The AMSc project: what to expect and how to do it Jane Reid

Aims of the project Allows practice of taught skills Integrates different elements into one large-scale piece of work Makes a contribution to knowledge (answers the “why?” questions) Does something original Something which has never been done before Something which has already been done, but not this way Practical reasons, e.g. a good selling point for employers

What is good research? Working with an open mind Critical analysis of material Identification of generalisations

AMSc project Approximately 5 months The most demanding task you will undertake! Intellectual / research content Time management and planning Communication skills (written and oral) Further information from: http://www.dcs.qmul.ac.uk:8080/courses/Projects/AMSc/

Possible types of project Analytical / research-based Developmental / implementational Experimental / empirical Formal / theoretical And others… including a mixture of the above

Stages of the project Choosing a project Writing a proposal Literature review Doing the project! Writing a project report Presenting the project

Choosing a project Choose one that interests you If you don’t have any ideas: Speak to lecturers of modules that have interested you Look on lecturers’ Web pages for ideas Look at past projects Read around interesting areas Decide with your potential supervisor: Scope of the project (allow some flexibility) Outcomes of the project Relevance to degree course

Project proposal Expect it to change direction over time! Should address: Introduction to the subject area (context) Current research in the area Identification of a “gap” Explanation of how your project will fill that gap I strongly recommend that you complete a project plan AT A VERY EARLY STAGE (well before your interim report)

Literature review [1] Two stages: Literature survey Finding, gathering, managing and understanding relevant research Use books (for good grounding) Use journals (for up-to-date, specific treatment of current issues) Use conference proceedings (take care that they are refereed!) Use theses / dissertations etc (through inter-library loan if necessary) Use other resources where necessary (software, manuals, etc) Use the Internet, but take care - not all resources are good resources! Literature review itself Presents your personal view of the field Provides your own assessment of previous research

Literature review [2] Hot tips! Remember to record references AS YOU GO ALONG Write a list of keywords or a brief summary for each piece of reading you do Work out where your current reading fits in with previous reading Be critical - just because it’s published doesn’t mean it’s true, or good!!!

Doing the project! Meet with your supervisor each week (usually up to 1 hour per week) Your supervisor is: A manager An academic advisor Prepare for your supervisory meetings and make the best use you can of the time Manage your time!!!

Writing a project report [1] Combination of top-down and evolutionary approach is best Order of writing: Identify structure Draft introduction Write main body, part by part, as you go along Write conclusions and further work Rework introduction Add references, appendices, etc Finalise contents list

Writing a project report [2] Hot tips! Set writing deadlines with your supervisor Think carefully about the best means of presenting data (text, tables, figures, graphs, etc) Choose one system of referencing early on, and stick to it Reference carefully to avoid plagiarism problems

Presenting the project [1] Establish: Objectives Scope Timing Think about: Content Visual aids, equipment, etc Delivery / style of presentation Possible questions from your examiners

Presenting the project [2] Do NOT: Jump around when presenting, or stand in front of your slides! Talk quickly Read directly from a written text Instead: Pick one place to stand, and stay there Make a deliberate effort to speak slowly and clearly Use post-it notes on slide copies to prompt you if necessary

Presenting the project [3] Demonstration Think about: Timing Main points to get across Unusual / invisible features you want to demonstrate Be prepared to be diverted! PRACTISE BEFOREHAND

Assessment criteria Explicit Implicit Researched knowledge and originality Theoretical / empirical / engineering competence Quality of report Presentation skills Implicit Ability to reason and reflect Time management and professionalism Report from your supervisor