Course Outline

MSTM 4100/4200 is designed to encourage independent study. This is a practical two-part course designed to provide students with the opportunity to apply knowledge and skills from their technical specialty areas and from other courses in the Bachelor of Technology & Bachelor of Maritime Studies Programs to the identification and resolution of a problem. Therefore, the chosen project should provide a link between the courses of the Bachelor of Technology or the Bachelor or Maritime Studies Programs and the student's technical background. MSTM 4100/4200 provides the opportunity to carry out in-depth and guided study into a technical topic of relevance or interest to the student, but with a slightly broader context.

MSTM 4100
This course is structured such that by the end of the semester students will have completed a formal project proposal, which they will then implement in MSTM 4200. The students will demonstrate:

• The ability to develop and monitor project timelines.
• Competency in the writing of concept papers and project proposals.

The following activities will occur during this course:

• Identification of a technical supervisor.
• Development of a concept paper in conjunction with the course instructor and supervisor.
• Compilation of an annotated bilbliography.
• Development of the methodology and timeline for the project.
• Development of a formal proposal.

MSTM 4200
Following the successful completion of MSTM 4100 (during which students will have identified, defined and completed a project proposal) students, working under the guidance of their project supervisor, will implement, manage and document the project through a Technical Report.

The Technical Report should reflect the growing professional development of the student and, as a minimum requirement, the student will demonstrate:

• The ability to analyze a significant issue/problem related to the student's experience in the work environment / technical area.
• Competence in research and problem solving.
• A high level of competence in producing a professional technical report.
• A high level of competence in written communication skills.