KB6060 - Investigative Project

What will I learn on this module?

You will learn about and demonstrate how to apply the knowledge and skills developed earlier and concurrently in your degree programme whilst also extending your independent learning through a deep investigation of a topic, which may be of your own choice. You will develop your ability to plan, direct, progress and take responsibility for your large scale investigative project. You may be involved in the choice of the topic of your investigation and be able to lead the direction of the investigation under the guidance of a supervisor. Your investigation will be technical in nature, draw upon a broad range of existing engineering knowledge and practice, apply advanced engineering techniques and analysis, draw your verifiable conclusions supported by your findings and enable you to communicate your outcomes and conclusions in a professional manner.

How will I learn on this module?

This module will give you the opportunity to learn through the experience of undertaking a large-scale investigation under the guidance of an academic supervisor. As you will be responsible for the overall direction of your project you be able to practice your independent learning skills and continue learning how to manage and assess your abilities whilst also developing your specific knowledge of an area of engineering. Your investigation will require you to be aware of, and address, your progress towards demonstrating the module learning outcomes. You will undertake learning activities that allow you to identify opportunities to develop your knowledge and skills in areas which may directly relate to your plans for future employment.

How will I be supported academically on this module?

The investigative project is undertaken within a guiding framework of close mentor-based academic supervision supported by lectures, electronic resources and structured coursework assessments to guide your individual investigation. Progress on your project will be communicated through regular contact with your project mentor to help you maintain suitable progress and direction of your work. The electronic learning platform (eLP) provides a comprehensive resource for integrated learning incorporating learning materials and reading lists that will facilitate directed and self-directed learning. Contact with academic tutors and your peers outside formal teaching hours is encouraged through dedicated ‘office hours’, discussion boards and messaging systems within the eLP. Professional support staff, such as Ask4Help, provide the first point of contact for a range of queries, including, for example, those concerning assessment submission, late submission/extensions, and other administrative issues.

What will I be expected to read on this module?

All modules at Northumbria include a range of reading materials that students are expected to engage with. Online reading lists (provided after enrolment) give you access to your reading material for your modules. The Library works in partnership with your module tutors to ensure you have access to the material that you need.

What will I be expected to achieve?

Knowledge & Understanding:
MLO1 – Apply knowledge of mathematics, statistics, natural science and engineering principles to the solution of complex problems. Some of the knowledge will be at the forefront of the subject of study.
MLO2 - Select and evaluate technical literature and other sources of information to address complex problems.
MLO3 - Select and apply appropriate materials, equipment, engineering technologies and processes, recognising their limitations.

Intellectual / Professional skills & abilities:
MLO4 - Apply an integrated or systems approach to design solutions for complex problems that meet a combination of societal, user, business and customer needs as appropriate.
MLO5 - Use a risk management process to identify, evaluate and mitigate risks (the effects of uncertainty and security risk) associated with a particular project or activity.

Personal Values Attributes (Global / Cultural awareness, Ethics, Curiosity) (PVA):
MLO6 - Apply creativity and curiosity to analyse complex problems to reach substantiated conclusions using first principles of mathematics, statistics, natural science and engineering principles.
MLO7 - Evaluate the ethical, environmental, and societal impact of solutions to complex problems and minimise adverse impacts.
MLO8 - Communicate effectively on complex engineering matters with technical and nontechnical audiences.
MLO9 - Plan and record self-learning and development as the foundation for lifelong learning/CPD and reflect on your effectiveness as an individual.

How will I be assessed?

Formative Assessment
You will receive formative feedback on your weekly progress during your supervision sessions, this may be verbal, written or electronic.

Summative Assessment
All assessments are individual.

Component 1. Required administrative documentation, planning, resources and ethics, that partially meets MLOs 5 & 7.

Component 2. Interim project progress report that partially meets MLOs 2, 4, 5, 7 & 9.

Component 3. Investigative project summary report that partially meets MLOs 1 & 3 to 9.

Component 4. An oral presentation that partially meets MLOs 4, 6 & 8.

Feedback will be provided electronically on the eLP or by individual student email within 20 working days of the date of submission.

Pre-requisite(s)

N/A

Co-requisite(s)

N/A

Module abstract

This is a module in which you will be guided by an academic supervisor to independently undertake an in-depth investigation linked to your professional area and which will enhance the skills you will need as a practicing engineer. You will investigate this topic to a depth which demonstrates your ability to be awarded an honours degree through building on your existing engineering ability, applying advanced engineering skills and techniques, deriving conclusions supported by your investigation and presenting your outcomes in a professional manner. In the module, you will be encouraged to investigate and gain confidence in research and critical thinking through the application of appropriate knowledge and methodologies to tackle complex problems. Active learning sessions will be used to present you with new material and assist you in exploring key concepts and topics within the module. Sessions will involve a combination of content delivery and practical learning exercises to enable you to apply your learning to authentic engineering problems. The module utilises the electronic learning platform (eLP) to provide a comprehensive resource for integrated learning incorporating learning materials and reading lists that will facilitate directed and self-directed learning.

Course info

Credits 40

Level of Study Undergraduate

Mode of Study 3 years Full Time

Department Mechanical and Construction Engineering

Location City Campus, Northumbria University

City Newcastle

Start September 2025 or September 2026

Fee Information

Module Information

Study at Northumbria

All information is accurate at the time of sharing. 

Full time Courses are primarily delivered via on-campus face to face learning but could include elements of online learning. Most courses run as planned and as promoted on our website and via our marketing materials, but if there are any substantial changes (as determined by the Competition and Markets Authority) to a course or there is the potential that course may be withdrawn, we will notify all affected applicants as soon as possible with advice and guidance regarding their options. It is also important to be aware that optional modules listed on course pages may be subject to change depending on uptake numbers each year.  

Contact time is subject to increase or decrease in line with possible restrictions imposed by the government or the University in the interest of maintaining the health and safety and wellbeing of students, staff, and visitors if this is deemed necessary in future.

 

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