In the middle of the project, you are required to present a short seminar to staff and postgraduate students. The main purpose of this seminar is to describe the aim of the project and how you plan to achieve that aim. The seminar should outline the background and objectives of the proposed research project, and give a detailed plan. It is expected that by the time of the seminar you will have a clear idea of the work ahead of you. In some cases you will also have made some progress towards your goal. The seminar also provides an opportunity for you to receive advice and suggestions from staff and postgraduate students. It is hoped that potential difficulties may be thus identified and avoided.
Your seminar must last for 20 minutes (including 5 minutes for questions). A clear and simple presentation is essential to promote feedback. Visual aids such as overhead transparencies are usually very helpful. Some advice on seminar preparation and assessment is given in Appendix B and a workshop will be held about a month before the seminar to give you an opportunity to get general advice and ask questions. If you have the nearly universal ``stage-fright'' of public speaking, remember that preparation and practice will help.
The seminars are not just about presenting; they are also about listening to what other students are doing and maybe getting some valuable tips for your own presentations. For this reason, all students are required to be present during all the seminars.