| This module applies the analysis/design knowledge from third year and associated concurrent modules to a real physical and/or theoretical structural engineering problem. The learner must evaluate potential projects for specified boundary conditions of time, space, testing equipment, cost and degree of difficulty Transferable skills are developed through the use of verbal and written presentations throughout the year. The aims of this module are to develop independent thinking and a research capability in the student. |
| Each student in Final Year must undertake an individual major project. The majority of projects involve testing of structural components and/or materials and it has been found that this is of great benefit in illustrating to students the difference between theory and practice. The training which a student receives in carrying out the project is of immense benefit in his/her career afterwards. The student is required to propose their own particular project topic at the end of third year. This encourages the students, prior to final year to:
This approach helps students to use their judgement at an early stage in identifying a viable project, bearing in mind time constraints, cost and available laboratory resources and materials. It also promotes debate and discussion among the students and interaction between staff and students. The students are required to submit a preliminary report midway through the first term in the final year. In this report the student is required to outline the project in some detail, stating the objective of the project and how it is to be achieved, proposed testing arrangement, progress to date, contacts made, literature survey, programme for completion and anticipated cost. Students are interviewed on their preliminary report and guidance is given where required on the necessary course of action. Each student is assigned an individual tutor to oversee the project but advice is freely available from all members of staff. In carrying out the project the student receives training in identifying a problem, quantifying it, devising a means of solving it, collating information, assembling the necessary materials and equipment, designing and fabricating the test specimens, carrying out the tests, collating and discussing results, making conclusions, producing a finished report and presenting and defending the findings. |
| Weekly project studio sessions. Case Study. Work-based and computer-based learning. Project work. Self-directed learning. Dissertation |
| Module Content & Assessment | |
|---|---|
| Assessment Breakdown | % |
| Other Assessment(s) | 100 |