Module Specification

The information contained in this module specification was correct at the time of publication but may be subject to change, either during the session because of unforeseen circumstances, or following review of the module at the end of the session. Queries about the module should be directed to the member of staff with responsibility for the module.
Title MSc Project
Code ELEC460
Coordinator Dr Z Tian
Electrical Engineering and Electronics
Zhongbei.Tian@liverpool.ac.uk
Year CATS Level Semester CATS Value
Session 2021-22 Level 7 FHEQ Whole Session 60

Aims

The student will carry out an individual project under the supervision of a member of staff. He/she will report findings both orally and in writing.

The purpose of the project is: to provide students with the opportunity to plan, carry out and control a research project at the forefront of their academic discipline, field of study or area of professional practice;

To prepare students for research or investigative work in professional engineering;

To enable students to gain a comprehensive understanding of the techniques applicable to research or advanced scholarship in their field of study;

To make an original contribution to knowledge.

The dissertation must provide evidence of: in-depth understanding of the subject mastery of research techniques, ability to assemble and analyse data, ability to evaluate the project outcomes.


Pre-requisites before taking this module (other modules and/or general educational/academic requirements):

 

Co-requisite modules:

 

Learning Outcomes

(LO1) Ability to plan and conduct independent research.

(LO2) Ability to present research findings in reports and oral presentations.

(S1) On successful completion of the project, students should be able to show experience and enhancement of the following keyskills: Dealing with complex issues in a systematic and creative manner, Effectively communicating findings orally and in writing to specialist and non-specialist audiences; Planning and implementing tasks autonomously at a professional level; Interacting effectively with others (eg, supervisor, technicians, etc) ; Designing poster/web pages ; Computing and IT skills (scope-dependent); Self-discipline, self-motivation, self-direction and originality in tackling and solving problems.

(S2) On successful completion of the project, the student should be able to show experience and enhancement in some of the following discipline-specific practical skills (depending on the scope of the project): Using sophisticated research equipment to carry out experimental/laboratory/workshop activities with due regard to safety; Using appropriate engineering analysis software and IT tools.

(S3) On successful completion of the project,the student should be able to demonstrate ability in several of the following: Critically evaluating current research and advanced scholarship; Defining/specifying a problem; Researching and information-gathering; Planning/designing experimental work using suitable techniques and procedures with due regard to safety; Assessing and managing risk ; Analysing technical problems qualitatively and/or quantitatively and drawing conclusions; Designing a system,component or process based on an outline or detailed specification; Assembling and analysing data and drawing conclusions; Evaluating current methodologies and (where appropriate) propose new methodologies; Critically evaluate the project outcomes an making an original contribution to knowledge.

(S4) The project is intended to provide experience of all aspects of working as an individual engineer to complete an engineering task with a complexity that is comparable with these encountered in industry.


Syllabus

 

A project carried out through Semester 3 (June to Sept).  The primary aims of the project are: To provide the student opportunity to gain an in-depth understanding of a subject and to learn research techniques; To develop an ability to assemble and analyse data, and to apply engineering principles to the solution of practical problems; To give the student opportunity of applying capacities (knowledge, initiative, enthusiasm, etc.) to plan, carry out and control an open-ended project in a topic of choice; To gain simulated experience of working as a professional engineer in an industrial or research organisation.


Teaching and Learning Strategies

Due to Covid-19, one or more of the following delivery methods will be implemented based on the current local conditions and the situation of registered students. It is anticipated that on-line delivery will be in operation for semester 1.

Teaching Method 1 - On-line asynchronous lectures
Description: lectures on (i) introduction to the module, (ii) information session on a year in industry.

Attendance Recorded: No
Notes: As needed for the reports

Semester 3 (Summer)
Depending on COVID-19 situation and any local conditions, teaching methods 1 & 2 may be transferred to online rather than on campus.

Teaching Method 1 - Synchronous face to face tutorials
Description: Meetings with Project Supervisor
Attendance Recorded: No
Notes: As needed but typically once per week

Teaching Method 2 - Campus based Laboratory Work depending on the nature of the project.
Description: Laboratory Sessions typically 7 hours per week
Attend ance Recorded: Yes
Notes: Depending on the project the student may work in alternate locations.
Notes: Project Goals will be modified so that the project can be completed without requiring University Laboratory Access


Teaching Schedule

  Lectures Seminars Tutorials Lab Practicals Fieldwork Placement Other TOTAL
Study Hours       300

    300
Timetable (if known)              
Private Study 300
TOTAL HOURS 600

Assessment

EXAM Duration Timing
(Semester)
% of
final
mark
Resit/resubmission
opportunity
Penalty for late
submission
Notes
             
CONTINUOUS Duration Timing
(Semester)
% of
final
mark
Resit/resubmission
opportunity
Penalty for late
submission
Notes
(460.1) Assessment 1 There is a resit opportunity. Standard UoL penalty applies for late submission. Assessment Schedule (When) :Summer, as scheduled  20 minutes    15       
(460) Assessment 3 There is a resit opportunity. Standard UoL penalty applies for late submission. Assessment Schedule (When) :Summer, as scheduled  Approx 80 pages    70       
(460.2) Assessment 2 There is a resit opportunity. Standard UoL penalty applies for late submission. Assessment Schedule (When) :Summer, as scheduled  Approx 40 pages    15       

Reading List

Reading lists are managed at readinglists.liverpool.ac.uk. Click here to access the reading lists for this module.