Major Applied Research Study (9073) |
| Credits: 20,0 | | Study load hours: 540 | Period: semester 1 (20sp)  OR semester 2 (20sp) |
| Language of instruction: English | | Exam contract: not possible |
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The student possesses advanced knowledge in the specific engineering field related to the project.
The student can work accurately and precisely in a lab, with proper attention to SHE (safety, health, environment).
The student is able to select analytical and/or processing techniques.
The student is able to interpret data and write a scientific report.
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The course comprises an individual research project that applies the latest technologies and techniques, examines the latest scientific findings, and utilises them in a domain-specific, creative manner. In addition, the project provides students with the opportunity to demonstrate not only their mastery of these techniques and technologies but also their ability to conceive, plan, and execute them as an integrated part of a methodological and project-oriented sequence of actions.
The project is an independent research conducted at an academic level. It aims to expand existing technologies and application-oriented developments, including
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the formulation and testing of innovative hypotheses,
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conducting innovative studies or designs,
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creating innovative solutions for domain-specific problems.
The student is guided by a supervisor. The actual research question is determined in consultation with the supervisor, taking into account the student's knowledge and preferences.
Support sessions are organised regarding research methodology and communication (master's thesis seminar).
Research on our campus is applied to meet actual needs, driven by companies and organisations across diverse sectors, as well as by insights from our research groups. In this way, our research groups help build a bridge between fundamental research and societal needs, between theoretical studies, proofs of concept, and practical implementations.
The research capacity is bundled in strongly application-oriented research spearheads, listed below and originating from different research groups of both UHasselt and KU Leuven.
Chemical engineering:
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Miniaturisation and intensification of chemical production processes and valorisation of waste products. Technologies include the use of ultrasound, green chemicals, continuous reactors, photochemistry and artificial intelligence
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Design and analysis of sustainable polymers & Influence of material properties in polymer processing
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Optimisation of packaging materials with topics such as biopolymer processing, nanotechnology, biodegradability, sealing, and smart packaging
More information on ongoing research:
Civil engineering:
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Structural analysis of hybrid and composite structures
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Finite element modelling of structural and material failure
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Experimental testing of structures and structural elements
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Road design and road ergonomics
More information on ongoing research:
Electromechani cal engineering:
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Robotics handling
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Robot-human cooperation
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Autonomous navigation in non-structured environment
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Mould design
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injection moulding optimisation and/or characterisation
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Dynamical analysis and material characterization
More information on ongoing research:
Electronics-ICT engineering:
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Printable and flexible electronics
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Biomedical and healthcare device engineering
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Sensor development for food and feed applications
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Embedded security
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Technology-aware chip design
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Advanced applications of functional and mobile programming
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Smart battery applications
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Reliability of renewable energy systems
More information on ongoing research:
Ener gy engineering:
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Power electronics
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PV
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Thin Film Solar Cells.
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Battery technology
More information on ongoing research:
Nuclear engineering:
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Investigation of radiological measurement techniques for supporting nuclear decommissioning
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Evaluation of the reuse of residues containing enhanced concentrations of naturally occurring radionuclides in construction materials
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Investigation of the use of geopolymers for the immobilisation of nuclear waste
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Exploration of new methods for dosimetry for radiotherapy: microdosimetry and biological dosimetry
More information on ongoing research:
Software systems engineering:
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Intelligible Interactive Systems
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Networked and Secure Systems
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Visual Computing
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Computational Design & Fabrication
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Biomedical device engineering
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Functional materials engineering
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Energy systems engineering
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Functional programming and AI
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Automation, Computer Vision & Robotics
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Intelligent and Resilient Systems
More information on ongoing research:
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| Remarks |
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CHOICE OF THE RESEARCH PROJECT
The student determines the actual research project in consultation with his supervisor before the start of the semester.
LEARNING OUTCOMES
The student:
1 Thinks and acts professionally with an appropriate engineering attitude and continuous focus on personal development; communicates effectively, cooperates constructively, acts responsibly in context, and is aware of societal and environmental impact.
Sub-learning outcomes:
1.1 Demonstrates a professional attitude: realism, autonomy, efficiency and task-orientation.
1.2 Communicates clearly and effectively in oral, written, and graphical forms with relevant stakeholders, using appropriate language registers, technical terminology, and modern presentation tools.
1.3 Produces high-quality documentation: prepares a well-structured report, progress reports, and a scientific poster; can describe the project in decent English.
1.4 Engages in constructive professional discussions and defends the project outcomes convincingly.
1.5 Functions constructively and responsibly as a member of a multidisciplinary (and potentially international) team, taking initiative and responsibility as appropriate.
1.6 Considers economic, ethical, ecological, health, safety, sustainability, and international factors in decisions and solutions.
1.7 Demonstrates awareness of the broader impact of engineering work on the environment and society.
1.8 Reflects critically on personal knowledge, skills, and performance, situating the project in a wider context and proposing improvements or alternatives when appropriate.
2 Possesses and applies a comprehensive set of discipline-specific and interdisciplinary knowledge and skills to creatively conceptualise, plan, execute, analyse, and implement a research or design project with a significant research and/or innovation component.
Sub-learning outcomes:
2.1 Deepens and broadens relevant domain-specific and cross-disciplinary knowledge and insight into basic concepts, structures, methods, and the coherence of the field.
2.2 Formulates research questions, objectives, and a clear project plan (e.g., detailed Gantt chart) and carries out project-based work autonomously and systematically, adapting plans where needed.
2.3 Gathers, measures, and interprets scientific and technical information accurately and critically; conducts a literature review and references sources correctly.
2.4 Analyses complex problems thoroughly, structures them logically, breaks them down into sub-problems, and identifies key constraints and preconditions.
2.5 Selects adequate, scientifically valid, and innovative methods to solve problems or design solutions in the given context.
2.6 Uses selected methods and tools to implement solutions or designs systematically, providing recommendations for practical implementation or further research, while considering practical, economic, ecological, safety, and sustainability factors.
2.7 Delivers results that are useful, applicable, and valuable for the client or organisation involved in the project. |
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Individual coaching session ✔
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Project ✔
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Discussion/debate ✔
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Homework ✔
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Presentation ✔
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Report ✔
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The programme component is offered twice. The evaluation is identical for both offerings.Semester 1 (20,00sp)
| Evaluation method | |
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| Other evaluation method during teaching period | 70 % |
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| Transfer of partial marks within the academic year | Yes, with condition |
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| Conditions transfer of partial marks within the academic year | The supervisor of the project decides whether certain marks can be
maintained for the retake evaluation. |
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| Oral exam | 30 % |
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| Transfer of partial marks within the academic year | Yes, with condition |
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| Conditions transfer of partial marks within the academic year | The supervisor of the project decides whether certain marks can be
maintained for the retake evaluation. |
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| Additional information | You can subscribe for this course in the winter or spring semester. The evaluation format and criteria remain identical for both semesters.
The evaluation of the project encompasses various aspects assessed by different individuals.
1 Continuous evaluation (70%)
The supervisor(s) of the project evaluate (=60%):
- Progress, process, methodology and result
The final evaluation is based on the feedback moments during the project. The assessment includes important aspects such as problem statement and elaboration, working independently, scientific attitude, regularity, commitment and professional behaviour.
Important aspects for the evaluation include content, scientific level, format, novelty, language.
The supervisors summarise the result of the evaluation of the above aspects in a standardised evaluation form.
The lecturer of the Master Thesis Seminar evaluates (10%):
- the assignments for written communication related to the project, including research design, abstract, and scientific poster.
2 Oral exam (30%)
An independent jury evaluates:
- Oral presentation and defence
The jury of experts (professors, supervisors, scientists, experts of the industry, etc.) assesses the presentation and defence, focusing on important aspects such as content, interaction, scientific level, format, clarity, language, proper use of didactic equipment, and responding to questions.
The jury summarises the result of the evaluation of the above aspects in a standardised evaluation form.
FINAL MARK
The final mark is a numerical grade out of 20, taking into account all the above aspects.
Note: For specific guidelines and consequences regarding the use of AI, please consult Toledo/Blackboard and your supervisor. |
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Second examination period
| Evaluation second examination opportunity different from first examination opprt | |
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| Explanation (English) | The supervisor of the project decides whether certain marks can be
maintained for the retake evaluation. |
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Learning outcomes | EC = learning outcomes DC = partial outcomes BC = evaluation criteria |
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| Included in these programmes | Tolerance3 |
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Exchange Programme Engineering Technology
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1 Education, Examination and Legal Position Regulations art.12.2, section 2. |
| 2 Education, Examination and Legal Position Regulations art.15.1, section 3. |
3 Education, Examination and Legal Position Regulations art.16.9, section 2.
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