This module is not currently running in 2024 to 2025.
Lecture Syllabus
INTRODUCTION TO MATLAB®
Introduces the basics of the Matlab and Simulink programming environment and prepares the students for the Introduction to Matlab workshops
LITERATURE SURVEY
Surveys using networked electronic information sources, on-line databases, inter-library loan facilities, private communications, etc. Identification of a technical area worthy of research, definition of the state-of -the-art in a given field, definition of the research project, and research proposals. Patent search.
GENERAL ISSUES AND PRACTICE
Choosing the field of interest. Concept of originality. Research theories: background theory, focal theory, data theory. Contribution towards knowledge. Types of research project (blue sky, basic, applied and experimental research). Research uncertainty. Risk management. Research approaches.
RESEARCH PROJECT MANAGEMENT
Time management. Resources management. Project management software (MS Project). Use of logbooks. Data management. Data security. Team working skills.
RESEARCH PROCESS
MSc research projects. MPhil/PhD research projects. Academic research and industrial R&D. Project planning, proposals and budgeting. Design of experimental tests. Modelling and simulation.
RESEARCH PUBLICATIONS
Structure, content and procedures. Project reports and theses. Journal and conference papers. Technical presentations. Use of references. Writing up of abstract, introduction and conclusions. Submission, refereeing and amendments. Effective use of figures, drawings and tables. MS WORD, ENDNOTE and LATEX.
PRESENTATIONS OF RESEARCH RESULTS
Objectives and structure. Audience analysis. Rehearsal and delivery. Design of visual aids. Use of computerized projection facilities. Multi-media approach. Poster design and poster presentation. Handling questions.
INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY RIGHTS
Patents, patent rights and know-how. Copyright and copying. Design rights and registered designs. Research contracts and agreements. Confidentiality agreement.
RESEARCH ETHICS
Ethics in engineering research. Research supervision. Modelling and simulation versus real experimental work. Processing and presentation of experimental data. Obfuscation in writing up research papers.
Coursework
ASSIGNMENT – Literature Review (including patent research)
Two literature review reports are required. The first is a report on a common research topic given by the lecturer. The second report is on the student's own MSc project.
COMPUTER LABORATORY – Research Project Management
Two 2-hour laboratory sessions introducing and practising the use of MSc Project. The students will undertake a set of given tasks and submit a report.
FULL MASTER PROJECT PROPOSAL
The students will be required to write and submit a full project proposal prior to the start of their individual MSc project. The writing up skills will be tested in this assessed element.
POSTER DESIGN AND PRESENTATION
The students will be required to produce a poster and make a poster presentation on their individual MSc project proposal.
30 contact hours comprising of:
18 hours of lectures
12 hours of PC-based laboratory sessions covering an Introduction to Matlab and project management
150 hours total student workload
Only available to students on programmes owned by The School of Engineering and Digital Arts
The module is assessed by means of 100% coursework:
10% Literature Review Report 1 (for a common research topic)
15% Project Management Report
20% Introduction to Matlab
15% Literature Review Report 2 (for the individual MSc project)
30% Full MSc Project Proposal
10% Poster Design and Presentation
See the library reading list for this module (Canterbury)
Introduce the Matlab and Simulink programming and system modelling language
Carry out a comprehensive literature survey on a selected topic using library and electronic information sources
Identify the current status of a particular research area and define the state-of-art in that research area
Identify and formulate further research which could usefully be undertaken in a defined area of technology
Plan a research project, including the definition of objectives, project management, experimental design and data collection and processing within time and resource constraints
Undertake research using logical and effective methodologies
Communicate with peers by way of conference and journal publications
Understand general issues concerning research including IPRs and research ethics
Use common software packages for project management, data analysis and presentation
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