Individual Research Project or Industrial Project

MATS42101 Individual Research Project or Industrial Project 60 Semester 1 Undergraduate Level 7 Rong Gong Unit coordinator Department of Materials 1 FHEQ level (Framework for Higher Education Qualifications) ' Masters/Integrated Masters P4 ' European Credit Transfer & Accumulation System Rating : 30.0 The unit provides the opportunity for students to develop and apply their understanding of classroom learning in a real-life R&D environment, by carrying out a demanding technical project.  <div>The unit provides the opportunity for students to develop and apply their understanding of classroom learning in a real-life R&D environment, by carrying out a demanding technical project. The activity will underpin and extend theoretical and technical knowledge and develop problem solving and analytical skills. At the beginning of the project, a detailed plan will be drawn up with the academic and industrial (if applicable) supervisors. During the project, students are required to maintain close and regular contact with their supervisors and record progress through an e-log, to monitor progress against initial plan. The unit will facilitate the following:<ul> <li>Experience of conducting a project in the field of materials engineering, biomaterials, textiles, or corrosion science, with a focus on preparation, planning and execution of a research project.</li> <li>The development of technical knowledge specific to the project.</li></ul> </div>  The unit aims to transfer skills, knowledge and understanding from the classroom into a research context, either in industry or at university. Students are expected to carry out an individual project under the guidance and with the support of the industrial and academic supervisors. The students can be based at the industry site or at the university, as per individual project requirement.Specific aims of the Unit include:<ol> <li> Gaining experience of team working within a R&D environment.</li> <li> Developing skills to plan, manage, solve complex problems and execute projects in the areas of materials, biomaterials, textiles technology and corrosion.</li> <li> Developing interpersonal, communication and presentations skills suitable for both industrial and academic environments.</li></ol>  A greater depth of the learning outcomes will be covered in the following sections: <ul> <li> Knowledge and understanding</li> <li> Intellectual skills</li> <li> Practical skills</li> <li> Transferable skills and personal qualities</li> </ul> a.      Appreciate the extent to which there is a relationship between the taught scientific principles of materials engineering and their application to solve research and technical problems.b.      Have a high level understanding of the scientific background and area of their project.c.       Understand how research projects contribute to the organization’s strategic direction.d.      Gain an understanding of project management and health and safety regulations.e.      Demonstrate an understanding of the materials science associated with the project topic and its relevance to the practical aspects of processing and applications of materials.f.        Comprehend the merits of competing research techniques and technical tools.g.       Develop a good understanding of uncertainties, errors and accuracy. a.      Identify, and solve complex research problems by undertaking all key intermediate steps required.b.      Think independently to interpret technical and scientific results and to assess their significance and utility in an academic or industrial context.c.       Gain an understanding of individual roles in the workplace environment.d.       Comprehend the wider societal and commercial implications of their research. a.      Communicate effectively with the project supervisor team or research group, and technical support staff at all levels.b.      Be capable of planning and organising project by effective time management.c.       Gain project specific skills such as, for example, testing procedures, analytical methods, modelling, data analysis and literature/databases data mining etc.d.       Be capable of extracting high level information from existing scientific literature or existing databases. a.      Be capable of making a positive contribution in the workplace.b.      Be capable of working effectively and independently to solve problems.c.       Be capable of maintaining effective communication channels with colleagues, managers and supervisors.d.      Be capable of organising and writing a substantial scientific or technical report.e.      Demonstrate an awareness of safe working practices and suitable risk assessment procedures.f.       Make presentations for academic or industrial audience. <div> Blackboard is the main management environment for academic supervisors to obtain coursework and provide feedback to students on their project activities. The main component of the unit is individually planned research supported in the university or at the company site. Learning takes place though lab experience, literature review, discussions with expert staff and regular meetings with project supervisors. On-site visits will be undertaken for students carrying out their project outside the University (or remote/Skype interviews if abroad) to establish how well the student has integrated and developed as employee. The project will be assessed with the initial planning report, e-log reports, presentations, the project report and, if applicable, industry supervisor comment form. </div>  2 Written assignment (inc essay) 100% Feedback given (Written and Verbal) N  Provided by project supervisor.  Lectures 10 0 590