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.

(v) consideration of patents on the technology and the commercial standing of the manufacturer

The assignment may be written as a justification for acquisition of a particular technology.

As a guideline, the essay main body should be approximately 3000 words, excluding references - essays that are substantially longer (e.g. 3500 words) or shorter (e.g. 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, and a search on the status of the manufacturing company (history, current status). The product reviewed should be drawn from the topics to be covered in this unit. Example 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 stream-flow guaging device.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. Diagrams should be used to illustrate specific aspects.  Do cite/reference all diagrams used. Avoid large file size images - save any images in 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, including patent and commercial 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 four topics (weighted 3:1:1:1, respectively)

(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.

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 and you will have feedback on assignment 1, more technical detail is expected than in the first assignment.  You might approach this as a presentation to your employer about a particular technology, presenting the case for investment/purchase.

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, including technical, patent and commercial 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, 25, and 50% of the awarded grade, respectively.

The third criterion will be considered in terms of four topics (weighted 3:1:1:1, respectively):

(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.

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 five areas, weighted 10, 25, 15, 25, and 25% of total grade, respectively.

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.

Each quiz will open at the beginning of the relevant week and will close two weeks later (except weeks 11 and 12, which need to close earlier). Each quiz (except the final review quizz) draws 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). Two attempts are permitted, with best mark accepted.

A minimum average grade on the quizzes of 50% is required to pass the unit.