been obtained from one or more sources; (4) the data have been analysed and/or tested with objectivity to reveal conclusions and recommendations; (5) the study is independent of other student input.



The Research Project Portfolio will comprise three different activities: (i) a reflective essay (ii) a literature review and (iii) research project planning. These are aimed at ensuring the student has a sound base from which to build in respect of their individual research project in conjunction with their sponsoring company.



This module needs to be completed in the first year of study for the Engineering Doctorate.

Target Students

Only suitable for EngD students as explained above

Classes

Students will meet with the lecturer during individual informal meetings to review progress and submit the following drafts. • A draft of the reflective essay to be submitted by 28th February 2010 • A draft of the of detailed planning of the research project to be submitted by 30th April 2010 • A draft of a literature review of the research topic area to be submitted by 30th June 2010

Assessment

• 25% Coursework 1: 2000-3000 word reflective essay
• 25% Report: 3000-5000 word report
• 50% Coursework 2: 5000-10000 word literature review

Assessed by end of designated period

Educational Aims

Learning Outcomes

a) Knowledge and understanding On completion of the module students should have a knowledge and understanding of:- the design of a research project to explore a defined problem or research question;
 

- the application of appropriate quantitative and/or qualitative methods and techniques of data capture and analysis;
 

- reporting and presentation of the results of research in an appropriate manner.

b) Intellectual skills – ability to: On completion of the module students should be able to:
- define a research problem and define a set of aims and objectives for study; 
 

- discover and critically review relevant sources of information; 
 

- develop a method to collect data and produce results relevant to the solution of the defined problem; 
 

- analyse results and draw conclusions which relate to the solution of the problem; 
 

- demonstrate advanced communications skills by: writing reports in a simple, clear, accurate manner, which incorporates all relevant information and is submitted on the specified deadline. c) Professional practical skills – ability to:On completion of the module students should be able to- conduct literature searches- collect data through laboratory and/or field work and/or desk-based studies; 
 

- present research findings in written form
 

d) Transferable (key) skills – ability to:On completion of the module students should be able to:

- write concise written reports and summaries of their research projects;

- define and work to research goals/targets as part of an effective time management strategy;
 

- interact and liaise effectively with supervisors, technical staff and industrial contacts as appropriate

Conveners

• Prof Gavin Stuart Walker