The project will take the form of a minor piece of research or investigation, a feasibility study or design, or a comprehensive literature review chosen from a list of topics selected or approved by the Head of School. Where appropriate, these topics may be of a military nature. Group effort may be permitted in appropriate cases. In each case at least one staff member will be nominated as a supervisor to provide guidance and general supervision during the project and preparation of the thesis. Shortly after the May recess the students will prepare a poster presentation on their project, and late in second session each student will be required to lead a seminar on their project topic attended by other students taking this course and members of staff. Evidence of sufficient progress may be required from time to time. The thesis, which typically will have a length of from 15,000 to 20,000 words, is to be presented not later than the first day of examination period. Theses must be presented both typed and suitably bound and in electronic form. The laboratory work component of the course is made up of a program of practical work spread uniformly throughout the year. Before graduation a student shall complete 60 days of approved practical engineering experience which must be done in blocks of at least 20 working days each, each such block being in the service of a single employer. During the year students will be required to participate in a series of specialist lectures and seminars. Specialist lectures will normally take the form of attendance by students on at least eight occasions during the year at nominated meetings of the local professional societies.