MEC5415

Professional disputation

D R Blackman

Not for credit but required by postgraduate candidates in mechanical engineering · Both semesters · Participation of about 13 hours per semester · Clayton

Objectives Using the rules of logic, to be able to develop an argument in their area of research; to be able to present this in the form of a thesis in condensed written form; to be able to mount a brief and concise argument in defence of this thesis and present it orally; to be able to defend this against the attacks of a panel.

Synopsis The subject runs with an initial tutorial followed by two preliminary minor defences (responsions) in the first two years of their candidature and a final disputation in their final year. Students are required to submit a written prospectus of their argument and orally defend it against attack by a panel of their peers and academics. Assessment is made by an appointed academic who attends the defence.

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