11. Tips for a successful project¶
This section lists some tips that we think help students as they undertake this piece of work.
11.1. Keep a record of your work¶
We strongly encourage you to keep a diary of your work on the project. That could be a paper document, or an electronic document or a blog. Write down what you are working on each day. Write down details of resources that you read.
11.2. Go to all of your project meetings¶
You are expected to meet with your supervisor each week. Do make sure these meetings are you in your diary. If you are unable to make it to a meeting, contact your supervisor, explain the situation and ask if you can arrange a different time. That will prevent your supervisor from sitting, waiting for you.
Some weeks, these appointments might need to change. Please regularly check your Aberystwyth University email in case a change needs to be organised.
11.3. Use a Version Control System¶
We strongly advise you to use a version control system, such as Git, to manage your technical and written work. It is good practice to give your supervisor access to the repository, but that is something for you to discuss with your supervisor.
We advise the you keep your repository private. Whilst you are working on individual topics, we would like to minimise the risk of unacceptable practice regarding the written reports. After all of the final demonstrations are finished, it is OK to make your repository public if you want to. It could be a good example to show to potential employers.
11.4. Ensure that you have backup copies of your work¶
Make sure that you have copies of your work on different machines. The easiest way to achieve this is to make use of a version control system, where the repository is also hosted on a remote machine; for example, in GitHub or GitLab.
If you aren’t using a version control system … think again and set it up. It is a great way to get backups and have a way that you can manage your source code and track changes.
If you don’t use a version control system [1], then the very least you should do is make regular copies of your work. For example, copy your work to central.aber.ac.uk or to your M: drive. In doing so, the University’s IT infrastructure will also make backups of your work.
Please note that loss of work is not an acceptable reason for any extension or special circumstances.
11.5. Develop a routine¶
This section normally talks about working in the same rooms in areas such as the library or student study spaces around campus.
The general point about about keeping contact with others on the module and finding a routine are important aspects. Find a routine that helps you to make regular progress each week.
The work might sometimes feel daunting. We think it is important to encourage and support one another. Be kind to each other. Be patient with each other. We look forward to seeing what you produce during the project.
The main advantage to keeping contact is that you will develop a routine and discipline of working on the project. That can avoid the temptation to ‘catch-up later on’. Another advantage is that it gives you people to talk to with a shared experience of the project. You might also help one another by listening to issues when one of you hits a difficult issue. Just talking about the issue might help you move towards a solution or appropriate work around.
In recent years, we have seen this help a number of students to keep focus on the project.
