BSEN40090 Thesis

Academic Year 2023/2024

You will identify, with the assistance of the module co-ordinator, a topic for a major project to be conducted under the supervision of a member of staff of UCD School of Biosystems Engineering or other expert identified as most appropriate. The subject of the project must be related to your programme of study and be agreed with the direct supervisor and the module co-ordinator.

The project can be focused on one of the following: basic research; applied research, design, feasibility assessment, system analysis modeling, innovation or case study, and ideally should be quantitative in nature, but specific exceptions can be made with the agreement of the supervisor and module coordinator.

The project will require: problem definition; time management; literature review (library training will be provided); method selection; appropriate design and statistical analysis; laboratory, field or computer simulation work (including health and safety training); presentation of an oral report, presentation of summary reports and presentation of a written minor thesis

It is envisaged that 24 meetings with project supervisors will occur in support of the project goals.

Tutorials may be delivered face-to-face or online, depending on circumstances

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Curricular information is subject to change

Learning Outcomes:

You will be able to:
1) demonstrate an advanced knowledge of a topic relevant to Biosystems Engineering
2) generate new knowledge through synthesis, critical analysis or research into a subject
3) integrate literature data with your own work to advance your understanding of a subject
4) communicate clearly and concisely in writing
5) use the skills acquired during the module for life-long learning
6) use web and library reference tools for research
7) organise information, such as references in a systematic manner using a suitable tool (e.g. Endnote)
8) identify and manage key health and safety issues in the laboratory and field

Indicative Module Content:

(1) Introduction to the project module
(2) Selecting a project and supervisor
(3)Research Project Management
(4) Health and safety
(5) Introductory literature review
(6) Data handling and analysis
(7) Oral and Written Presentation guidelines

Student Effort Hours: 
Student Effort Type Hours
Tutorial

24

Project Supervision

24

Autonomous Student Learning

552

Total

600

Approaches to Teaching and Learning:
-Tutorials
- One to one project supervisor meetings 
Requirements, Exclusions and Recommendations
Learning Requirements:

Must be registered for a degree associated with the UCD School of Biosystems Engineering


Module Requisites and Incompatibles
Co-requisite:
BSEN40460 - Research,Teaching&CareerSkills


 
Assessment Strategy  
Description Timing Open Book Exam Component Scale Must Pass Component % of Final Grade
Assignment: Project Plan and Health and safety risk assessment for the project you are undertaking Unspecified n/a Graded No

10

Project: Minor thesis Unspecified n/a Graded No

70

Presentation: Oral presentation to include rationale, aim, objectives, methodology and materials proposed, results to date and expected outcomes. Unspecified n/a Graded No

15

Assignment: Literature review reference list Unspecified n/a Graded No

5


Carry forward of passed components
Yes
 
Remediation Type Remediation Timing
Repeat Within Two Trimesters
Please see Student Jargon Buster for more information about remediation types and timing. 
Feedback Strategy/Strategies

• Feedback individually to students, post-assessment
• Group/class feedback, post-assessment

How will my Feedback be Delivered?

Following each assignment.

Name Role
Ms Leona Barry Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Ms Sarah Carry Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Dr Peter Coulahan Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Ms Nicola Fortune Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Dr Anna Lesniak-Podsiadlo Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Mr James Molloy Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Dr Rajat Nag Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Dr Sharon O'Rourke Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Timetabling information is displayed only for guidance purposes, relates to the current Academic Year only and is subject to change.
 
Year Long (12 months - Sep)
     
Lecture Offering 1 Week(s) - 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 Fri 09:00 - 10:50
Lecture Offering 1 Week(s) - 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26 Fri 13:00 - 14:50
Year Long (12 months - Sep)