MSc projects 2014

Brief update session

Mike Spann

Contents

• Reminder about what is a research project

• Administration of project

• Key resources

• Key dates

A research project

• This is an exercise in individual inquiry• Is driven by the student, and steered by the

supervisor – it is YOUR project!• Address an academically challenging research

problem• May use theoretical or practical based methods• 60 credits• You will need to have passed 60 credits of taught

material before you can start your project

What are assessors are looking for?

• Evidence of individual inquiry:– A well thought out research question addressing

something which is academically challenging– Good understanding of the background literature– A sensible scope of work and sensible methodologies– Validation of your work and critical review– Appreciation of the limitations of the approaches

adopted

What are assessors are looking for?

• A well presented thesis:– A clear and concise structure– Good use of English– Clear diagrams– Clear graphs– Good references (Harvard style)– A good introduction and conclusions– Use of SI units and sensible use of significant

figures

You should know about...

• Been to the library and read through some MSc, PhD and MPhil theses– www.findit.bham.ac.uk

• Read through journal articles to get an idea of how to structure work

• Have been given by supervisor examples of good work

Project administration and skills

• Use a log book and meeting forms (available in general office) – submit copies of meeting forms to PGO.

• It is your responsibility to meet with your supervisor and request meetings (remember staff will be away during part of the summer)

• Expect to report on your progress in meetings• Use a work plan or chart to structure your

activities

Project resources

• Your supervisor’s book shelf!• The library• The on-line library

http://www.library.bham.ac.uk/• The web of science

http://wok.mimas.ac.uk/• Other sites: http://ieeexplore.ieee.org/

http://www.sciencedirect.com/• Canvas page for project info

Project resources

• MSc computer rooms

• Laboratory facilities – see Dave Checkley

• Stores and workshop - in Met and Mat

• Further briefing in summer

Key dates

• MSc poster presentation Thursday 1st May

• MSc project conference day 30th July– Ten minute presentations– Need to have an organising committee (after

exams)

• Final dissertation Wednesday 3rd Sept 2014– See handbook for further details 12:00 noon

Things you should be doing now

• Plan for the poster presentation (templates will be on Canvas)

• Continue background reading• Review your detailed work plan• Initial design work and ready to place orders

after exams• Arrange meeting dates with supervisor• General ethics form (on Canvas)• Concentrate on your exam revision

In the weeks after the exams

• You should begin to prepare your detailed project specification to be submitted shortly after the exam period (more details to follow)

• Do a risk assessment – see website for details and discuss with supervisor– http://www.eee.bham.ac.uk/techsupp/

• Do full ethical review with your supervisor which will need to be approved (if necessary)

• You will be allocated a number to place orders – see techsupp website for details once all the above is complete

Conference - preparation

• We need to have a committee to organise the conference

• This will be organised by you and I will offer support when needed

• We need a conference chair and committee chair• We will organise another session after the exams to

coordinate this.

Conference structure

• Website?

• Programme

• Session chairs

• Technical assistance

• Organising committee

• Refreshments committee

• Organising committee minutes

• Should be a role for all of you

Why are we doing this?

• To showcase your projects to the school and wider academic community

• To give you an opportunity to experience organising an event

• Something to say you have been involved with on your CV and to talk about at interviews