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MEEN30170

Academic Year 2024/2025

Introduction to Engineering Research (MEEN30170)

Subject:
Mechanical Engineering
College:
Engineering & Architecture
School:
Mechanical & Materials Eng
Level:
3 (Degree)
Credits:
5
Module Coordinator:
Dr Kevin Nolan
Trimester:
Autumn and Spring (separate)
Mode of Delivery:
On Campus
Internship Module:
Yes
Module Type:
Professional/Work Placement Module
How will I be graded?
Letter grades

Curricular information is subject to change.

This module is for Engineering Study Abroad students only. It introduces students to the principles of engineering research through attachment to an active research group in the College of Engineering & Architecture. Students will become active members of a research group and work under the direction of the group’s Principal Investigator. Students will learn about the research focus of the group and conduct independent research into the scientific literature of relevance to the group’s activity. They will shadow a member of the research team and carry out a research project encompassing one or more engineering capabilities. Based on the research activity of the research group, students will learn about research methodologies and what is needed to progress basic research ideas towards higher technology readiness levels. Using data generated by themselves and/or the group, students will learn how to analyse the research data and communicate their findings effectively and take appropriate action. Students will also learn how to write a scientific abstract and a scientific report as well how to make a scientific presentation in the context of engineering research.

About this Module

Learning Outcomes:

On successful completion of this module, students should have improved their skills in:
- Analysis and appraisal of engineering research activities
- Development and implementation of engineering research methodologies
- Planning and managing an engineering research project
- Ability to understand engineering processes and practices, including health and safety
- Maintaining good documentation and data management
- Data analysis using software tools such as Matlab and Python.
- Communicating technical ideas verbally, visually and in technical writing. 

Student Effort Hours:
Student Effort Type Hours
Laboratories

80
Autonomous Student Learning

40
Total

120

Approaches to Teaching and Learning:
This is a student lead module. It introduces students to the principles of engineering research through attachment to an active research group in the College of Engineering & Architecture. Feedback will be provided based on assignments directly related to laboratory work.

Requirements, Exclusions and Recommendations

Not applicable to this module.


Module Requisites and Incompatibles
Not applicable to this module.
 

Assessment Strategy  
Description Timing Component Scale Must Pass Component % of Final Grade In Module Component Repeat Offered
Report(s): Each student must write a technical report on findings of their research project Week 12 Graded No

30

 No
Individual Project: Each student must prepare a poster to present their research project at a public poster session in. Week 12 Week 12 Graded No

20

 No
Reflective Assignment: Students are required to keep a journal throughout the internship that they can submit digitally. This should capture their activities, plans for their work and reflections on their experiences. Week 12 Graded No

10

 No
Individual Project: This Documentation Project requires students to document a process, activity, or method etc that is useful to their lab colleagues. This may be in the form of a document, presentation or video etc. Week 6 Graded No

25

 No
Participation in Learning Activities: Student engagement and participation with their assigned team is key to a successful internship. Week 1, Week 2, Week 3, Week 4, Week 5, Week 6, Week 7, Week 8, Week 9, Week 10, Week 11, Week 12 Graded No

15

 No

Carry forward of passed components
No
 

Remediation Type Remediation Timing
In-Module Resit Prior to relevant Programme Exam Board
Please see Student Jargon Buster for more information about remediation types and timing. 

Feedback Strategy/Strategies

• Feedback individually to students, on an activity or draft prior to summative assessment
• Group/class feedback, post-assessment
• Peer review activities

How will my Feedback be Delivered?

Students will receive ongoing feedback from their laboratory mentors as well as feedback on their submitted assignments. During the poster sessions students will engage in peer review.

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