Latest Module Specifications
Current Academic Year 2025 - 2026
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Description The purpose of this module is to give students the opportunity to use and demonstrate their theoretical knowledge and practical experience to carry out a substantial engineering project. In this module students will develop knowledge and skills in planning and managing projects, risk and health & safety assessments, reviewing literature, defining and implementing an engineering solution, documenting and presenting outcomes and key findings. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Learning Outcomes 1. Describe and explain the scientific principles and engineering technologies and design processes associated with their project area 2. Conduct the required background research related to the project topic and be able to search for, access, review and evaluate publications on given topics 3. Display a level of ingenuity in applying appropriate existing solutions or devising novel solutions to engineering design problems 4. Identify engineering problems and formulate problems in a manner which allows solution 5. Devise appropriate tests or experiments in order to allow exploration, analysis and evaluation of a proposed system design 6. Apply critical analysis to the results of tests or experiments and draw concrete conclusions as to the effectiveness of an engineering design 7. Identify technical requirements for a design and assess the practicality of possible solutions to problems arising in the project 8. Conduct an assessment of health & safety risks and environmental impact of the technologies used and the project outcomes. 9. Write a well structured engineering report which is written to the correct level of technical detail to suit the intended reader 10. Apply project management techniques in the execution of the project in order to undertake all project implementation and development work, and in order to produce a complete project report to deadline 11. Take responsibility for progression of their own work under guidance of a supervisor and identify and report problems and issues as they arise which might impede progress of a project 12. Distinguish between their own work and that of others and credit others’ in a proper manner 13. Resolve differences of opinion on technical matters between themselves and their supervisor 14. Effectively communicate technical concepts and ideas orally, in writing and graphically | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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All module information is indicative and subject to change. For further information,students are advised to refer to the University's Marks and Standards and Programme Specific Regulations at: http://www.dcu.ie/registry/examinations/index.shtml |
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Indicative Content and Learning Activities
Project A proportion of the student’s time is dedicated to the project throughout fourth year and it contributes significantly to the final degree classification. Regular meetings with the student allow the project supervisor to provide mentoring to the student on technical and practical issues and to keep an account of progression of the work. Under the supervisor’s guidance the student manages their own work and acquires new engineering knowledge independently by searching for and reviewing relevant literature. Execution of the project work requires integration of this theory with practical constraints and promotes learning and acquisition of skills in the areas of project management, engineering design, problem solving, design of experiments, results analysis, technical documentation and communication. Project Sequence A typical sequence of operations will be 1) Literature Survey/Research 2) Analysis of Problem 3) Proposed Solution 4) Implementation of Solution 5) Testing/Results 6) Documentation of Outcomes Literature Survey This survey should include relevant literature and other sources. Must be properly referenced and form a significant section of the final report Analysis of the Problem Use of knowledge to break down the problem statement and analyse the challenge. Project Plan Development of a project plan and solution to implement a reasoned engineering approach to complete/advance the project Implementation of Solution Activities carried out to fulfill the project plan. May take many forms - laboratory work, computer based analysis, cognitive reasoning etc. Testing & Results Evaluating the outcome from the activities and the new information developed during the project in a "critical" manner. Documentation of Outcomes Mainly the project report which should document every aspect of the project and reach conclusions. Also includes presentations and interview. Meetings with supervisor, technical support & others Arranged meetings to discuss the advancement of the project and the technical resources required. Assessment of risks, environmental impact, safety & impact on society Completion of formal risk assessments and health and safety assessments. Give due consideration to impact on the environment and society and engineering ethics. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Indicative Reading List Books: None Articles: None | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Other Resources None | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||