Under the supervision of an academic staff member, students carry out a final stage research project that addresses a central question or issue in depth, allowing independent or team investigations into a relevant area followed by individual compilation of a written dissertation based on critical evaluation and reflection. A variety of final year project types are possible to ensure students have the opportunity to address interdisciplinary issues, to facilitate different types of learners and to promote engagement with community, industry and international partners.
If the project is performed in an external host institution or industrial setting, the student(s) will have an external supervisor as well as a nominated TU Dublin supervisor to support assessment. Projects can also be completed internationally through an Erasmus stage.
A range of the following projects can be offered:
- Individual Research led laboratory projects: Students undertake an individual program of research in the laboratory of their project supervisor, often contributing to ongoing research projects within that laboratory.
- Group laboratory projects: students work collaboratively in a team of up to 4, to undertake a program of research, based in either their supervisors research laboratory or the teaching laboratories.
- Survey project: Students undertake a statistically relevant public survey project on a relevant topical, policy or regulatory issue.
- Industry based research project: students may undertake their research project in a pre-approved commercial or industry setting. This is differentiated from a work placement stage as the student performs a company relevant research project which is not a continuation of the day to day functions of the work placement role.
- Science alive in the Community: students engage with new suitable community partners or with existing initiatives to develop, investigate or evaluate a scientific aspect of public or community concern or relevance.
- Educational development project: students develop and evaluate new teaching methods or learning resources for use in undergraduate teaching, either individually or in a small teams to support ongoing teaching activities.
Choice of research topic and contacting supervisor and external party where applicable. Appraisal of research ethics and risk assessment for project of choice. Approval to commence project. Introduction to research laboratory/product development facilities and protocols where applicable.
Introduction to research methodology. Introduction to the preparation of an undergraduate dissertation. Searching literature, accessing information and using it correctly. Familiarisation with TU Dublin Library Services.
Drafting a literature review. Planning research approach and methodology. Collection and recording of results. Compilation and submission of Mid Project progress report. Drafting of methodology and results chapters. Finalising literature review, methodology and results chapters. Drafting of discussion and recommendations chapters. Finalising discussion and recommendations chapters. Completion of dissertation. Oral presentation where applicable.
| Projects are offered and allocated on a preference and ranking basis in the Semester preceding the research semester. Students are expected to submit their ethics and risk assessment by Week 1 to school office Students are expected to commence projects on Week 1 of the research semester. Each student or group of students is allocated a supervisor to support their individual or group based project research project. Supervisors will guide the students on a one to one or group basis. Students are expected to communicate regularly with their supervisor in order to progress the research project and complete assessments in a timely manner within the research Semester.
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| Module Content & Assessment | |
|---|---|
| Assessment Breakdown | % |
| Other Assessment(s) | 100 |