Computer Engineering Project Course

Course Coordinator: Dr Wilson Chu Hon-wai, BS (Boston); MSE (Elec. Eng.), MSE (Math. Sc.) (Johns Hopkins University); PhD (HKUST); SrMIEEE

This course is a compulsory course for all honours students in Computer Engineering. You will work under the supervision of a tutor who will guide you throughout the project. Since it is a demanding course you are advised not to undertake another course simultaneously. Where it is perceived that the extent of your knowledge is inadequate for you to pursue the course efficiently, you may be asked to complete a specified course of study prior to undertaking ELEC S404.

Compulsory prerequisite(s)
You must have already completed 140 credits towards the Computer Engineering programme.

Aims
This course aims to:

• Provide an opportunity for students to put previous knowledge gained to use and to work independently on a scientific project;
• Enable students to devise a set of objectives for the project and to develop an appropriate scientific methodology and work plan;
• Create an environment wherein students will demonstrate their ability to (i) identify from a given area of study such issues or problems that might be improved or resolved by realistic methods; (ii) select relevant tools and information from previous knowledge and experience to tackle the project problem; (iii) derive and consider a range of developments or solutions; and (iv) effectively communicate their work to others;
• Develop students confidence in organizing strategies, planning schedules, and methodically tackling scientific, technical and business problems they are likely to encounter in their professional careers.

Contents
The course has no conventional course materials. However, some reading of referred scientific materials available in journals and reference books recommended by the tutor may be required. This course will enable students to reveal problems yet to be tackled in this area and to understand the directions scholars are taking to find solutions.

A typical project would require students to collect, analyse and evaluate appropriate and relevant data in order to enhance their understanding and awareness of the issues related to the project to generate new ideas to solve the problem concerned.

The project can be of various types: experimental, where the student will be expected to build electronic circuits; theoretical; or computer-related, where software may have to be developed, etc.

A student may conduct a work-related project. Each project must, however, be appraised by the electronics course team for its technical content, availability of supervisory support and appropriate lab facilities, before it can be approved.

Learning support
There will be a number of two-hour tutorials appropriately spaced to maximize tutor–student interaction. The tutorials will be held at the HKMU's campus in Ho Man Tin, where the project lab is situated, so that tutors can help their students on-location, when necessary. Activities will involve constructive discussions with students about their individual projects, providing technical guidance during the progress of the projects, and giving advice about writing project reports.

Assessment
Three reports are required for submission:

• Initial report (about 2,000 words): This should define the project proposal and project background and include a literature review. A detailed project plan should also be set out.
• Interim report (about 3,000-4,000 words): This should outline progress made and elaborate on the project plans and methods of investigation. A brief outline of the final report should also be given. An oral presentation of the interim report will also be required.
• Final report (about 10,000-15,000 words): This should give full details of the project results, conclusions and the importance of these conclusions.
• There is also a project presentation about half-way through the course and it is counted towards the continuous assessment.