Course Details in 2025/26 Session

Module Title	LH Individual Research Project (Aerospace)
School	Metallurgy and Materials
Department	Metallurgy & Materials
Module Code	04 36859
Module Lead	Dr R M Ward
Level	Honours Level
Credits	30
Semester	Full Term
Pre-requisites
Co-requisites
Restrictions	None
Contact Hours	Lecture-10 hours Supervised time in studio/workshop-140 hours Guided independent study-150 hours Total: 300 hours
Exclusions
Description	The aim of the module is for the student to undertake a significant individual research project to develop a number of skills: • To develop the ability to work as an independent aerospace engineering researcher through an individual aerospace engineering research project involving about 19 timetabled weeks of work. • To find and appraise previous literature on the research topic in considerable depth and degree of critical analysis. • To plan a course of action. • To undertake and complete a programme of work. • To develop the skills of statistically analysing and presenting data, and working with incomplete data. • To work with a supervisor while jointly making decisions. • To report the results by oral and written communication. • To be carry out basic health and safety risk and ethical assessments. This project has the ability to link to all of the Materials-related knowledge and skills topics in the 2017 QAA Materials Subject Benchmark Statements and is dependent on the individual research topic pursued by the student. These also link to the following 2017 QAA Materials Subject Benchmark Statements from the generic skills section: iii problem-solving skills iv competence in using information technology effectively, for example to support oral presentation, literature searches and report writing v the ability to manage time, resources, projects and finances vi study skills needed for planning, monitoring and recording continuing professional development vii an awareness of health and safety, sustainability and environmental issues, and of ethical considerations
Learning Outcomes	These link to the AHEP v4 learning outcomes: Apply knowledge of mathematics, statistics, natural science and engineering principles to the solution of complex problems. Some of the knowledge will be at the forefront of the particular subject of study (C1) Analyse complex problems to reach substantiated conclusions using first principles of mathematics, statistics, natural science and engineering principles (C2) Select and apply appropriate computational and analytical techniques to model complex problems, recognising the limitations of the techniques employed (C3/M3) Select and evaluate technical literature and other sources of information to address complex problems (C4/M4) Design solutions for complex problems that meet a combination of societal, user, business and customer needs as appropriate. This will involve consideration of applicable health & safety, diversity, inclusion, cultural, societal, environmental and commercial matters, codes of practice and industry standards (C5) Apply an integrated or systems approach to the solution of complex problems (C6/M6) Identify and analyse ethical concerns and make reasoned ethical choices informed by professional codes of conduct (C8/M8) Use a risk management process to identify, evaluate and mitigate risks (the effects of uncertainty) associated with a particular project or activity (C9/M9) Adopt a holistic and proportionate approach to the mitigation of security risks (C10/M10) Adopt an inclusive approach to engineering practice and recognise the responsibilities, benefits and importance of supporting equality, diversity and inclusion (C11/M11) Use practical laboratory and workshop skills to investigate complex problems (C12/M12) Select and apply appropriate materials, equipment, engineering technologies and processes, recognising their limitations (C13/M13) Apply knowledge of engineering management principles, commercial context, project and change management, and relevant legal matters including intellectual property rights (C15/M15)Function effectively as an individual, and as a member or leader of a team (C16) Communicate effectively on complex engineering matters with technical and non-technical audiences (C17) Plan and record self-learning and development as the foundation for lifelong learning/CPD (C18/M18) Apply a comprehensive knowledge of mathematics, statistics, natural science and engineering principles to the solution of complex problems. Much of the knowledge will be at the forefront of the particular subject of study and informed by a critical awareness of new developments and the wider context of engineering (M1) Formulate and analyse complex problems to reach substantiated conclusions. This will involve evaluating available data using first principles of mathematics, statistics, natural science and engineering principles, and using engineering judgment to work with information that may be uncertain or incomplete, discussing the limitations of the techniques employed (M2) Design solutions for complex problems that evidence some originality and meet a combination of societal, user, business and customer needs as appropriate. This will involve consideration of applicable health & safety, diversity, inclusion, cultural, societal, environmental and commercial matters, codes of practice and industry standards (M5) Function effectively as an individual, and as a member or leader of a team. Evaluate effectiveness of own and team performance (M16) Communicate effectively on complex engineering matters with technical and non-technical audiences, evaluating the effectiveness of the methods used (M17)
Assessment	36859-01 : Literature review : Coursework (33.33%) 36859-02 : Lit Review and Plan Viva : Coursework (6.67%) 36859-03 : Project Report : Coursework (40%) 36859-04 : Project Viva : Coursework (13.33%) 36859-05 : Supervisor Mark : Coursework (6.67%)
Assessment Methods & Exceptions	Dissertation (50%) 4000 words; progress report and viva (30%) 2000 words; student oral presentation (15%), and supervisor’s student evaluation (5%).
Other
Reading List