MSc projects 2014/2015

1. MSc projects 2014/2015 Induction session Dr Mike Spann M.Sc Project Director m.spann@bham.ac.uk

2. Contents • Overview of a research project • Administration of project • Key resources • Key dates and what is required in the early stages

3. 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

4. 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

5. 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

6. 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

7. 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

8. 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

9. Project Assessment • Conference Style Presentation 5% • Poster 5% • Supervisors Assessment 15% • Dissertation (Final Report) 70% • Logbook 5%

10. Key dates • Week 2 Autumn term – project allocation process begins • Week 3 Autumn Term - project titles/supervisors will be emailed out • Week 4 Autumn term – agree a project title and specification and email to Sam McCauley • Rest of Autumn term – start preliminary work and background research into your project • Spring and summer terms – start serious practical work • MSc poster presentation week 1 of summer term • MSc project conference day briefing in June • Final dissertation. Mon. 7th September, 2015 • See handbook for further details 12:00 noon • MSc project conference day (after project submission) • Short presentations attended by staff and students • Need to have an organising committee All dates are provisional

11. What do I need to do now? • You need to fill out the project choice form giving me some idea of your interests and the sort of project you wish to do • Please hand this in to the PG office before the end of week 2 (Friday 10th October) • Alternatively there will be an electronic version on Canvas which you can fill out and email to Sam McCauley (not to me!)