KB6060 - Investigative Project

This module will give you the opportunity to learn through the experience of undertaking a large-scale investigation under the guidance of an academic supervisor. As you will be responsible for the overall direction of your project you be able to practice your independent learning skills and continue learning how to manage and assess your abilities whilst also developing your specific knowledge of an area of engineering. Your investigation will require you to be aware of, and address, your progress towards demonstrating the module learning outcomes. You will undertake learning activities that allow you to identify opportunities to develop your knowledge and skills in areas which may directly relate to your plans for future employment.

The investigative project is undertaken within a guiding framework of close mentor-based academic supervision supported by lectures, electronic resources and structured coursework assessments to guide your individual investigation. Progress on your project will be communicated through regular contact with your project mentor to help you maintain suitable progress and direction of your work. The electronic learning platform (eLP) provides a comprehensive resource for integrated learning incorporating learning materials and reading lists that will facilitate directed and self-directed learning. Contact with academic tutors and your peers outside formal teaching hours is encouraged through dedicated ‘office hours’, discussion boards and messaging systems within the eLP. Professional support staff, such as Ask4Help, provide the first point of contact for a range of queries, including, for example, those concerning assessment submission, late submission/extensions, and other administrative issues.

All modules at Northumbria include a range of reading materials that students are expected to engage with. Online reading lists (provided after enrolment) give you access to your reading material for your modules. The Library works in partnership with your module tutors to ensure you have access to the material that you need.

Knowledge & Understanding:
MLO1 – Apply knowledge of mathematics, statistics, natural science and engineering principles to the solution of complex problems. Some of the knowledge will be at the forefront of the subject of study.
MLO2 - Select and evaluate technical literature and other sources of information to address complex problems.
MLO3 - Select and apply appropriate materials, equipment, engineering technologies and processes, recognising their limitations.

Intellectual / Professional skills & abilities:
MLO4 - Apply an integrated or systems approach to design solutions for complex problems that meet a combination of societal, user, business and customer needs as appropriate.
MLO5 - Use a risk management process to identify, evaluate and mitigate risks (the effects of uncertainty and security risk) associated with a particular project or activity.

Personal Values Attributes (Global / Cultural awareness, Ethics, Curiosity) (PVA):
MLO6 - Apply creativity and curiosity to analyse complex problems to reach substantiated conclusions using first principles of mathematics, statistics, natural science and engineering principles.
MLO7 - Evaluate the ethical, environmental, and societal impact of solutions to complex problems and minimise adverse impacts.
MLO8 - Communicate effectively on complex engineering matters with technical and nontechnical audiences.
MLO9 - Plan and record self-learning and development as the foundation for lifelong learning/CPD and reflect on your effectiveness as an individual.

Formative Assessment
You will receive formative feedback on your weekly progress during your supervision sessions, this may be verbal, written or electronic.

Summative Assessment
All assessments are individual.

Component 1. Required administrative documentation, planning, resources and ethics, that partially meets MLOs 5 & 7.

Component 2. Interim project progress report that partially meets MLOs 2, 4, 5, 7 & 9.

Component 3. Investigative project summary report that partially meets MLOs 1 & 3 to 9.

Component 4. An oral presentation that partially meets MLOs 4, 6 & 8.

Feedback will be provided electronically on the eLP or by individual student email within 20 working days of the date of submission.

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This is a module in which you will be guided by an academic supervisor to independently undertake an in-depth investigation linked to your professional area and which will enhance the skills you will need as a practicing engineer. You will investigate this topic to a depth which demonstrates your ability to be awarded an honours degree through building on your existing engineering ability, applying advanced engineering skills and techniques, deriving conclusions supported by your investigation and presenting your outcomes in a professional manner. In the module, you will be encouraged to investigate and gain confidence in research and critical thinking through the application of appropriate knowledge and methodologies to tackle complex problems. Active learning sessions will be used to present you with new material and assist you in exploring key concepts and topics within the module. Sessions will involve a combination of content delivery and practical learning exercises to enable you to apply your learning to authentic engineering problems. The module utilises the electronic learning platform (eLP) to provide a comprehensive resource for integrated learning incorporating learning materials and reading lists that will facilitate directed and self-directed learning.