The assessment task involves review of a sensor technology product in terms of

(i) principle of operation;

(ii) operational limits - detection limit, error of measurement, interferences etc;

(iii) comparison of available products;

(iv) consideration of likely future developments.

As a guideline, the essay main body should be around 3000 words or so, excluding references - essays that are substantially longer than this (say over 3500 words) or shorter than this (say less than 2500 words) are unlikely to score as highly as those that make the best use of the 3000 word length.

A typical response might involve access of a general technical text or website for general information on the principle of operation, primary scientific journal articles and/or patents on the development and application of the technology of interest, and websites (application notes etc) of commercial entities involved in the production and distribution of the technology. Do attempt a patent search around the technology. The assignment may be written as a justification for acquisition of a particular technology.

The product reviewed should be drawn from the topics to be covered in this unit. Potential topics include: a handheld Xray spectrometer for quantifying metal composition, a NIR spectrometer for compositional analysis of grain, an electronic nose for cadaver detection, a streamflow guaging device.

For example, the Thermo Fisher Tru-Defender is a handheld FTIR device for the identification of explosive or narcotic chemicals. Approximately 1500 words (with figures/diagrams) could be devoted to a description of the principle of operation (e.g. fourier transform infrared spectrocopy, chemometrics of spectral matching), 500 words on operational specifications (e.g. detection limit) (if not given by the manufacturer, search the general literature for expected performance criteria), 500 words (with figures/tables) comparing this brand/model of FTIR to like products, and/or to alternative technologies for the same application), and 500 words to a 'forward think' on how this technology/application is likely to evolve. You might think of technologies you see in 'everyday life', e.g. what sensor technologies are embedded in a smart phone? what is the technology used in an airport to 'sniff' you and your carry on?

We will discuss the task in the first two weeks of term, with illustration of parallel exercises.

Text should be word-processed with appropriate layout and use of headings/sub-headings. Font and line spacing are not part of the assessment criteria. Diagrams should be used to illustrate specific aspects - a picture is worth a thousand words (figuratively)! Do cite/reference all diagrams used. Avoid large file size images - save any images as lower resolution, to decrease the file size.

The list of references should form the last page or two, at the end of the assessment. Referencing should be in a consistent style - typically Harvard or APA formats (choose a style and be consistent within that style).

Please save/upload your file in either a Word format (.doc or .docx) or in a basic text format that can be opened in Word.

This assignment aims to assess: (a) written communication skills; including referencing; (b) ability to source and synthesise relevant information and (c) an understanding of the principle of operation around the use of a particular technology in a food/agricultural/environmental/medical application. These areas will contribute 10, 10, and 80% of the awarded grade.

The third criterion will be considered in terms of : (i) principle of operation; (ii) operational limits - detection limit, error of measurement, interferences etc; (iii) comparison of available products; (iv) consideration of likely future developments. These areas will contribute 40, 14, 13 and 13% (total 80%) of the awarded grade.

This assignment replicates that of the first assignment, with presentation on a different technology/application, and presentation via oral and Powerpoint, rather than an essay/Word format. Allow 15 minutes for presentation and 10 minutes for questions. As we are further progressed into term for this submission, more technical detail is expected than in the first assignment.

The aims are similar to the first assignment:

(a) communication skills; including oral and use of supporting aids;

(b) ability to source and synthesise relevant information and

(c) demonstrate understanding of the principle of operation around the use of a particular technology in a food/agricultural/environmental/medical application.

The third criterion will be considered in terms of :

(i) principle of operation;

(ii) operational limits - detection limit, error of measurement, interferences etc;

(iii) comparison of available products;

(iv) consideration of likely future developments.

The oral presentation will be delivered in residential school. Pre-submission of supporting aids (Powerpoint slides) is recommended for informal feedback before the Residential school.

Refer to the description of the first assignment task for further detail.

The oral presentation will be assessed on clarity of presentation and visual aids, on the level of understanding of the measurement principle and of the application context, as demonstrated in presentation and in addressing questions. A presentation time of approx 15 min with 5-10 min of questions is anticipated.

This written component will be assessed on: (a) communication skills; including referencing; (b) ability to source and synthesise relevant information and (c) demonstrate understanding of the principle of operation around the use of a particular technology in a food/agricultural/environmental/medical application.

These areas will contribute 25, 10, and 65% of the awarded grade.

The third criterion will be considered in terms of : (i) principle of operation; (ii) operational limits - detection limit, error of measurement, interferences etc; (iii) comparison of available products; (iv) consideration of likely future developments. These areas will contribute 35, 10, 10 and 10% (total 65%) of the awarded grade.

Practical Report: a scientific report on activity undertaken at the Residential School is required, following the standard format of: Title/author/abstract/Introduction/Materials and Methods/Results/ Discussion/References. Data will be provided from that collected at Residential School. Details will be provided at the Residential School.

This submission will be assessed on :

(a) correct use of scientific reporting format (Title, Abstract, Introduction, Materials and Methods. Results, Discussion, References);

(b) adequate literature review;

(c) experimental design and description;

(d) data presentation and analysis;

(e) interpretation.

Marks will be awarded to these four areas in the following ratio: 10, 25, 15, 25, 25.

The Moodle site contains on-line quizzes associated with each major topic covered in the course. These quizzes are intended to form a progressive assessment of your understanding of the terminology and principles covered in this unit, to ensure a developing knowledge of the unit topic content throughout the term.

The quizz will be open at the beginning of the relevant week and will close two weeks later. There will be 10 quizz sets, each drawing a random selection of 10 questions from a question bank. Questions will generally be multiple choice, but other questions types may be used (e.g. calculation, short answer). Multiple attempts are permitted, with best mark accepted.

A passing grade must be obtained on each quizz.