This individual project module is an opportunity for you to apply the engineering science principles and mathematical methods you have gained during your OU studies. You'll need to define, analyse and solve an engineering problem that you choose. For this independent work you will need to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of relevant engineering practice and project management. You'll need to use relevant literature to support your work and present your project results in a formal technical report. Throughout the module, an experienced tutor will advise and guide you. You're strongly advised to have completed the OU level 3 module relevant to your project theme. This is a challenging module which requires a high degree of self-direction and motivation.
| Course facts | |
|---|---|
| About this course: | |
| Course code | T452 |
| Credits | 30 |
| OU Level | 3 |
| SCQF level | 10 |
| FHEQ level | 6 |
| Course work includes: | |
| 3 Tutor-marked assignments (TMAs) | |
| End-of-module assessment | |
| No residential school | |
Before registering for this module, you must have studied one of the modules listed in the 'Entry requirements' section.
This individual project is the final part of your honours degree, contributing directly to your employability and your career development. It is an opportunity to define an engineering question of importance to you and to seek ways of solving it.
About 80 per cent of your study time will be spent on your project, and about 20 per cent on learning how to carry out a project.
Demonstrating that you know how projects develop and being able to explain how your project has evolved are two key skills that are central to the module and to its learning outcomes. The choice of project area is left up to you, but its subject matter should be covered by one of the OU level 3 modules that you have previously studied. It will be your responsibility to ensure the project has a satisfactory amount of engineering, but you will receive guidance from your tutor and the internal examiner.
An essential part of the project is the use of research and technical academic literature so you will need to be confident in your use of the online OU library. Your ability to evaluate sources of information and make use of your engineering knowledge will be assessed. You are expected to work closely with your tutor whose role will be to provide guidance and feedback on your proposal.
The assignments have been structured to guide you through the execution of the project. However, you will need to organise your own work and be able to define (and justify) your work schedule. As you are expected to use a self-reflective approach, you will be encouraged to keep a project log throughout the module and to use it for an assessed critical review of your work.
The module provides you with opportunities to develop and demonstrate the following learning outcomes:
In addition, you will develop your skills of project execution, literature reviewing and evaluation, and technical report writing. As the project provides an opportunity to develop your employability in engineering, you will also continue your personal development planning.
This project module combines many elements of employability; the use of discipline-based knowledge, academic skills such as literature evaluation and the building of professional confidence. In addition, the project emphasises the meta-cognitive processes of reflection and self-evaluation.
You must have passed (or be studying1) one of the following modules:
Or have passed one of the discontinued modules T307, T356 and T357.
1 We recommend completing the OU level 3 module relevant to your project before beginning The engineering project (T452). When you define your proposal, you need to be confident in the techniques from that module.
If you have any questions about the entry requirements, contact your Student Support Team.
It would be beneficial to refresh your knowledge of the OU level 3 module relevant to your chosen project theme. You should renew your familiarity with the OU library so that you can start your literature search confidently. As this project module includes work on your personal development plan, you should also make sure your portfolio is up to date.
The study materials will be delivered online via the module website:
There will be support from the OU library as well as resources on literature reviewing and report writing. This will include two online sessions in the first few weeks of the module.
You'll need broadband internet access and a desktop or laptop computer with an up-to-date version of Windows (10 or 11) or macOS Monterey or higher.
Any additional software will be provided or is generally freely available.
To join in spoken conversations in tutorials, we recommend a wired headset (headphones/earphones with a built-in microphone).
Our module websites comply with web standards, and any modern browser is suitable for most activities.
Our OU Study mobile app will operate on all current, supported versions of Android and iOS. It's not available on Kindle.
It's also possible to access some module materials on a mobile phone, tablet device or Chromebook. However, as you may be asked to install additional software or use certain applications, you'll also require a desktop or laptop, as described above.
Throughout your module studies, you'll get help and support from your assigned module tutor. They'll help you by:
Module tutors also run online tutorials throughout the module. Where possible, recordings of online tutorials will be made available to students. While these tutorials won't be compulsory for you to complete the module, you're strongly encouraged to take part.
The assessment details for this module can be found in the facts box.
The OU strives to make all aspects of study accessible to everyone. The Accessibility Statement below outlines what studying this module involves. You should use this information to inform your study preparations and any discussions with us about how we can meet your needs.
All of this module's study materials are online. Online materials are composed of pages of text with images and several audio clips (all with transcripts). Online materials also include links to external resources, online forums and online tutorial rooms.
This module provides face-to-face and online tutorials. Each face-to-face tutorial offers an online alternative. Although not compulsory, attendance at tutorials will help you consolidate your learning.
You may choose to undertake laboratory-based or field-based practical work as an optimal component of your project.
You will use mathematical and scientific symbols and expressions throughout the module and you may choose to use such notation in assessment.
The study materials contain only a few diagrams, graphs and photographs. However, reading, interpreting and producing graphical content are important elements of this module and will form part of your project. Figure descriptions are provided for all figures.
You will be required to search for, and make use of, third-party material online and this is assessed. Literature searching is an integral part of T452 and the OU's Library services are available to help you through any difficulties you may have with it. Alternatives for required/assessed research material can be provided to enable you to meet the Learning Outcomes of the module.
In this module you will be working with specialist reading material such as technical and academic journals. These are generally available online.
This module has Tutor-Marked Assignments (TMAs), which must be submitted online via the OU electronic TMA system, and an End-of-Module Assessment (EMA) submitted online.
You will receive feedback from your tutor on your submitted Tutor-Marked Assignments (TMAs) and from an internal examiner (TMA 01 only). This will help you to refine your project aims and objectives. You should refer to it to help you prepare for your next assignment.
All University modules are structured according to a set timetable and you will need time-management skills to keep your studies on track. You will be supported in developing these skills. If you are concerned about the time management required at undergraduate level, please contact us before you register on the module to find out what we can do to support you.
You may use software as part of your project but it is not a requirement of T452.
The engineering project (T452) starts once a year – in January/February.
This page describes the module that will start in January 2025.
We expect it to start for the last time in January 2027.
This course is expected to start for the last time in February 2027.