Module Descriptors

This module is supported by a number of scheduled introductory lectures and workshops which provide relevant background, project methodology and project support (e.g. project selection, planning and execution, requirements and assessment, information gathering, literature review and referencing, health & safety and risk assessment, ethical issues and approval process, statistical data analysis and introduction to design of experiment, etc). Optional lectures covering various specific aspects of individual project work and dissertation are also provided during the course of the module.

Individual project topics will normally arise from one of three sources. 

1. the interests of a member of staff;
2. a field of practical interest identified by the student him/herself;
3. an area of industrial relevance to the student's vocational training.

Prior to embarking on the work of the Project, each student will be issued with a 'Project Handbook' detailing the various aspects of project work, requirements and assessment.

The Project will be carried out at the University, with personal guidance being provided by a Project Supervisor and a Project Moderator. The Supervisor will provide day-to-day management, whilst the Moderator will give access to broader specialist assistance. The student will hold regular meetings with the Supervisor and/or the Moderator.

Three components will combine to make up the overall assessment. These are

1. written project report/dissertation - assessed at 60%
2. continuous assessment of performance – assessed at 20%
3. oral presentation/defence – assessed at 20%

• This module will work to develop a number of the following key 'I am UWS' graduate attributes: Critical thinker, Analytical, Inquiring, Collaborative, Research-minded, Knowledgeable, Effective communicator, Autonomous, Problem solver, Innovative and Driven.

On successful completion of this module the student will be able to:

L1. L1. Plan, organize and carry out an in-depth independent study in an appropriate design/engineering/project management area.

L2. L2. Apply sound engineering knowledge/design principles and prepare research/design solutions/tools to an engineering application.

L3. L3. Analyse critically and communicate clearly and concisely the work and findings of the individual study.

L4. L4. Prepare and give an oral presentation of the project and oral defence of the work.

• Develop and consolidate knowledge and understanding of some more advanced aspects of civil engineering.
• Have an appreciation the wider aspects of civil engineering practice and design, along with critical awareness of the needs and pressures of a modern industrial society (e.g. cost, safety & risk management, sustainability, environment, professionalism and ethics, etc).

• Define and execute a project of research, development and/or investigation and identify and implement relevant outcomes.
• Possess practical engineering skills acquired through individual and group project work, through design work and in the development and use of computer software in design and analysis.
• Use creativity and innovation.
• Further application of the use of technical literature and other information sources.

• Critically review and consolidate knowledge, skills, practices and thinking in civil engineering and project management areas.
• Be able to apply appropriate quantitative methods to the analysis and solution of engineering problems.
• Develop critical thinking skills and professional judgements.

• Make formal presentations about specialized topics to informed audiences.
• Ability to apply computer software in order to solve civil engineering problems.

• Exercising autonomy and initiative in addressing an engineering problem
• Further develop skills in planning self-learning and appreciation the need for continuing professional development.

The following materials form essential underpinning for the module content and ultimately for the learning outcomes:

In line with the Academic Engagement Procedure, Students are defined as academically engaged if they are regularly engaged with timetabled teaching sessions, course-related learning resources including those in the Library and on the relevant learning platform, and complete assessments and submit these on time. Please refer to the Academic Engagement Procedure at the following link: Academic engagement procedure

2.10

1. More than one assessment method can be used to assess individual learning outcomes.
2. Schools are responsible for determining student contact hours. Please refer to University Policy on contact hours (extract contained within section 10 of the Module Descriptor guidance note).
   This will normally be variable across Schools, dependent on Programmes &/or Professional requirements.