Pre-Requisite Modules	Co-Requisite Modules	ECTS Credits	Module Code
PROG3101 SENG3101 SENG3201 TECH3301 TECH3302 TECH3404	SENG4204 SENG4205 SENG4101 TECH4701	20	PROJ4501

In the final stage of the degree a student is required to submit a project which they have designed, implemented and documented, and be able to demonstrate the ability to critically analyse their work.

The aim of the project is to ensure that the student can successfully complete a project. This includes all aspects of research; hypothesis formulation, implementation and evaluation. The project must include a substantial software development whose goal can be to do any of the following; proof of concept, experimental evaluation, prototype development, or industry-specific development.

On completion of this module the student will be able to research into a specific computing domain and implement software based on this research. They must submit a comprehensive dissertation demonstrating their ability to comprehensively and technically document the research undertaken and the associated software. The student will also be able to present the work demonstrating their ability to critically analyse, support and defend their conclusions.

A range of project proposals will be offered to the students one of which they may choose or alternatively they may generate their own project idea. They are then required to expand this idea into a formal project proposal adhering to research writing standards. The proposal is verified to ensure it is of a sufficient standard. When the proposal is identified as being of a sufficient standard the student is allocated a supervisor. The student is allocated time every week to meet with their supervisor. The students are provided with guidelines which explain the exact requirements of the project. A number of seminars will be given throughout the year to support the students and their research.

 

An interim submission is made by the student when the research and analysis phases of the project are completed. At the end of the project the student submits a dissertation and all associated software.

Seminar Topics include Research Methodology, Technical Writing, Primary and Secondary Research Techniques, Written Presentation, Evaluation and Critical Analysis.

The project assessment is based on the following:

 

Research and Background Knowledge - the extent of the student’s background research. Their knowledge and understanding of current work of the project area and quality of references.

Design Quality and Methodology - the quality of the design of the project and methodological approach.

Quality of the Outcome – this includes the quality of any implementation and/or research findings.

Completeness and Complexity - some projects are by their nature more complex than others. This category reflects how complete a particular project is with respect to the overall complexity of the project.

Project Management - the conduct of the student during the project, including project management skills and effort, innovation and initiative.

Presentation – the quality of the student’s project demonstration and ability to enter into an intelligent discourse about their project area and defend their approach to the project. The student’s level of critical thinking is paramount for a successful presentation.

Composition/Organisation of Dissertation – in terms of the structure, clarity, spelling and grammar i.e. the “technical” aspects of the dissertation.

Critical Analysis and Independent Thought – the student’s ability to critically evaluate their own and others work. Their ability to justify their choices. Their capacity to identify the strengths and weaknesses of the final project and suggest alternative approaches and future work.

Specific to the individual project area.

Project guidelines are made available to the student.

Project dependent

See project web page.

1 contact hour weekly (a meeting with the project supervisor).

The project is a year long module

June 2005