MSc projects 2014

1. MSc projects 2014 Brief update session Mike Spann

2. Contents • Reminder about what is a research project • Administration of project • Key resources • Key dates

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 • You will need to have passed 60 credits of taught material before you can start your project

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

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. 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

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/ • Canvas page for project info

9. Project resources • MSc computer rooms • Laboratory facilities – see Dave Checkley • Stores and workshop - in Met and Mat • Further briefing in summer

10. Key dates • MSc poster presentation Thursday 1st May • MSc project conference day30th 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

11. 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

12. 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

13. 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.

14. Conference structure • Website? • Programme • Session chairs • Technical assistance • Organising committee • Refreshments committee • Organising committee minutes • Should be a role for all of you

15. 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