MSc projects 2013/2014

Induction session

Dr Mike Spann

M.Sc Project Director

m.spann@bham.ac.uk

Contents

• Overview of a research project

• Administration of project

• Key resources

• Key dates and what is required in the early stages

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

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

• Tangible deliverables

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

Some tips

• Go to the library and read through some MSc, PhD and MPhil theses – you can get some of these on the UoB website– http://etheses.bham.ac.uk/– Will give you an idea about the standard expected

• Ask your supervisor to give you examples of good work– Especially if they have supervised previous

projects in a similar area

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/• http://scholar.google.co.uk/• 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 spring semester

Project Assessment

• Conference Style Presentation 5%

• Poster 5%

• Supervisors Assessment 15%

• Dissertation (Final Report) 70%

• Logbook 5%

Key dates

• Week 8 Autumn term – project allocation process begins• Week 10 Autumn term - further project briefing and introduction to ethical

review, risk assessment and project selection process• Week 2 of Spring term announcement of project allocations• Week 5 of Spring term full ethical review form• MSc poster presentation week 1 of summer term• MSc project conference day briefing in June• MSc project conference day (late July)

– Ten minute presentations– Need to have an organising committee (after exams)

• Final dissertation. Mon. 8th September, 2014– See handbook for further details 12:00 noon

All dates are provisional