ENGI45560: Research and Development Project

• As specified in programme regulations

• As specified in programme regulations

• As specified in programme regulations

• This module is designed solely for students studying Department of Engineering degree programmes.
• The research and development project provide an open-ended challenge to each individual student. In collaboration with a staff supervisor, the student is required to identify and initiate methods to investigate the topic, to generate data, to analyse this data, to formulate recommendations and findings, and to present the work in a report.

• A research and development project approved by the course director relevant to the registered programme of study.
• This project will be supported by seminars relating to best practice regarding research methods.
• The seminars will cover topics such as: Data collection; Data analysis; Documentation of research work; Dissemination of research work; How to carry out a literature survey; Planning and monitoring a research project; Use of IT tools for carrying out research.

Subject-specific Knowledge:

• Mathematics relevant to the application of advanced engineering concepts.
• An in-depth knowledge and understanding of a student's chosen area of specialisation and an ability to perform critical assessment and review.

Subject-specific Skills:

• To specify, plan, manage, conduct and report on an engineering project.
• To analyse, evaluate and interpret complex engineering data.
• To apply engineering principles to the solution of problems in an industrial context.
• To synthesise data from a variety of sources and apply to the solution of a particular problem.
• To demonstrate an awareness of practical engineering skills.
• To observe and record accurately, data and experimental evidence both in the laboratory and, if appropriate, in the field.
• Preparation and delivery of advanced technical reports.
• Effective preparation and delivery of technical presentations.
• The competent and safe use of engineering laboratory instrumentation for independent research.
• An understanding of Risk assessment and COSHH.
• The application of engineering principles to the design and manufacture process.
• To write advanced or highly specialised computer programs.
• To use advanced or highly specialised computational tools and packages.
• To be imaginative and innovative in the solution of technical and non-technical problems.

Key Skills:

• Capacity for independent self-learning within the bounds of professional practice.
• Ability to work within a group and independently, show initiative and generate ideas.
• The effective communication of advanced technical concepts (written, verbal, drawing, sketching etc.).
• Highly specialised numerical skills appropriate to an engineer.
• Highly specialised use of information technology (IT) relevant to the engineering profession.
• Time and resource management in order to plan and maintain effort.
• Advanced problem solving skills including working.

• Independent research and development project.
• Students are supported by regular consultation with their project supervisor and, when appropriate, by laboratory technicians.
• Examined through continuous assessment, written academic journal style paper and oral examination.
• An individual project plan is submitted and which is included in the overall assessment.
• On completion of the project an academic journal style paper is submitted which demonstrates the student's capacity for individual research, analysis, critical assessment and their ability to select and use advanced or specialised techniques appropriate to their research topic.
• The students gain feedback on an intial report and a research paper outline.
• An overall mark is derived from an assessment matrix which addresses all aspects of the project related to planning, initiative and ideas, the written report, understanding, oral examination performance and achievement.

If you have a question about Durham's modular degree programmes, please visit our Help page. If you have a question about modular programmes that is not covered by the Help page, or a query about the on-line Postgraduate Module Handbook, please contact us.

Prospective Students: If you have a query about a specific module or degree programme, please Ask Us.

Current Students: Please contact your department.