DISS09005 2021 MEng CAV Research Dissertation

Identify different research techniques and assess/evaluate the appropriateness of each. 

Develop expertise in a progressive field of research in Connected and Autonomous Vehicles

Critique available literature on the research field and draw inferences from this body of knowledge.

Carry out the research, as applicable to the format chosen, in an ethical manner.

Develop/nurture an ability to communicate with the wider engineering community. 

Produce a dissertation that details and evaluates the work undertaken and justifies the conclusions reached. 

Produce a research project /dissertation in a format appropriate to level 9 award.

This is an individual project where the learner will research a core topic related to the programme. Learners are encouraged to propose their own projects, which will be considered in the context of supervisors' expertise. 

Students will avail of one to one supervision with a designated supervisor. The manner in which communication is organised will be established between the student and supervisor.

Supervision will provide support, guidance and ongoing review and feedback of work under development and therefore participation in this supervision is a key requirement of the module.

This research project will be assessed both verbally and with a written submission.

Students in their oral presentation will be expected to defend their research project - process, methodology and outcomes to an audience of their peers.

Written submission is in the form of a traditional thesis or practice-based research project.

Students are required to submit an abstract for a conference/journal paper. 

If the format of a project‑based research project is chosen, then the project demonstration will also be assessed.

The project must adhere to guidance and code of ethics of the institute and of professional institutions in their area of research.

Where a learner fails this module, the examiners will identify where the deficits in learning occurred. The learner will then have an opportunity to address these deficits and resubmit the project for a full re‑examination, the next time the module is examined.

This module can be undertaken over an academic semester, between September and December.  Provisions may be made on a case-by-case basis for those who are currently working in a non-relevant industry. 

Students will demonstrate and defend why they have chosen a particular topic, research process and format. (LO1)

Students will develop the skills required to manage and organise a major project. Project planning, effective communication and reporting form part of this learning. A research methodology relevant to their chosen format will be developed. (LO2)

Critically review the key literature relevant to their chosen area of research. They are expected to present and critically analyse literature which clearly demonstrates knowledge and expertise in their fields. (LO3)

Research Methods, tools and techniques are dependent on the project but must demonstrate a clear relevancy to the research topic chosen. Students must be able to gather data, analyse and evaluate data appropriately and discuss the findings from their project in the context of the literature within their specific field. Students must ensure ethical practice in all stages of the research process in adherence with IT Sligo's Code of Practice for the Quality Assurance of Postgraduate Research. (LO4)

The student must present their work in the form of a poster and dissertation. Students are expected to be able to defend the authenticity and quality of the research and outcomes of their project to a wider engineering audience. (LO5)

The student's completed work will demonstrate the knowledge, skills and competency that are required for a level nine award. It will be presented and published in a manner appropriate to this award level e.g. coherent, logical, and readable. (LO6)

A viva voce will be undertaken by the student, allowing them to reflect, present and defend their work to examiners. Students must demonstrate a thorough understanding of all aspects of their research project which allows questions to be answered accurately and fluently and the discussion to be extended with confidence into familiar and unfamiliar areas. (LO7)