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Module Specifications

Archived Version 2020 - 2021

Module Title 4th Year Project
Module Code MM400
School School of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering

Online Module Resources

NFQ level 8 Credit Rating 15
Pre-requisite None
Co-requisite None
Compatibles None
Incompatibles None
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. Students will participate in the following learning activities: meetings with supervisory team, project management and planning, formal presentations and interviews, documentation of activity and outcomes.

Learning Outcomes

1. Effectively plan, manage, and execute a significant engineering project (at Level 8)
2. Formulate the challenge as an engineering problem statement, develop a technical solution and critically analyse the effectiveness of the solution to address the challenge.
3. Find, review, criticise, and report on existing knowledge and solutions available in the public domain with correct application of a referencing standard.
4. Implement the technical solution using appropriate tools (e.g. design-build-test or model-simulate-test) and analyse the results in relation to the project objectives.
5. Conduct an assessment of health & safety risks and environmental impact of the technologies used and the project outcomes.
6. Explain the impact of the project outcomes, technologies and personal responsibilities in relation to society and ethics.
7. Report activity, key results, analysis and conclusions through structured presentations, the final project report and project meetings with the project team (supervisor, technicians etc.)



Workload Full-time hours per semester
Type Hours Description
Seminars6Fortnightly seminars on effective management of the project are delivered in the first semester
Directed learning200Semester 1 Planning & Development; Semester 2 Testing, Analysis & Reporting
Independent Study169Background research, Project planning, Execution & reporting
Total Workload: 375

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

Indicative Content and Learning Activities

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.

Proposed solution
Development of a project plan to implement a reasoned engineering approach to complete the project

Implementation of solution
Activity 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.

Meeting with supervisors, technicians and other interested parties
Formal engineering meetings for which records should be kept

Assessment of risks, enviornmental impact, safety and 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.

Assessment Breakdown
Continuous Assessment100% Examination Weight0%
Course Work Breakdown
TypeDescription% of totalAssessment Date
Reassessment Requirement
Resit arrangements are explained by the following categories;
1 = A resit is available for all components of the module
2 = No resit is available for 100% continuous assessment module
3 = No resit is available for the continuous assessment component
Unavailable
Indicative Reading List

    Other Resources

    22992, Loop Course, School of Mechanical & Manufacturing Engineering, 0, Fourth Year Engineering Project Guidelines, https://loop.dcu.ie/,
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