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

2. 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

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

4. 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:

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

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

7. 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

8. 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)

9. 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

10. 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!!!

11. 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!!!

12. 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

13. 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

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

15. 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

16. 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

17. 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