This module involves individual, independent research work by students on a relevant topic in MOT. The aim is to promote self-study, critical thinking, independent research and initiative on the student. The student will learn how to plan and implement a research project.

Project is typically 2 semesters’ duration, and 8 modular credits. However, students can also complete it in 1 semester (260 hours of work). It can also be extended to 3 semesters with a penalty of 0.5 grade-point (lower by 1 level in the achieved grade). The grade for MT5900 is “IP” (In Progress) if students do not complete the project in the 1st semester. Should students be unable to complete the project in the 2nd semester and need to take a 3rd semester to complete, they will be assigned an “IC” grade (Incomplete) in the 2nd semester.

The student will have to speak to an academic staff with regards to a research project that he or she have in mind, or believes that he or she is able to undertake a research project proposed by an academic staff. Students can refer to the academic staff section for reference of the staff’s key interest area, so that they can propose projects to the respective staff based on the area of interest. This academic staff will then become the supervisor of this student, and will continuously provide guidance and assess the student through the research project. Co-supervisors are not required but are allowed.

Before commencement of the project, the student will submit a MOT Project Proposal Form, and this has to be also signed by the proposed supervisor and approved by the Deputy Head of D-ETM. Once the project is approved, D-ETM office will register the module for the student at the start of the semester. The student will proceed with the project as advised by the supervisor.

Grading of the project will be based on 2 components:

• Final Project Report

• Oral Presentation

When the student is ready to submit and present his/her project, he/she will notify the supervisor(s) and D-ETM office of his/her proposed date of presentation. The proposed date of presentation must be before the last day of the examination period for the grades to be computed in that same semester.

He/she will have to submit a soft-copy of the final project report to the D-ETM office (etmcyy@nus.edu.sg) 5 working days before their presentation. The oral presentation shall be no more than 45-minutes and is to be presented to an examination panel consisting of the Supervisor(s) and one assigned examiner by D-ETM, which may then be followed by a 10-minutes Q&A session. The examination panel will provide the final grade for the student.