MEng Mechatronic Engineering with Industrial Experience / Course details

Project assessment is based on performance against objectives and achievement of goals - these are measured by the quality of the project deliverables. The style and challenges for the projects will vary but one aspect will remain constant; namely, the theme of a team working closely together to achieve a common objective. These terms of reference are open to wide interpretation, and, in theory, the objective may cover the spectrum from being largely of a research nature, evaluating novel techniques or components, through the development stages of a prototype system, up to the production of an actual product. The scope of each project and the final deliverables may vary but all projects have a common assessment scheme and timetable. 

The unit aims to:

The team projects are intended to create an environment in which students exercise and develop professional engineering skills - both technical and managerial. Emphasis is placed on the development of project management, planning, design and implementation skills. The design and implementation skills required will cover hardware and software aspects across the broad spectrum of Electrical and Electronic Engineering activities. 

On successful completion of the course, a student will be able to:

ILO 1: Design solutions for broadly-defined problems that meet a combination of user, business and customer needs as appropriate; and evaluate the environmental  and societal impact of these solutions in order to minimise their adverse impacts.

ILO 2: Communicate effectively through formal discussions, technical reports, presentations, demonstrations and a promotional video.

ILO 3: Plan and execute group work, appraising the team’s performance. This will involve consideration of applicable health & safety, diversity, inclusion, cultural, societal and environmental matters, codes of practice and industry standards.

ILO 4: Create a business plan.

ILO 5: Design and implement analogue/digital electronic systems as dependent on the specific project

ILO 6: Apply project management skills to a team engineering project, identifying ethical concerns and making reasoned ethical choices informed by professional codes of conduct. Adopt a holistic and proportionate approach to the mitigation of security risks associated with the project.

ILO 7: Recognise the responsibilities, benefits and importance of supporting equality, diversity and inclusion. Also, discuss and document a set of guidelines or best working practices that ensure teamwork, meetings and spaces are inclusive and accessible for all of the team members.

Meetings with project supervisors: 24 hours

Assessed presentation, demonstration activities: 2 hours

Practical work/ laboratory: 300 hours

Private Study: 274 hours

Grant Pack

A word processed report as defined by the Project Handbook. Assessed by supervisors and 2 independent markers, moderated by an independent moderator. Feedback provided within 2 weeks of submission. 

The statement forms 15% of the unit assessment.

Project Pitch

A presentation by members of the project team as defined by the Team Project Handbook. Assessed by supervisors and 2 independent markers, moderated by an independent moderator. Feedback provided within 2 weeks of submission.

Duration 30 minutes + approximately 15 minutes Q&A.

The Team Presentation forms 10% of the unit assessment.

Final Report

A word-processed report as defined by the Project Handbook.

Report length 25,000 words maximum.

Submitted by Friday, Week 15, Semester 2. Assessed by 2 independent supervisors, moderated by an independent moderator.

The Final Team Report forms 35% of the total unit assessment.

Final Demonstration

A demonstration of the project by members of the project team as defined by the Team Project Handbook.

Duration: 30 minutes + approximately 15 minutes Q&A.

The Project Demonstration is on Thursday, Week 16, Semester 2. Assessed by 2 independent supervisors in attendance, moderated by an independent moderator in attendance.

The Project Demonstration forms 30% of the total unit assessment.

Management & Handover Mark

An Individual Management Mark is awarded as defined by the Team Project Handbook.

The mark is allocated by continual assessment of project supervisors (50%) and assessment of the final technical handover package (50%). 

Assessed by Project supervisors at the end of the project.

The Individual Management Mark forms 10% of the unit assessment.

Student Individual Mark Weighting

The mark is allocated by continual assessment of project supervisors (60%) and by 3 peer reviews from other team members (40%). This is used to determine individual weighting for group marks. Assessed by project supervisors and other team members. Written feedback provided at 5 points during the academic year.

Interim Statement

Assessed by supervisors and 2 independent markers, moderated by an independent moderator. Feedback provided within 2 weeks of submission. 

Interim Presentation

Assessed by supervisors and 2 independent markers, moderated by an independent moderator. Feedback provided within 2 weeks of submission.

The Five Dysfunctions of a Team [electronic resource]: a leadership fable by Lencioni, Patrick M, Wiley, 2007.